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Posts: 661
Location: Roscoe IL | I recently purchased a set of the Off Shore Planer Boards. My first attempt didn't have the results I expected. My trolling rig is an 8' Fiberglass Fig Rig W/80lb Bronzeback line and the bait of choice was a Lil Ernie. The problem I have is, the planer board points up at a 45dg angle. It moves away from the boat like it should but if I raise the flag it points backwards instead of up like it should. I did try moving the clip as shown in the directions but that made the board point up even worse. So I returned the clip to the back of the board and tried again with the same results.
I ran about 12-15' of line out before attaching the board to the line, in an attempt to run the bait around 8-10' deep. My trolling speed was just clicking the motor (90HP Honda 4st) into gear, and that's aproxx 1.5-2.5 mph. This speed has produced in the past without planer boards.
What am I doing wrong? I would imagine there is a way to get these things to run level.... I would like to dial these things in and feel confident they are working properly.
Thanks,
Mike
Edited by ToothyCritter 8/22/2006 8:34 AM
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Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | I'm not so sure you're doing anything wrong. Deeper diving baits and those that pull hard tend to trump the boards a bit. As long as they are getting far enough away from the boat/other lines to make a decent spread, I don't worry about it. If you're trying to make the tattle flags work, forget about it, I've not found a spring combination that works for bigger baits.
Sorno |
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Posts: 2753
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | TC- It sounds like the Lil Ernie is pulling the back of the board down, i.e., you've got the Lil Ernie on a mighty short leash w/ only 12-15 feet of line out. You may want to pick up the new "trolling guide for muskie fisherman". I saw it up at Guides Pro Choice in Eagle River. Looked like a nice little book, i.e., gave running depths for various lures with different line length's. I don't troll that much- so I didn't buy it. Another fine excuse to visit Eagle River. 
You might be able to adjust the flag angle. Also you could try adding a ballast weight to the front of the boards. If that's not feasible go for Yellow Bird Big Game boards. See- >
http://www.yellowbirdproducts.com/pages/planerboards.html
Also check out the "Product Instructions" for tips.
Have fun!
Al
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Posts: 5874
| Hard pullong baits will pull the back of the boards down. The flag is there only to increase visibility, so I don't think it makes any difference if it is angled back a bit. As long as the boards get the bait away from the boat, you're good to go. You'll never get a spread like you would when walleye fishing. |
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Posts: 661
Location: Roscoe IL | I reference the flag only to give everyone an idea on the angle of the board. I'm not interested in using the flag itself unless I need to in heavy chop. For the most part trolling is boring for me, I love casting. However, I agree with the idea that trolling keeps your bait in the water 100% of the time vs casting & increases percentages of a hook up. When I break for lunch, or need to rid my back of cramps, I just assume troll around and watch the depth finder for structure I might have overlooked.
In MH mag there was an article about contingincies for Canada, it mentioned trolling as a viable option when nothing else was working. If I want to keep an open mind, I should have some idea on the proper way to troll & learn as much as possible about this technique. Plus I'm not getting any younger & know I will continue to fish for muskies the rest of my day's... Trolling will be a great option while I drink my Ensure & eat my bran muffin when that time comes. Time to learn now!
I'll check out that video and keep messin with the position of the board. I might have placed it to close to the bait as mentioned.
Tight Lines & thanks!
Mike
Edited by ToothyCritter 8/22/2006 10:12 AM
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Posts: 723
| there is a mod. you can do with a snap weight kit that will allow the board to sit more level, thus cutting more water, and flying futher out to the side. get yourself some eye screws, I used the bigger size ones from rollie N helens. screw them to the bottom of the board as far forward as you can go where the board starts to wedge. Get yourself some assorted weights with the giant splitrings on them, then go out and play with them. it has worked for me in the past for getting a little bit harder pulling bait to go out a few more feet. |
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| I use orange boards made by Church Tackle. They have an adjustable weight system that levels the board by adjusting the weight. I have found them more user friendly than the Off Shore. As stated above as long as the board runs out away from the boat, even at the 45 degree angle you have accomplished spreading your baits. Not to worry.
Good luck, Murph |
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Posts: 175
| Murph
Which model Church board are you using? Thier website isn't helpful in describing their product offering. Thanks. CP |
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