"Fishing with Capt. Gus!" Planer Boards
What are Planer Boards? How Are They Used?

Have you ever wondered what those bright colored things are that striper fishermen pull behind their boats?  They resemble a float and come in various colors, such as orange, yellow, or chartreuse.    These  floating objects are called "planer boards."  Lake Norman striper fishermen commonly refer to them  as  "boards."  Boards are used to spread baits away and to the side of  the boat so that stripers feeding near the surface will not be spooked.  Planer boards allow baits to be fished further apart and also help to distance the bait from the boat's  shadow, noise and motor turbulence.  Since more water is being covered on each pass, this wider swath improves the chances of catching fish.  Multiple boards on either side of the boat can be deployed.  However, when multiple boards are used, they are  more likely to become tangled.  It's best to begin with two.  Fish one on either side of the boat.
 
Boards can be quite effective when fished in calm or shallow water.  The further away boat the boards are positioned, the better. Anglers might place them  up to 100 feet from either side of the boat.  It is important to angle rods so that the fishing line does not drag in the water.  Weight can be added to sink the bait to any level desired.   In rough water, it's easier to see and control a board closer to the boat.   Fishing rods of seven feet or longer are preferred.
 
Rigging  planer boards is easy.  Position bait 10 feet or more from the boat and attach the line  to the alligator clip on the front end of the board. Next, secure the line to the bait in the snap at the rear of the board.  The board is then payed out to the desired distance.   When a fish hits, the line will snap out of the alligator clip and the board slides down the line to a bead that stops it at the swivel.
 
Planer boards vary in size from a few inches to more than three feet in length.  Smaller boards work well in calm water and when fish are skittish.  Larger boards are ideal for rough water and for pulling baits that create a lot of drag. Great Lake anglers use double bladed boards in rough open water areas.
 
Planner Board Tips

• During a hookup, maintain a slow forward boat momentum to avoid tangling with other boards.
  
• If tangling is eminent, pull in the board that is in the way, and place it in the splash well,allowing the bait to trail off the stern.
  
• Boards can be used when a boat is at anchor, provided current is flowing.
  
• Some boards have built-in noise makers, usually BB's. The rattling noise is supposed to attract fish.
  
• Varying boat speed will allow baits to rise and fall and will entice reaction strikes.