mast and planer boards

[stinger ND]

Would it work to use a mast and an offshore planer board to run a couple of cranks off of one board or are they to small? I usually run 2 boards off each side and I am considering getting a mast and noticed that the boards for these are larger and expensive. Any Ideas?

[CarlBob]

Stinger,
With a mast you do not run the cranks off the big boards. The big boards that you buy with a mast system are not ever attached to a bait. The boards only funtion is to carrying the tow line or cable out to the sides. You then attach your baits, with a release, to the cable line and allow the baits to slide out as far as you want on that tow cable line. When a fish hits the rod line is pulled out from your release and you can fight the fish without having a board attached to your line. I use both the traditional planner boards like yellowbirds and offshores, and the large Mast and boards. All things being equal I prefer to use the big mast. The big mast can be used in much heavier winds and seas then those smaller yellow birds. A disadvantage is that they are harder to control in a crowd.

[BradB]

CarlBob--

This is the exact answer the the question I have been trying to figure out. I did not know that you don't attach your bait to the boards and was trying to figure out the difference between the mast and in-line systems. Perhaps I was just an idiot, but now I understand. Thanks!

Brad

[Den]

Brad, the only idiot on here is the one that dont ask the questions. we are all here to help each other, and now is the time to ask any questions, about any fishing styles. there are plenty of people that will answer and many times there will be a lot of variations to get the desired results wanted, good luck and good fishin.
Den

[stingerND]

thanks carl. what type of releases do you use off the mast line? I like to use 10lb. fireline and I have to wrap it around my releases with the offshore. It seems that the mast system would be easier to fish if you are pulling 6 crank or more.

[jimbo2]

There are about as many right answers to this one as there are releases. Personally I like Laurvick releases. They are a simple aligator clip type that are very simple and easy to use. If you want more tension, clip the line deeper into the jaws, thats it.
They are cheap (comparitively speaking)and easy to use when its cold. I use them on Superior and the St. Louis bay when I don't use my offshore boards. Check Marine Generals site, they sell them.
good luck!

[FreeByrd]

Stinger,
There are a number of quality planar board releases on the market. Won't get into the brand debate but on Erie we cinch a rubberband around Spiderwire and put the rubberband into the release. This can be done so the rubberband pulls free from the release or breaks. I get an assortment of different size bands from size 10-16 that I use depending on the water conditions and what I'm pulling. Some guys will make a loop in the line by twisting it a couple times then cinch the rubberband through the loop. This eliminates the line sliding through the band. Most common releases are probably the ones that look like a shower curtain hook with alligator clips on one end. Hook the band in the clip, clip the "shower curtain" hook over the towline and slide it down.
Hope this helps...
Steve

P.S. before someone blasts me for filling up lake Erie with rubber bands, the band either ends up on your line or in the release.

[Gary]

Check out the "OffShore" website (access it from this site's main page), or go to www.bigjon.com. I believe both have illustrations that will answer your questions.

[CarlBob]

Hi Stinger,
I also use those alligator clip type releases that Jimbo mentioned. I like them cause they are cheap and easy to clip on and off the tow line. They wear out after a year of heavy use but new ones are easily obtained. Check our Cabelas catalog.
As far as running lines I usually only run 2 baits off each side. I will only run more if I am fishing with someone as experienced as me with the boards. I learned the hard way in some big winds that more lines means more trouble. But your masts should be able to handle 2 on each side with little trouble. And dont do what I did once. NEVER EVER try to back up with planner boards line out. Have fun with them

[chuck]

We use the rubber bands & clothes pins. We like them because u don't have to count every pass plus u can read the pull on the rubber band plus the rod tip.