Ever feel like your walleye lures are just swimming in circles, not reaching where the big ones hide? You cast your line, reel it in, and get nothing but frustration. It’s a common problem for many anglers who want to unlock more walleye action. Knowing where your bait is and how to get it away from the boat is a huge part of success, but picking the right gear for that can feel overwhelming.
There are so many different types of planer boards out there, each with its own promises. Do you need a big one or a small one? Which side of the boat should it go on? These questions can stop you in your tracks before you even get to the water. But what if you could finally understand how to use these fantastic tools to your advantage?
This post will cut through the confusion. We’ll explain exactly what planer boards do and why they are a game-changer for walleye fishing. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing and using them to put more walleye in your boat. Let’s dive into how these simple devices can make a big difference in your next fishing trip.
Our Top 5 Planer Boards For Walleye Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Planer Boards For Walleye Detailed Reviews
1. Off Shore Planer Combo Kit
Rating: 9.0/10
The Off Shore Planer Combo Kit is your all-in-one solution for bringing in more fish. This kit helps you spread your fishing lines out wide, keeping them away from your boat and out of tangles. It’s designed to help you catch more game fish by presenting your bait in a more natural way. This kit is a must-have for serious anglers looking to improve their success on the water.
What We Like:
- It includes two side planers, one for the left side and one for the right. This helps you cover more water.
- The heavy tension releases are strong and reliable. They won’t let go of your line when a big fish hits.
- The Pro Snap Weight Clips are easy to attach and detach. They add extra weight to your line when needed.
- Each planer board comes with a Tattle Flag Kit. This flag tells you when you have a fish on your line.
- The kit is designed to be user-friendly. You can set it up and start fishing quickly.
- It’s a great value for all the gear you get. You don’t need to buy these items separately.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions could be a little clearer for beginners. Some users might need to watch online videos to fully understand setup.
- While durable, the plastic parts could potentially be a bit thicker for extra long-term toughness.
This kit gives you everything you need to start fishing smarter. You’ll be amazed at how much more effective your fishing trips become.
2. Rotatingpals 2 Pack Planer Boards for Fishing Trolling 8 x 3 Inches Off Shore Crappie Planer Boards Kits with Flag Fishing Accessory for Inshore Offshore Trolling Dragging (R + L
Rating: 9.1/10
The Rotatingpals 2 Pack Planer Boards are designed to help you catch more fish by spreading your lines out and allowing you to fish at different depths. These boards are perfect for both beginner and experienced anglers looking to improve their trolling game.
What We Like:
- The package includes two planer boards, one for the right side and one for the left, in a bright green color for easy spotting.
- They measure 8 x 3 inches and are made from sturdy ABS and EVA foam, built to last in tough marine conditions.
- You can easily adjust the weight for different bait types, helping you control how deep your bait goes.
- The adjustable flag extension is a nice touch, and the embedded side clip makes attaching and removing your fishing line a breeze, working with various line types.
- These boards are versatile and work well for many types of fishing, including inshore, offshore, and river fishing, and are great for catching fish like walleye, salmon, trout, and panfish.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the clip is easy to use, it might require a bit of practice to get the perfect tension for certain line types.
- The product description mentions customization, but specific details on how to fully customize the sliding weight might be helpful for some users.
Overall, these Rotatingpals planer boards are a solid addition to any angler’s tackle box, offering a practical way to cover more water and increase your chances of a successful catch.
3. (2-Pro-Pak) 5 inch Planer Board Set – Includes 5″ mini boards – 1 Right and 1 Left side board
Rating: 8.7/10
Expand your fishing reach with the Yellow Bird (2-Pro-Pak) 5 inch Planer Board Set. This set includes one right and one left 5-inch mini planer board, designed by the original inventor, Yellow Bird. For over 30 years, they’ve made these boards better, so they work great on the water. These small boards are perfect for getting your bait far away from your boat.
What We Like:
- Yellow Bird invented planer boards, so they know what they’re doing.
- The 5-inch mini boards are a great size for many fishing trips.
- They come with special clips that work well for monofilament fishing line.
- You can change the weight to make the boards float just right for different baits.
- Planer boards help you catch more kinds of fish, like walleye and salmon.
- They work in many places: lakes, rivers, and even from the shore if there’s a current.
What Could Be Improved:
- These mini boards don’t come with tattle flags, which are included on larger Yellow Bird models.
- The included clips are made for monofilament line, not all types like braid.
This planer board set is a smart addition to any angler’s gear. It helps you cover more water and catch more fish.
4. Krazywolf Planer Board (P007)
Rating: 9.4/10
The Krazywolf Planer Board (P007) is a fantastic tool for any angler looking to improve their freshwater trolling game. This pair comes with both left and right boards, measuring a convenient 10 inches long and 3.5 inches wide. They are bright yellow, making them super easy to spot in the water. These boards help you spread your fishing lines out, keeping your baits away from the boat and out of each other’s way. This means you can cover more water and present your lures more effectively to hungry fish.
What We Like:
- You get a pair, one for the left and one for the right side of your boat.
- The bright yellow color makes them easy to see, even from a distance.
- The spring-loaded flag is a neat feature. It pops up when a fish strikes, giving you a visual alert.
- You can adjust the spring tension. This lets you match it to the size of your bait, ensuring a good presentation.
- The pressure-lock snaps hold your fishing line really well. They grip securely on any kind of line.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for freshwater, these might be too small for very large saltwater applications.
- The instructions for adjusting the spring tension could be a little clearer for beginners.
These Krazywolf Planer Boards are a smart addition to your fishing gear. They make trolling more effective and exciting.
5. The Walley Board Starboard by Church Tackle Co
Rating: 9.2/10
The Walley Board Starboard from Church Tackle Co. is a fantastic fishing tool designed to help you catch more fish. Its unique catamaran shape gives it stability on the water. This board is built with quality and American craftsmanship in mind.
What We Like:
- The catamaran shape provides excellent stability, so your bait stays where you want it.
- A spring-loaded retaining pin makes securing your bait quick and easy.
- You can adjust the keel weight to control how the board moves in the water.
- It’s proudly made in the USA, meaning good quality and support for local jobs.
- The board is durable and built to last through many fishing trips.
What Could Be Improved:
- The spring-loaded pin, while easy to use, might be a bit stiff for some users.
- Availability can sometimes be limited, so you might need to search a bit to find one.
The Walley Board Starboard is a reliable and well-made addition to any angler’s gear. It simplifies bait placement and gives you better control on the water.
Choosing the Right Planer Boards for Your Walleye Adventures
Planer boards are fantastic tools for walleye fishing. They help you spread your lines out away from your boat. This is great because walleye can be shy and spooked by boat noise. With planer boards, you can cover more water and present your lures to fish that might otherwise ignore you. Let’s dive into what makes a good planer board.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Buoyancy
- Size Matters: Planer boards come in different sizes. Smaller boards are good for lighter fishing setups and calmer waters. Larger boards can handle heavier baits and rougher conditions. Think about the size of the fish you’re targeting and the water you’ll be fishing in.
- Floatation: You want a board that floats well. This ensures it stays on top of the water and pulls your line effectively. Most good planer boards are made from buoyant materials.
2. Release Clip Strength
- Secure Hold: The clip that holds your fishing line to the planer board is super important. It needs to be strong enough to keep your line attached but also release when a fish strikes.
- Adjustable Tension: Some clips let you adjust how much pressure it takes to release. This is a nice feature. You can set it lighter for finicky walleye or stronger for more aggressive bites.
3. Durability and Construction
- Built to Last: Planer boards take a beating. They get wet, banged around, and pulled through the water. Look for boards made from tough, impact-resistant materials.
- Corrosion Resistance: Since you’re using them in water, make sure the hardware (like clips and eyelets) won’t rust.
4. Design and Visibility
- Easy to See: Bright colors, especially orange and yellow, make your planer boards easy to spot on the water. This helps you keep track of your lines and avoid tangles.
- Hydrodynamic Shape: The shape of the board helps it run away from the boat. A good design cuts through the water efficiently.
Important Materials
Most good planer boards use high-impact plastics. These plastics are lightweight and float well. They also hold up against bumps and scrapes. Some metal parts, like clips and eyelets, should be made of stainless steel or coated to prevent rust.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Stronger Clips: High-quality release clips are a big plus. They offer reliable performance and adjustable tension.
- Better Buoyancy: A board that floats high and stays stable in the water makes fishing easier.
- Durable Construction: Boards made with thicker plastic and robust hardware will last longer.
Reducing Quality
- Cheap Materials: Thin, brittle plastic can break easily.
- Weak Clips: Clips that are too loose will let your line slip off. Clips that are too tight will prevent a fish from pulling line.
- Rusting Parts: Metal parts that aren’t corrosion-resistant will quickly degrade.
User Experience and Use Cases
Ease of Use
Good planer boards are simple to set up and use. You should be able to attach your fishing line easily and deploy the board without much fuss. They should also be easy to retrieve and store.
When to Use Them
- Boat Shy Walleye: When walleye are hiding from your boat’s motor, planer boards are your secret weapon.
- Covering Water: They let you spread out multiple lines. This is efficient for finding active fish.
- Different Depths: You can run baits at different distances and depths. This increases your chances of a strike.
- Calm or Choppy Water: Larger, more robust boards work well even when the water is a bit rough.
Choosing the right planer boards will definitely boost your walleye fishing success. Look for sturdy construction, reliable clips, and good visibility. Happy fishing!
Planer Boards for Walleye: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: What are planer boards?
A: Planer boards are devices that pull your fishing line away from your boat. They help you present your bait or lure to fish that might be scared by the boat.
Q: Why do I need planer boards for walleye fishing?
A: Walleye can be spooky and stay away from boats. Planer boards let you spread your lines out, so your bait is in a more natural position and reaches fish that might otherwise ignore you.
Q: What are the main types of planer boards?
A: There are two main types: in-line planer boards and large offshore planer boards. In-line boards are smaller and clip directly onto your fishing line. Offshore boards are larger and tow your fishing lines behind them.
Q: How do I choose the right size planer board?
A: Smaller boards are good for lighter tackle and calmer water. Larger boards can handle heavier baits and rougher conditions. Consider the size of fish you’re targeting and the water you’ll be fishing.
Q: What makes a good release clip for a planer board?
A: A good clip holds your line securely but releases when a fish bites. Some have adjustable tension, which is very helpful for setting the right amount of pressure.
Q: What materials are best for planer boards?
A: High-impact plastics are common because they are lightweight, buoyant, and durable. Metal parts should be made of stainless steel or be rust-resistant.
Q: How do I attach a planer board to my fishing line?
A: You typically clip the planer board onto your fishing line at a set distance from your bait or lure. The board then pulls your line out to the side.
Q: Can I use planer boards in rough water?
A: Yes, larger and more robust planer boards are designed to handle choppier conditions. They offer better stability and pulling power.
Q: How do planer boards help with tangles?
A: By spreading your lines out, planer boards help prevent them from crossing over each other, especially when you have multiple lines in the water.
Q: Are planer boards difficult to use for beginners?
A: Most in-line planer boards are quite easy to learn. They require a bit of practice to get the hang of deploying and retrieving them, but they are a great tool for any walleye angler.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.