Mastering the Spread: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Planer Boards for Fishing

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As a seasoned angler with over a decade spent chasing fish across the US, I’ve seen firsthand how planer boards can dramatically increase your success on the water. Whether you’re targeting trophy catfish, schooling crappie, or elusive walleye, learning how to use planer boards for fishing is a game-changer. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right equipment to setting up effective spreads and troubleshooting common issues. We’ll cover planer boards for crappie, walleye fishing with planer boards, and even techniques for larger species. Let's dive in and unlock the potential of this powerful fishing technique.

Why Use Planer Boards? Understanding the Advantages

Before we get into the “how-to,” let’s discuss the “why.” Planer boards allow you to present multiple lines away from the boat, covering a wider area and avoiding spooking fish. This is particularly effective for species that are easily pressured, like crappie and walleye. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:

Increased Coverage: Spread your baits across a larger area, increasing your chances of finding active fish.
Reduced Line Visibility: Lines run away from the boat are less visible to fish, especially in clear water.
Avoidance of Boat Wake: Keeps baits out of the boat’s wake, preventing tangles and spooking fish.
Presentation Depth Control: Combined with weights and line length, planer boards help control the depth of your presentation.

The National Park Service (nps.gov) emphasizes responsible angling practices, and using planer boards can contribute to this by allowing for more efficient fishing and potentially reducing the need for excessive boat maneuvering.

Choosing the Right Planer Boards: Types and Features

There’s a surprising variety of planer boards available. Here’s a look at the main types:

In-Line Planer Boards

These boards attach directly to your line and are typically used for trolling at slower speeds. They’re great for crappie and walleye. They are often more affordable and easier to manage for beginners.

Side Planer Boards

These boards run on a separate line and are attached to your main fishing line with a release. They’re ideal for trolling at higher speeds and covering a wider area, often used for salmon or larger species, but adaptable for catfish.

Stern Planer Boards

As the name suggests, stern planer boards are deployed from the stern of the boat. They are particularly useful in situations where you need to keep lines well behind the boat, minimizing disturbance. They are a popular choice for walleye fishing with planer boards in larger bodies of water.

When selecting planer boards, consider these features:

Buoyancy: Determines how well the board stays afloat and pulls your line.
Size: Larger boards offer more pull but can be harder to manage.
Construction: Look for durable materials like molded plastic or wood.
Release Mechanism: A reliable release is crucial for preventing lost fish.

Setting Up Your Planer Board Spread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating an effective planer board spread is key to success. Here’s how to do it:

Attach the Planer Board: Securely attach the planer board to your line using the appropriate clip or release.
Set the Depth: Use a weight (e.g., a pencil weight or inline sinker) to control the depth of your bait. The heavier the weight, the deeper the bait will run.
Adjust Line Length: The amount of line you let out between the planer board and the bait determines the distance the bait will be pulled away from the boat. Experiment to find the optimal length for your target species and fishing conditions.
Deploy the Board: Gently lower the planer board into the water, allowing the current or boat speed to pull it and your bait away from the boat.
Monitor the Spread: Keep a close eye on your planer boards to ensure they are running correctly and not tangled.

For crappie planer boards, a shallower presentation is often best. Use lighter weights and shorter line lengths. For catfishing planer boards, you might need heavier weights and longer lines to get your bait down to the bottom where catfish reside.

Specific Techniques for Different Species

Crappie Fishing with Planer Boards

Crappie are notoriously line-shy. Using planer boards allows you to present your minnows or jigs away from the boat, increasing your chances of a bite. Focus on slow trolling speeds (1-2 mph) and use in-line planer boards. A simple spread of two to four boards is a good starting point. REI Expert Advice (rei.com) recommends using light line (4-6 lb test) for crappie to maximize sensitivity.

Walleye Fishing with Planer Boards

Walleye fishing with planer boards is incredibly effective, especially in larger bodies of water. Use side planer boards to cover a wider area and troll at slightly faster speeds (2-3 mph). Experiment with different depths and line lengths to find where the walleye are holding. Consider using bottom bouncers or inline sinkers to keep your bait near the bottom.

Catfish Fishing with Planer Boards

While less common, using planer boards for catfish can be highly effective, especially when targeting large, wary catfish. Use heavier weights and longer line lengths to get your bait down to the bottom. Side planer boards are generally preferred for catfish, as they can handle the heavier weights and stronger pulls. Deploy boards wide to cover a large area of the bottom structure.

Troubleshooting Common Planer Board Issues

Even with careful setup, you may encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to solve them:

Tangles: Adjust line lengths and board positions to prevent lines from crossing. Slow down your trolling speed.
Boards Diving: Increase the weight or line length to provide more pull.
Lost Fish: Ensure your release mechanism is functioning properly and that your drag is set correctly.
Boards Not Tracking Straight: Check for obstructions on the board or line. Adjust the angle of the board slightly.

Leave No Trace and Responsible Angling

As responsible anglers, we must always prioritize the health of our waterways. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (lnt.org) provides excellent guidelines for minimizing our impact. Here are a few key points:

Pack out all trash: Including fishing line, weights, and bait containers.
Avoid disturbing wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from nesting birds and other animals.
Respect other anglers: Be mindful of their space and avoid cutting them off.
Follow all fishing regulations: Obtain the necessary licenses and adhere to size and creel limits.

The USDA Forest Service (fs.usda.gov) also provides valuable information on fishing regulations and responsible angling practices in national forests.

Final Thoughts: Expanding Your Fishing Arsenal

Mastering how to use planer boards for fishing takes practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By understanding the different types of boards, setting up effective spreads, and troubleshooting common issues, you can significantly increase your success on the water. Remember to always prioritize responsible angling practices and respect the environment. Now get out there and start spreading your lines!

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