Planer boards are fishing tools used to spread your lines away from the boat while trolling. This lets you cover more water and present multiple baits without the lines tangling.
How Planer Boards Work
A planer board attaches to your fishing line and planes (pulls) out to the side of the boat as you troll forward. This moves your bait away from the boat’s wake where fish may be spooked.
Main Reasons Anglers Use Them
- Spread lines wider – Fish multiple rods without tangles.
- Cover more water – Great for locating schools of fish.
- Keep baits away from boat noise – Important in clear water or pressured lakes.
- Run different depths and distances – Helps dial in what fish want.
Two Common Types of Planer Boards
1. Inline Planer Boards
- Attach directly to each fishing line.
- Good for smaller boats and flexible setups.
2. Mast System Planer Boards
- A mast mounted on the boat pulls big boards out with tow lines.
- Lines clip to releases on the tow line.
- Often used on large trolling boats, especially on Great Lakes.
Fish Species Often Targeted with Planer Boards
- Striped bass
- Walleye
- Crappie
- Salmon
Why They’re Effective on Lakes Like Beaver Lake
Planer boards let you run baits over shallow flats or along banks while keeping the boat in deeper water, which can be very effective for spring stripers chasing shad.
✅ Example:
You might troll down the channel while the planer board pulls your bait 40–80 feet to the side, covering the flats where baitfish are.
