The absolute best way to learn how to use planer boards for chasing cranky crappie is to do what Steve White did — find somebody to show you.
But if you can’t do that, there are several online videos that discuss this growing fishing technique.
The first step is to get all the right equipment, and the second is to store it in an orderly fashion where you can find it all and put the outfit together.
The third step is to get on the lake and learn how.
And be patient.
“The very best advice I can give crappie fishermen about trolling with crankbaits and using planer boards is to just give it a try and don’t give up on it,” White said. “Experiment. Start with just a couple (of planer boards) and learn how (to use them); then you can add more if you want.
“If you put rods out and are fishing at certain depths with no fish, try something different. The same with colors: Change colors or types of lures. You will find something that works.”
Hooking up planer boards sounds complicated, but you catch on once you do it a few times.
First, find an area with some fish and figure out at what depth most of them are suspended.
Then use the Precision Trolling Data app to determine how much line to let out on your bait. Put the lure as far from the rod as you want to troll, and then hook the back clip of the planer board to the line going to the lure.
Put the front clip of the planer board on the line going back to the rod. Once the front clip is secured onto the line, place the planer in the water and let out line.
The more line you let out, the farther the planer will take the lure from the boat.
It’s obviously not a technique you can use in crowded areas, or in stumpy or brushy areas. You can troll over bottom structure, but you have to ensure your lures are shallow enough not to get hung up.
When you get a bite, the flag on the planer will drop down. When that happens, remove the rod from the rod holder and give it a quick pop.
That frees the line from the front clip and you are on your way to reeling in a fish.
