Have you ever watched a walleye boat glide across the water with lines spread out like a spider web, yet wondered how they keep everything from tangling? Trolling for walleye is an art form, and planer boards are the secret weapon that makes it possible. By moving your lures away from the boat’s path, these boards allow you to cover more water and trigger strikes from spooky fish that would otherwise swim away from your engine noise.
However, walking into a tackle shop to pick a planer board can feel overwhelming. With so many different styles, sizes, and tension settings available, it is easy to feel lost. Do you need an inline board or a mast system? Which one will handle rough waves without tripping constantly? Choosing the wrong gear often leads to frustrating tangles, missed bites, and a wasted day on the water.
In this guide, we will cut through the confusion and help you find the perfect setup for your fishing style. You will learn exactly how to match the right board to your target depth and tackle. We will also share simple tips to keep your lines running smooth all day long. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro looking to upgrade, this post has everything you need to start catching more walleye. Let’s dive into the world of planer boards and get your lines ready for the next big bite.
Top Planer Boards For Walleye Recommendations
- HEAVY DUTY PERFORMANCE – The new My PB Series Edge 2 planer boards are built 10" long with powder-coated aluminum for corrosion resistance and durability. Premium materials keep each board extremely lightweight at only 8 ounces, even when running big baits.
- IMPROVED LOW-DRAG DESIGN – The upgraded curved front nose cuts through the water for smoother tracking, reduced drag, and improved line separation.
- GREATER COVERAGE – Spread baits away from the boat to cover more water, dial in the pattern faster, and increase hook-ups across changing conditions.
- VERSATILE TROLLING CONTROL – Ideal for trolling or fishing heavy current. Perfect for catfish, striper, walleye, trout, and musky when you need consistent pull and dependable tracking.
- FULLY ADJUSTABLE – The arm mounts on either side, giving you true left/right flexibility without dedicated boards. Line clip tension adjusts for different line sizes and bait weights.
- Package Content: the package contains 2 pack planer boards for fishing, designed with construction and performance; It features an adjustable flag extension and a customizable sliding weight. Attention: The product usage tutorial can be viewed through A+. The product is available in left and right versions. Please check before purchasing
- Product Size: our fishing planer board measures about 8 x 3 inches, feature an adjustable weight that allows for controlling buoyancy, accommodating both light and heavy baits; They can be towed from the side of the boat at varying depths and distances
- Quality Material: our trolling planer boards are made of ABS and EVA foam materials, which can withstand the harsh marine environment and provide long service; It aims to enhance the convenience and efficiency of your fishing experience
- Unique Design: our off shore planer boards feature embedded side clip release, bright color for your easy observation; The clip not only makes line connection and removal quick and easy, but also suitable for different line types, including mono, braid
- Wide Application: our planer boards with flag is good fishing tools for various species and conditions, whether you're fishing inshore, offshore, in rivers; They ideal for walleye, salmon, trout, pike, panfish and most fresh water fish
- A pair.Left & Right sides.
- Highly visible for effective freshwater trolling
- Spring-loaded flag alerts you to strikes
- Adjust spring tension depending on size of bait
- Pressure-lock snaps deliver a solid hold on any type of fishing line
- One Walleye Board Starboard
- One Walleye Board Port
- Two Double Action Flag Systems
- Spring-loaded Retaining Pin
- Made in USA
- Strike Flag System!
- LED Light included!
- Upgraded clips!
- Everything you need included!
- A pair.Left & Right sides.
- Highly visible for effective freshwater trolling
- Spring-loaded flag alerts you to strikes
- Adjust spring tension depending on size of bait
- Pressure-lock snaps deliver a solid hold on any type of fishing line
- OR12 Side Planer (L/R): Offers versatility and precise operation in rough water conditions, with optional Tattle Flag upgrades for enhanced bite detection. It's great for anglers targeting a variety of freshwater fish, especially Walleye.
- OR37 SST Pro Mag Planer (L/R): The strongest and most robust model designed for pulling heavy weights, making it perfect for targeting larger game fish like Striper, Salmon, and Muskie. Its build ensures stability and balance in the water, crucial for handling larger fish and rough conditions without the need for additional modifications.
- Package Content: the package contains 2 pack planer boards for fishing, designed with construction and performance; It features an adjustable flag extension and a customizable sliding weight
- Product Size: our fishing planer board measures about 8 x 3 inches, feature an adjustable weight that allows for controlling buoyancy, accommodating both light and heavy baits; They can be towed from the side of the boat at varying depths and distances
- Quality Material: our trolling planer boards are made of ABS and EVA foam materials, which can withstand the harsh marine environment and provide long service; It aims to enhance the convenience and efficiency of your fishing experience
- Unique Design: our off shore planer boards feature embedded side clip release, bright color for your easy observation; The clip not only makes line connection and removal quick and easy, but also suitable for different line types, including mono, braid
- Wide Application: our planer boards with flag is good fishing tools for various species and conditions, whether you're fishing inshore, offshore, in rivers; They ideal for walleye, salmon, trout, pike, panfish and most fresh water fish
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Planer Boards for Walleye
Walleye fishing requires precision. These fish are often spooky and stay away from the noise of a boat. Planer boards help you move your lures away from your boat’s path. They allow you to cover more water and catch more fish. Follow this guide to pick the right board for your next trip.
Key Features to Look For
You need a board that tracks straight. A good board should not dive or skip across the surface. Look for an adjustable tension release. This lets you set how easily the line pops off the board when a fish bites. Bright colors like orange or yellow are essential. These colors help you see the board from far away in choppy water.
Important Materials
Most boards use high-impact plastic or foam-filled plastic. Foam-filled boards float better if they break. They are also very durable. Some lightweight boards use thin plastic, but these can crack in cold weather. Choose a material that resists UV rays so the sun does not make the plastic brittle over time.
Factors That Impact Quality
Quality depends on the clips and the weight balance. Cheap clips will slide down your line and cause tangles. High-quality clips grip the line firmly without damaging it. A well-balanced board stays upright even in big waves. If a board is too light, it will flip over constantly. If it is too heavy, it will be hard to reel in after a fish hits.
User Experience and Use Cases
Beginners should look for “in-line” boards. You attach these directly to your fishing line. They are easy to use and store in a small tackle box. Advanced anglers often use “mast” systems. These use a rope connected to the boat to pull multiple boards at once. Use smaller, lighter boards for calm, shallow water. Switch to larger, heavier boards when fishing in deep water or strong winds.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a special rod to use planer boards?
A: Yes, use a medium-heavy rod with a strong backbone. These rods handle the extra weight of the board easily.
Q: Can I use planer boards at night?
A: Yes, you can buy small LED lights that clip onto the boards to see them in the dark.
Q: How far away from the boat should the board be?
A: Most anglers start between 20 and 50 feet away. You can adjust this based on how spooky the fish are.
Q: What happens when a walleye hits?
A: The line pops out of the release clip. The board will then slide down the line or stay still while you fight the fish.
Q: Are left-handed and right-handed boards different?
A: Yes, they are designed to pull away from the boat on specific sides. You need one of each for a full spread.
Q: Do I need a heavy line?
A: Use a monofilament or lead-core line. These lines grip the clips better than thin braided lines.
Q: How do I keep my board from flipping in waves?
A: Slow down your boat speed. You can also add a small weight to the bottom of the board for stability.
Q: Can I use planer boards for other species?
A: Yes, they work great for trout, salmon, and striped bass.
Q: How do I store my boards?
A: Keep them in a dry, cool place. Do not leave them in direct sunlight for weeks, as this weakens the plastic.
Q: Is it hard to learn how to use them?
A: Not at all. It takes one or two trips to get the hang of setting the clips and watching the boards.