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How to Rig a Planer

A planer board extends a fisherman's ability to place baits and hooks away from the side of the boat. As the boat moves, it creates a trailing disturbance in the water. Just tossing the line off the back allows the hook and bait to toss to and fro. When a planer is used, the bait and hook are nowhere near the wake and the fish have a better opportunity to strike. Planners can be rigged with a variety of hooks and baits, including live and artificial bait.

Things You'll Need

Fishing tackle

Instructions

- 1
  Put a stop such as a swivel on the line to avoid having the planer slide down to the hook after a fish bites. The distance from the hook to the stop should be just below where you attach the line to the planer board.
- 2
  Find the clip on the side of the planer board. Open it and insert the line. Close the clip. On days when the water is choppy or rough, you can wrap the line several times around the clip before closing it. This helps keep the planer board from separating from the line and being lost.
- 3
  Open the holding pin on the side. Place the line in the holding slot and release the pin so it snaps back into place.
- 4
  Attach the bait to the hook
- 5
  Set the board into the water from the boat side and let it drift out to where you believe the fish are hiding as you pass near them in the boat.

Animals & Science