Planers

Planers allow you to troll baits and lures at a variety of water depths, depending on the size of the planer, so you can get your lure down where the fish are.

If you are using a handline its best to run your planers in-line so the Planer is pulled in, then the leader and trace line is hauled in by hand.

If you are using a rod, reel or jigging machine etc, the planer can be rigged on a bridle meaning it can be removed from the line allowing you to continue to wind in, until the fish reaches the boat.

It is also possible to rig the Planer on a separate line that remains attached to the boat, ‘downrigger style’, so when a fish takes the lure the line pulls free from the Planer allowing the fish to be fought ‘freeline’ without any additional weight on the line.

This method makes it possible to fish with light rod & line tackle and still fish deeper and at speed.

Sizes #4, #5 are best suited to slower speed trolling at 2-4 knots. With increased speeds they can become less effective and will eventually fail and rise to the surface.

The #8-High Speed can be trolled at speeds of 6-8 and up to 10-15knots if required, making it ideal for Tuna or other fast swimming pelagic species.

As with all trolling operations there are a few variables that will affect the working depth.

Thickness of towing line, length of line out and size and number of lures are some of the most critical.