I use longer rods in the 8’6″ to 10’6″ range. You can use two piece rods as sensitivity isn’t an issue with planner boards. I primarily use 10 lb mono on my planner board reels.
I like telescoping board rods myself. Then I don’t have to worry about putting them together etc… Cabelas telescoping board rods are good enough 8’6″, I have a few Gary Roach telescoping board rods in 8’6″ as well, and they do just fine.
I use 12lb big game (Same diameter as 10lb xt). In clear water, you’re going to want the mono, and mono doesn’t slip as much in your board releases. With braid, you can get lures deeper, but may need flouro leaders, and upgraded board releases to handle it.
7′ M or MH trolling rods are fine, have used them for years without a problem. Longer, telescoping rods are also a nice option but can be a PITA when you’re netting fish. You don’t have to go crazy on price and I’ve never felt the need for anything more than M action rods for eyes but YMMV on that.
Line choice is strictly personal preference. I use 14lb Sensation to match dive curves as that also has same diameter (0.14in) as 10lb XT and it’s worked well but some people are braid only trollers.
wimwuen is right about board clips not liking braid, you can also just wrap the line once around the head clip for a cheap and easy fix. Be careful with that, though – many have almost lost a fingertip when a fish hits as they’re trying to get that wrap finished. Hope this helps, good luck.
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