Planner boards/ line lenght behind the them

I have off shore Planer boards and have tried to use them with some success. I was wondering how much line guys run for stick raps or shad raps.
Does a guy let out the same amount a line behind the board as you would trolling without them? do you guys try different lenghts in 25 ft increments ?
I Would appreciate any input.
Thanks

Think of the board as the end of your rod tip. So if you use a line counter to get your baits to certain depths, then do the same for the boards. Example: If you need to let out 100′ to get the bait down to 15′. Let out 100′, clip the board on, let out line for proper board position.

The best thing you could do is pick up a copy of Precision Trolling. The amount of line behind the board is what matters.

Wade hit it on the head. As much line as you would longline, you can run that some amount off of a board too….and then some lol. Planer boards are a huge advantage in shallow water or when you want to run numerous lines.

Im pretty much a board freak the trolling books help alot and get you pretty close its up to you to fine tune due to speed and line size boards are alot of fun and can help a guy put alot more fish n the boat depending on why your using them like to spread lines out more fishing clear waters getting a bait near or over some structure without getting to close ect… in most cases for me I run my outside board around a hundred ft out and my inside 50 to 75 ft seems to work great for me and with how fare back your running your lure depends on size speed and where how deep the fish are most cases ill run a shad raps 75 to 115 ft behind the board but have ran as little as 3 ft and as much as 175 ft back in different situations hope this helps if you need any more help feel free to shoot me a pm and ill se what I can do for ya

I have run what is called a 50/50 system. I think it was started in Michegan. I run a #9 shad Rap 50′ then a 2oz. snap weight then another 50′ line, put on board. I use this system off the flats on Mille Lacs with great success

The 50/50 is especially good in wavy conditions

Good explanation Wade/Ruger. I’ll use that the next time I’m explaining boards.

Snagger
The Precision Trolling guide will be more accurate for cranks behind inline boards, because the point-of-entry for the beginning your line is at water level (at the board) vs. your rod tip, which may be 6-7′ above the water if in a rod holder. Small differences sometimes equate to big results.

I forgot to include in my last response; try tattle tales on your boards. I have dragged walleyes up to 8 lbs. behind a board and was barely able to see a difference in how it was tracking. Sometimes they’ll swim with the boat (??). Also, use a clicker reel and set the drag to barely pull the board without clicking. That way, when bite happens you usually hear it before you see it. Works great for night trolling, though light sticks on your boards work well, too.

The guys are on the money with the advice for trolling. The books really help . We used to use a arm length in the old days before we had line counters. Good luck and remember in deep water the walleyes will suspend up hig lots of days.

Great reply Ruger! Point of entry or distance behind board dictates lure depths.Along with lure size & line diameter used.Pulling a multiline spread can take some getting used to.Here is how I try to break it down as there are quite a # of ways to acheive desired depths or spreads.Reading your electronics to determine the depth fish are located at might come first.This determines lure types & sizes as well as line types…IE mono,hardline or leadcore.Then figuring out preferred lure body style & colors.Once you have these figured out its game on!I will give a couple examples.

Two identicle lures such # 7 Shadraps can be pulled side by side at same distance back,lets say 100′ if you are using different line types in similar lb test such as mono on 1st rod out & braid on the second.The difference in depth is about 2 feet.Here your looking more at line angles or dive curves in the water.You put a #5 & #7 Rap same distance back both with same line diameter,again different line angle or dive curves.If your looking at running all lures at same depth then distance back from rod tip or board is key.Thats where the trollers bible helps in that learning curve.

I will generally pull a V through the water column either above the water & or below on a spread until I might have something pinned down. I could give more examples or possibilities of a 8,10 or 12+ line what I call family set I use here in WI a bit later if interested. Chaos at its finest!

Thanks for all the info
I need to get to the river to take the edge off.
Jig some WALLEYES