trolling advice

[Ryan]

I was wondering the best line to run with inline planner boards. Size and brand? Any help will be appreciated. Also, how far behind the boat do you run the boards. Thanks Ryan

[Bob Z]

Ryan, I use Fireline when trolling with in-line boards. I use Offshore boards and with Fireline you must double wrap the line around the clip. The Fireline has a much slippery surface than mono line and the rubber pads on the clips don't hold well.
For your second question the answer is - depends. There is a limit on how far you can get the boards out from the boat. The line from the pole tip to the board will start dragging in the water. It also depends on how clear the water is. Clear water - further away from the boat. I run two boards on each side. The inside board is about 25 - 30 feet away. The outside board about 50 - 60 feet out.

[Den]

Ryan, As far as line goes, a lot depends on what time of year, early spring and fall i like a good grade of mono, in 10 or 12 pound test, the stretch can make the difference between getting a large fish in or losing it. in the summer when the trollong speeds are faster i like one of the superbraids or fireline because of the beating the line takes with the constant pressure of the speeds. as far as brands, each to their own, it is a personal opinion, try some and see what you prefere.
For the distance of the boards , a lot depends on the clarity of the water, depth , and daytime, or dark. If the water is clear, sometimes we have let the outside board out as far as 120 foot, but it depends on how many boards that you are running too.in the dingy water or at night you can get away with as little as 50 foot for the outside board, i prefere a little farther myself. make sure that you have your rods set at an upward angle to keep the lines out of the water, also have each one set at a different angle , so they dont tangle on turns, or when you get a fish on. if you have any questions just drop me an e-mail and i will try to answer all that i can. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[walleyemaster]

my name dose not always speek for itself in this case it might not. but when i started trolling i have used trylene xl 8 or 10lb i have never had trouble with line breaking or wear and ive cought some monster eyes if i want to get deeper i use my down rigger. that way my line doesnt look like a tackle box. or i may use dippsy divers . i also love to use boards off shore . never had an ounce of trouble with the line i use or ever missed a fish because it broke if im trolling in 10 ft or less ill use 6lb trilene xt just make sure your drag is set right shouldnt have a problem.havent lost a fish this way eather because of such small line. my personal belief is run the smallest line possible. it seems to out produce the others stay as basic as possible dont over think your fishing been there ..hope it was some help good luck

[Den]

that all comes with experience, this is a new fisherman for this type of fishing. i like light line too, but not for an inexperienced fisherman, good point tho. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[Eyeman_IN]

Like the Walleyemaster and Den said the lighter lines are a good choice .But I would like to add that good reels with good drags are another real good thing to put with the light line . Along with a a rod with some give to them . I use 12 lb mono year round for my spinners/ snap weights with the boards . And have no problems with landing 10 lb fish with it . I do run super braids with the dipsyes as they put a lot of strain on tackle .But here again the soft rod is really needed , with out a soft rod you can tear hooks out . The boat moving and a heavy fish puts lots of pressure on the area where the hooks are holding . It takes a balanced tackle setup to do the job and do it as good as it can be done . If this helps and or you need more details feel free to drop me an E-mail . Good luck on you trolling .
Tight lines,
Eyeman IN

[FROGMAN]

All of the info above is good sound advice from some obviously very experienced fishermen. All I can do is add my $.02 worth, and that is I also run Off Shore boards ( with the tattle flag upgrade kits) with both mono, and Fireline depending on the situation. Good Luck!