Does anyone use planer boards while trolling for pike

[Murdock]

Now that we are in prime pike season, does anyone use planer boards while pulling spinners for pike or walleye? Alot of people say "Planer boards will only get in the way", but further inquiry determines that such poeple have never used planer boards before. Toss a reply on here with your experience with planer boards for pike and walleye and what brand/model you would recommend.(remember, most of us are on a budget so the pricey models aren't an option).

[Tom Linderholm]

Unfortunately my advice probably doesn't work on a light budget. I run Lake Superior with a mast/board system but have also found it useful for running multiple lines inland for pike. The mast system works great for me as it does not get in the way of reeling in the fish and more so when the release snaps off the line it ends up setting the hook when the boat catches up with it. Personal experience, not a huge fan of in-line planers, lots of lost fish, hard to tell when weeds get on them, and even with a snake if you are running 3+ mph its hard to tell they are on. Once again personal experience but I love my mast. Total investment $270.00, make your own boards and rig your own mast $80.

[Northlander]

Use quickstrike rigs and big suckers behind your boards it works great. A big northern or muskie moves that board back nicely.

[PerchJerker]

I usually don't target pike when I'm using boards but I catch plenty of them pulling cranks for walleyes. I use Offshore Boards. Use crankbaits and cover water. You can run a shallow stickbait right up next to shore behind a board, or you can spread your lines and cover various depths, over the weeds and on the weedline, etc. Good luck.

[Terry Hagstrom]

I use planner boards when trolling for pike in Canada because of all the rock spines and points. It's way to diffcult to get at them without fear of damage to your boat and motor. I have had pike actual attack the boards before they see the bait. I don't care to troll for them or muskie, I'd much rather cast for them but I usually have my father-in law in the boat and at 70 with a bad back it's the only way to go.

Terry

Terry's Guide Service

www.fishinmn.com/terry

[Jim Hudson]

Yup, planers work for them toothy pike and of course for walleye. For pike, just put your favorite spoon, crank, or even a weighted bucktail on and send it back, attach the board and off to the side. Walleyes, same thing.

I am the opposite of Cheffery when it comes to boards. I would rather use in-lines then a mast system, as I find the in-lines easier to use and set-up, even out here on the big lake. I have lost more fish on a mast set-up then with in-lines, personal preference though.

Anyways, I use the Church Tackle Walleye boards, after trying both these and the Off Shore boards. Both are good boards, but the Church Tackle line is definately a little easier on the pocket book. As I have found with the Off Shore brand, you need to upgrade the release clips for when your using harder pulling baits, etc. With the Church Line, the front clips tension is adjustable and they dont incorporate a rear release. Just a pull pin set-up that makes it a bit easier in my mind to take the board off when your fishing alone. Also, with the Church Line, it has an adjustable weight feature that you can use for wave height or lure pull.

To me, boards are worth every penny. Allowing me to cover more water, especially when walleye fishing.

[Nova]

I don't fish Pike, but I do use them a lot for Walleye. I have the off shore boards and think they are the "cat's rear". I have not tried the church boards, but have tried the yellow bird foam ones and in my opinion they are a waste of money. I just looked at Fleet last night and the off shores are $21 each. Not a bad investment and well worth the money.

[DuluthGuy]

Yes I do - usually a spring set-up in a shallow lake in WS.

I trolled #13 rapalas with my regular 14# fireline setup with yellowbird planers. I pulled in 3 over 32"s within a hour or two. The work great. Big pike (as you know) are tough out of the gate - but by the time I get the boards in and pull them off most of the fight is gone - till they see the boat!

Try it - you'll love it!

B2