Scotty Downrigger
Fishing with Planer Boards
In the shallow waters of the western basin of Lake Erie, planer board fishing has increased in popularity. One of the reasons may be that the water seems to be clearer as the zebra mussels have established themselves. Another reason may be that they work very well. If you have never heard of fishing with planer boards, then you may be missing out.
Planer board fishing is a means to place your lures out to the sides of your boat rather than behind. It is a simple concept but difficult to develop an image if never seen. Planer boards themselves can be hand made or purchased online from various venders. Big Jon Sports is one such manufacturer that provides all the essentials for planer board fishing. Basically, the board itself works like a skier pulling to the sides of the boat. As the boat moves forward, the planer board pulls away from the boat. A line, usually brightly colored, is attached to the planer board from the boat. There is usually a port and a starboard planer board, but fishing with one board can be just as effective.
The line attached to the planer board from the boat can vary in length. On average, 75 foot of line is considered sufficient for most situations. The line is attached to a reel, either electric or manual. The manual reels are a cheap alternative to electric but can be cumbersome to crank in at times. The reels are attached to a mast, usually at the bow of the boat. The mast is elevated in order to keep the line from touching the water as it pulls the planer board. It will become clear as to why this is important a little later. The ideal height of the mast or reel depends on the boat. Again, the goal is to keep the line from touching the water.
Now the fun begins. How do we use the planer boards to fish? Set your boat to trolling speed, set up your planer board, and let out the line from the reel. Now, you can take your fishing pole with lure and let out the desired amount of line for your fishing situation. It is important to know how much line is out and this can be done with a line counter. Next, attach the line to the planer board release and attach to the planer board line. There are currently many options available for releases form manufactured (Cannon, Big Jon, Scotty) to home made using clothes pins and shower curtain rings, or even rubber bands. Whatever you choose, you will need to test it for your fishing needs.
As the boat moves forward, the tension on the line from the lure pulls the fishing line towards the planer board. Now, the line can be set to stop at whatever distance out from the boat that is desired. Place the pole in the pole holder closest to the bow of the boat. This process will be repeated for whatever number of poles that will be used on that side of the boat. This process is repeated on the other planer board.
Now that the planer boards are set up and you are anxiously awaiting your first hit, it is important to remember that once a fish hits, be patient. After the release lets go of the line, gently set the hook and apply tension as the fish passes all the other lines to the back of the boat. This is a must in order to reduce tangles. After landing the fish, simply let out line from the other rods still attached to the planer board. The pole that was just used to bring in the fish now becomes the inside pole. This can be repeated over and over as long as enough releases are available. Once there are no more releases, simply bring in the planer board and collect all the releases.
There are some simple steps one can take to master planer board fishing. One is to have line counter reels on your poles in order to know how much line is out for each lure. This will help reduce tangles. If your farthest pole is running 120 feet of line and your inside pole is running 200 feet of line, then a tangle is sure to happen when bringing in that next fish. Another easy thing to do is have enough releases. Constantly bringing in the planer board to collect the line releases is cumbersome and can take away from a catching that next fish. The last simple tip is having the pole holders situated so that the poles can be easily repositioned when changing after a landing a fish. Setting up the layout at the back of the fishing boat, depending on the fishing situation can be scary. Think that on each planer board (port and starboard) there may be 3 to 6 poles. At the back of the boat, there may be a pair of downriggers with 1 to 2 poles each. There is a lot that can happen with this many poles in the water, not just tangles…..
Why is planer board fishing increasing in popularity? One theory is that spooked fish swim out away from the boat. As they move to get out of the way, the lures attached to the planer boards are out there waiting for them. Another theory is that planer board fishing enables fisherman to add many more lures to the water minimizing tangles and increasing their catch. Whatever the purpose, planer board fishing is a great way to catch fish and for those interested, all it takes is getting the right equipment and having a little patience. Good luck and go fishing.
About the Author
Joel Rice is the author and fishing enthusiast who enjoys sharing fishing knowledge with other anglers
For further planer board product information, please visit Planer Board Fishing
 
The GoTek8 Gps Tracker provides real-time GPS tracking using GPRS, has an emergency SOS button, works INSIDE buildings as well as OUTDOORS.
Great for Locating Missing Children, Alzheimer's Patients, Autistic Kids, Elderly People!
On average, 2,185 children under the age of 18 are reported missing each day! Find Them with GoTek8! |
 |
 SCOTTY No 1023 Tilt up Mounting Bracket downriggers base mount plates O 48 $17.50 Time Remaining: 1d 19m Buy It Now for only: $17.50 Buy It Now |
 Scotty Compact Manual Fishing Troll Downrigger Mount Clamp Bracket Depthmaster $75.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 16m |
 SCOTTY 1050 DEPTHMASTER COMPACT MANUAL DOWNRIGGER 1050DPR $147.95 Time Remaining: 8d 23m Buy It Now for only: $147.95 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1050 Depthmaster Compact Manual Downrigger $153.88 Time Remaining: 12h 1m |
 Scotty Downrigger Weight Retriever p n 3025 $18.95 Time Remaining: 29d 18h 9m Buy It Now for only: $18.95 Buy It Now |
 Scotty Depth Power Electric Downrigger 30 boommountw counter $182.50 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 17h 5m |
 Scotty Stacker Downrigger Release Snap 1176 Trolling Fishing New Power Grip Plus $13.49 Time Remaining: 22d 2h 26m Buy It Now for only: $13.49 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1099 Depthpower 24 Electric Downrigger w Rod Holder $418.84 Time Remaining: 16h 33m Buy It Now for only: $527.74 Buy It Now |
 SCOTTY No 1037 extra side gunnel MOUNTING PLATE downriggers mount base O 50 $9.00 Time Remaining: 1d 39m Buy It Now for only: $9.00 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1050 Depthmaster Compact Manual Downrigger Scotty 1050DPR $156.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 16m |
 Scotty 18 Mini Downrigger Release w Cannonball Snap 1181 Walleye Kokanee Trout $9.39 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 37m Buy It Now for only: $9.39 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 2116 HP DepthPower Electric Downrigger 60 SS Telescoping BoomSwivel Base $760.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 16m |
 NEW Scotty 1 Downrigger Weight Storage Hook 1147 $10.95 Time Remaining: 29d 17h 19m Buy It Now for only: $10.95 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger w Rod Holder Scotty 1060DPR $189.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 16m |
 Scotty 1073 Laketroller Bracket Mount Downrigger $67.99 Time Remaining: 8d 18h 2m Buy It Now for only: $67.99 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1101 Depthpower 30 Electric Downrigger w Rod Holder and Swivel Base $496.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 16m |
 SCOTTY DEPTHPOWER ELECTRIC PLUG AND SOCKET DOWNRIGGER ACCESSORY $37.95 Time Remaining: 12d 13h 46m Buy It Now for only: $37.95 Buy It Now |
 Scotty Depthmaster Manual Downrigger needs cosmetic repair $49.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 16h 34m |
 Scotty 48 Downrigger Release Large Snap 1173 Trolling Fishing New $12.59 Time Remaining: 22d 2h 17m Buy It Now for only: $12.59 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1073 Laketroller Bracket Mount Downrigger $64.75 Time Remaining: 16h 33m Buy It Now for only: $80.83 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1176 Power Grip Stacker Downrigger Release $11.99 Time Remaining: 15d 17h 10m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now |
 Scotty black box for downriggers electric fishing $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 17h 36m |
 Scotty 1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger w Rod Holder $176.99 Time Remaining: 21d 19h 40m Buy It Now for only: $176.99 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1090 Telescoping 60 Longarm Boom Manual Downrigger w Rod Holder $284.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 16m |
 Scotty Low Drag Premium Braided Downrigger Line 200 $36.11 Time Remaining: 22h 30m Buy It Now for only: $36.11 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1099 Depthpower 24 Electric Downrigger w Rod Holder $440.00 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 44m |
 SCOTTY DOWNRIGGER TERMINAL KIT W SNAP THIMBLE BUMPER SLEEVES $9.99 Time Remaining: 26d 13h 7m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1090 Downrigger w adjustable boom and rod holder $86.50 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 20h 41m |
 scotty Stainless Steel downrigger cable 400 ft $35.00 Time Remaining: 29d 2h 46m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1073 Laketroller Bracket Mount Downrigger Scotty 1073DP $68.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 16m |
 Scotty 1180 Mini Power Grip Downrigger Release 18 $7.99 Time Remaining: 21d 18h 32m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 Buy It Now |
 Cabelas Quick Draw rod holder for scotty downrigger $15.00 Time Remaining: 3d 16h 3m |
 Scotty Manual Downrigger Mount p n 1010 $19.50 Time Remaining: 29d 17h 19m Buy It Now for only: $19.50 Buy It Now |
 Scotty Stacker Downrigger Release Snap 1176 Trolling Fishing New Power Grip Plus $13.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 25m |
 SCOTTY 370 DOWNRIGGER WEIGHT SNUBBER W SWIVEL AND SNAP 370 $18.02 Time Remaining: 12d 2h 48m Buy It Now for only: $18.02 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 30 Downrigger Release Large Snap 1172 Trolling Fishing New $12.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 23m |
 SCOTTY HAIRTRIGGER DOWNRIGGER RELEASE $7.95 Time Remaining: 12d 13h 8m Buy It Now for only: $7.95 Buy It Now |
 Scotty Low Drag Premium Braided Downrigger Line 500 Scotty 2303K $55.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 16m |
 NEW Scotty 2 Downrigger Weight Snap Hooks p n 1009 $7.95 Time Remaining: 29d 17h 18m Buy It Now for only: $7.95 Buy It Now |
 Scotty Low Drag Premium Braided Downrigger Line 150 Scotty 2299K $24.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 16m |
 SCOTTY 370 DOWNRIGGER WEIGHT SNUBBER W SWIVEL AND SNAP $12.95 Time Remaining: 23d 12h 10m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1085 Strongarm downrigger 30 boom plus swivel mounts $250.00 Time Remaining: 6d 13h 33m Buy It Now for only: $350.00 Buy It Now |
 SCOTTY No 1008 24 downrigger SHUT OFF STOPPERS for Depthpower V 20 $10.99 Time Remaining: 12d 27m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 Buy It Now |
 SCOTTY DOWNRIGGER SWIVEL BASE BACKING PLATE $15.95 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 11m |
 SCOTTY 1015 Side Mount Bracket for 1050 1060 downriggers Mounting plates O 46 $20.00 Time Remaining: 29d 31m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 Buy It Now |
 Scotty Downriggers Sticker $3.92 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 55m |
 SCOTTY 1073 LAKETROLLER BRACKET MOUNT DOWNRIGGER 1073DP $70.77 Time Remaining: 28d 16h 53m Buy It Now for only: $70.77 Buy It Now |
 New Scotty Rodmaster Ii Downrigger Boom Rod Holder Model358 Color Black $13.05 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 17h 30m |
 Scotty 1050 Depthmaster Compact Manual Downrigger $149.99 Time Remaining: 12d 22h 10m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 1021 Portable Bracket For 1050 And 1060 Downriggers $15.00 Time Remaining: 9d 23h 19m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now |
 Scotty 2116 HP Depthpower Electric Downrigger 60 SS Wivel Base Dual Rod Holders $709.49 Time Remaining: 28d 1h 43m Buy It Now for only: $709.49 Buy It Now |
 Scotty Depthmaster Electric Downrigger with 30-Inch Boom List Price: Sale Price: $496.34 You save: $93.65 (16%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionScotty Electric Downriggers include full automatic hands-free operation on retrieval. Fully adjustable rod holders. Strong stainless steel boom. More lifting power than any downrigger made. Power for extra heavy weights or for pulling out of snags, weeds or kelp...  |
 Scotty Laketroller Post Mount Display Packed Manual Downrigger List Price: Sale Price: $65.65 You save: $9.34 (12%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionNo. 1073 Bracket MountMounting bracket permits mounting on a flat deck surface or on the side of a gunnel or transom. The mounting design gives 360° rotation. |
 Scotty Depthpower Marinco Electric Socket List Price: Sale Price: $20.67 You save: $8.32 (29%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSCOTTY DEPTHPOWER ELECTRIC SOCKET ONLY |
 Scotty Downrigger Weight Snubber with Trolling Snap Sale Price: $7.49 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAttach between your downrigger cable and weight. The Scotty Trolling Snubber absorbs shock, provides electrical insulation and helps prevent snagging. Easy to grip. |
 Scotty Depthpower Marinco Electric Plug and Socket List Price: Sale Price: $32.26 You save: $11.73 (27%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSCOTTY DEPTHPOWER ELECTRIC PLUG AND SOCKET |
 Scotty Swivel Pedestal Mount for All Scotty Downrigger Models List Price: Sale Price: $85.94 You save: $6.05 (7%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description1026Pedestal Swivel MountGives full 360° rotation with 16 locking positions, quick fastening stainless steel mounting knobs for easy set-up and removalFits all Scotty downriggersDimensions: 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 3 5/8"Bolting Dimensions: 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" |
 Downrigger Fishing Secrets Sale Price: $80.91 See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDownrigger fishing is the scientific method of trolling at depths from 20 to 600 feet. This book reveals the latest secrets and techniques in Downrigger fishing. |
 Scotty Duplex 12/2 Electrical Downrigger Wire List Price: Sale Price: $23.53 You save: $16.46 (41%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionUltra flexible oil, water and UV resistant sheathing. 100% Tin plated copper conductor resists corrosion from salt and moisture. Solid rubber-filled (not paper or twine) insulator jacket resists capillary action from moisture... |
 Scotty 300 Ft. Spool Premium Braided Fiber Downrigger Line w/ Terminal Kit Sale Price: $42.98 See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPremium Braided Downrigger Linew/ 1153 Terminal KitBraided line offers the ultimate in strength, consistency and durability. Made with Low Stretch Dyneema® Fiber. Uses of braided downrigger line helps combat electrolysis around your fishing gear. |
 Scotty Mounting Bracket for Scotty Downrigger Models 1080- 1116 List Price: Sale Price: $14.51 You save: $5.48 (27%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionNo. 1023 Tilt-up Mounting BracketIncluded with Scotty Strongarm & Longarm downriggers.For use with all Scotty tilt-up downriggers.Dimensions: 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"Bolting Dimensions: 3 3/4" x 1 5/8"Note: Does not work with 1050 or 1060 |
