Planer Boards - what baits, what water temps, where to start? No luck yet for me...

[artcarney_agr]

Can someone please give a simple breakdown of how to use the planer boards? I have the ones from Crappie Reaper and have not found success in the two years I've had them in the boat.

I've watched YouTube videos, searched this forum, but haven't quite found that good "list" of how to find success. I think if I could just catch one or two, then I could build on that, but so far I've struck out each time.

What water temps do I need to look for to start using them? Is there a temp range before the spawn....and then a temp range after the spawn?

What's a "go-to" jighead weight and plastic to use?

What speed should I set the Terrova cruise control on?

How much line to let out/clip on the board?

I know some use crankbaits on planer boards, but I just can't bring myself to do that when I can just as easily break out the 14 ft crank trolling rod off the side.

Any info or suggestions would be appreciated!

[Prater4586]

I don't use planer boards, but I do use planer corks... kind of the same concept. When I spider rig, I normally push 16 poles out the front of the boat with me solo, or me with a friend. If a 3rd person wants to go, I can pull up to 16 more out the back, I normally just run 8 though. I put planer corks on the outside rods so they can fish "new" water so to speak. I do it from January-April. I mostly fish shallow stump flats that are 3-5ft deep. I run about 3-4ft of line off my corks and I use 1/4oz heads. A lot of people run lighter heads and put out more line. I like having less line... just personal preference I guess. Hope this helps some...

[tenncrappie]

PM sent

[artcarney_agr]

PM sent

I tried to reply to your message, but apparently your mailbox is full!

[artcarney_agr]

I don't use planer boards, but I do use planer corks... kind of the same concept. When I spider rig, I normally push 16 poles out the front of the boat with me solo, or me with a friend. If a 3rd person wants to go, I can pull up to 16 more out the back, I normally just run 8 though. I put planer corks on the outside rods so they can fish "new" water so to speak. I do it from January-April. I mostly fish shallow stump flats that are 3-5ft deep. I run about 3-4ft of line off my corks and I use 1/4oz heads. A lot of people run lighter heads and put out more line. I like having less line... just personal preference I guess. Hope this helps some...

I didn't realize planer corks were a thing. Jighead size, line length, and speed are the things I seem to be struggling with. I feel like I need to be moving along good to get action in the jigs, but then I may be going too fast, I don't know.

[tnduxcaller]

Art check your PMs and holler when you get a second.

[Prater4586]

I didn't realize planer corks were a thing. Jighead size, line length, and speed are the things I seem to be struggling with. I feel like I need to be moving along good to get action in the jigs, but then I may be going too fast, I don't know.

Yea they are alot smaller than boards. Check out Bullet bobbers if you get a minute. You cant pull Cranks with them though..
I run 6lb test line, 1/4 oz jigs, mostly Bobby Garland baits, and run anywhere from .5 to 1 mph. I always start out at .8 and adjust from there.

[M R Dux]

I was planning on doing my boat show seminars on Off Shore planer boards but shoulder replacement got in the way.


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com

[DockShootinJack]

Yea they are alot smaller than boards. Check out Bullet bobbers if you get a minute. You cant pull Cranks with them though..
I run 6lb test line, 1/4 oz jigs, mostly Bobby Garland baits, and run anywhere from .5 to 1 mph. I always start out at .8 and adjust from there.

They do sound interesting. I will have to look them up

[M R Dux]

Sent you a message.


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com