Planer Boards
 

Anyone running planer boards for stripers on their V? I bought a set and now I need to figure out how to get them elevated. The guy I bought them from recommended atleast six feet above the water level in order for them to perform correctly and spread. He actually had them running from the corner of his t-top. I have a bimini top but wouldn't dare subject the frame of the top to the stresses of the planer's. Any ideas? Pictures?

I don't understand the 6ft, I use them when the situation requires, I run them on short rods 5-5.5ft rods and close in behind the boat sometimes. There could be other reasons he needed the height. I use rod extenders on the side of the boat to get the lines away from each other but I use the rod extenders all the time.

Are you referring to DOWN-planers or SIDE-planers?...if SIDE-planer, then it depends on HOW the board is being used...is the board ON the line to the hook and will be in play w/the fish?...or is the board on a separate tow-line that snaps loose from the main line when the fish hits?...

If ON the line, then you shouldn't need the extra height as constant tension there...if board is on tow line, the line will droop when the boat turns and will need the height to stay outta the water...and you are right about not attaching to bimini top frame...if a good fish hits that, it could be a big problem...

If you need height, just stand the rod in the gunwale rod-holder...that should be plenty as the rod-tip is then 6' or so above the water...

Option #2 Reel. They are side planers on their own line. Thus needing the height. I already know how they work I just figured I would see if anyone had any ideas on how to raise them. Maybe I can parlay this in to the need for a custom hard top...

I know exactly what you are talking about. Most guys run them off of their hardtop or Radar Arch for that reason. Don't run them off the bimini they will break it. That is one reason I am looking to find a radar arch. Even if you stick a rod or something in the rod holder that is a lot of tension pulling on the gunwale especially if you get three lines a side on those things pulling large umbrella rigs.

Are you running a 2 or 3 board planer?

2 board. The guy I used to fish with (former owner of the planers) would run 10 rods off his 20 sea hunt cc. 2 on either side of the planer. 2 on offset rod holders in each gunnell and two long lines off the transom rod holders. I'm sure I could reproduce the spread but it'll take some time. Trying to get in to the striper thing.

Just pick up a couple of LONG 10-12' surf-casting rods and stand 'em in the rod-holder...

I run 2 Chesapeake style planer board and hook them to my bimini top frame.It is not much torque however I have hook them at spot where the front hooks to the pole mounts to the boat. The straps only hold the back of the bimini when it is open. Haven't had any problems so far but need to mark boards well and watch to make sure other boats don't run over them or could be serious problems.In the spring I had 100 ft lines on them and the would be only about 75 feet off side depending on speed. I am actually thinking of shortening them to 50 to 75 feet total because I only run 6 rods most of the time.Occasionally I'll run 8 but usually only 2 or 3 of us on the boat.I also try to stay away from all the crowds because too many stupid people out there.

Feel you on the stupid people. Where do you typically fish?

I fish the Chesapeake Bay from the bay bridge to the Choptank river.Including Eastern Bay and Wye, and Miles River.