In-Line Planer Boards for Lake Erie Walleye
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Lake Erie is renowned among anglers for its abundant walleye population, offering thrilling opportunities for both seasoned and novice fishermen alike. One of the most effective techniques for targeting walleye in this vast lake is using in-line planer boards. These simple yet ingenious tools allow anglers to spread out their lines, cover more water, and precisely target where the walleye are feeding, making them indispensable for successful fishing expeditions.
Understanding In-Line Planer Boards
In-line planer boards are designed to run perpendicular to your boat, carrying your fishing lines away from the vessel. This method serves two primary purposes: first, it helps in spreading out your lines horizontally, covering a wider swath of water; second, it keeps your lines away from the disturbance caused by the boat itself, reducing the likelihood of spooking wary walleye.
These boards come in various designs, but the fundamentals remain similar: they clip onto your fishing line and are equipped with a flag or other visual indicator to show when a fish strikes. The board itself rides on the water’s surface, gliding smoothly and allowing you to fish multiple lines simultaneously without tangling.
Choosing the Right Board
Select boards that match the size of your boat and the conditions of the water. Larger boards are ideal for choppy waters, whereas smaller ones are sufficient for calmer conditions. For smaller vessels, like my 18′ boat, this mini board made by Church works just fine. However, Church makes a larger board for walleye which is also very popular.
Positioning the Boards
Attach the boards to your main fishing line using release clips. Space them evenly along both sides of the boat, ensuring they run at different distances from the vessel. This setup maximizes coverage and increases your chances of hooking into a walleye.
Tackle & Bait Selection
Use walleye-specific tackle such as deep diving crankbaits, worm harnesses, or spoons. Adjust the depth of your baits according to the walleye’s feeding preferences, typically near the bottom or suspended above structure.
Monitoring Strikes
Keep a close eye on the flags or indicators on your planer boards. When a walleye strikes, the flag will pop up or the indicator will change position, signaling it’s time to reel in your catch.
Tips for Effective Use
While using in-line planer boards, employ these techniques to optimize your walleye fishing experience:
Depth Control
Adjust the distance of your bait from the planer board to control the depth at which you’re fishing. Walleye often feed at specific depths depending on factors like water temperature and time of day.
Speed and Direction
Experiment with boat speed and the angle at which you deploy your boards. Walleye can be sensitive to these factors, so varying your approach can trigger strikes. One trick for varying speed is to troll in a zig-zag pattern. This cause the presentations on the inside of the turn to slow down and the outside to speed up. If you notice a consistent pattern of inside or outside hits, you can adjust your speed accordingly.
Staggering Lines
Vary the lengths of line between each planer board to cover a wider range of depths and increase your chances of intercepting walleye as they move through the water column.
Conclusion
In-line planer boards are invaluable tools for targeting walleye on Lake Erie, offering versatility and efficiency that traditional fishing methods may lack. By spreading out your lines and keeping them away from the boat’s disturbance, you significantly enhance your chances of landing a prized walleye. With proper setup, technique, and a bit of patience, mastering the use of in-line planer boards can lead to memorable fishing adventures and impressive catches on one of North America’s premier walleye fisheries. So next time you head out to Lake Erie, consider adding in-line planer boards to your fishing arsenal for a rewarding and productive outing.