Planer Boards

[Baccala]

I've been trolling on riggers for about 5 years now and want to better my catch by running wire or copper on planer boards. Looking for recommendations on planer boards. Thinking about Big John Otter boats. Any comments.....

[voorhees]

I run otter boards and they pull lead with no problem at all. They handle some big water to. They have my vote

[spoonfed-1]

As far as boards go the Otter boats are nice.

Personally, I would get a couple wire rods together for running Dipsys, and learn how to catch fish on them before getting into Copper.

Don't scrimp on your wire rods and get quality reels and roller rods. It will pay off in spades in the long run.

I run the Shimano Tekota 600 LC and Tolara roller rods and couldn't be happier.

Good luck

Glen

[salmonboy41]

I agree with spoonfed-1, i find that running Dipsys for me atleast seems to be more effective. plus when using cooper it can cause alot of tangles when you hit a big king on one of your rigger rods because you'll have so much line out . i also run the Shimano Tekota 600 LC and Tolara roller rods and couldn't be happier, but if you want boards i would recomend Otter boards or make your own.

[Baccala]

Thanks guys. I took your advice and picked up a couple of Otter boards. I also picked up a couple of 57LC reels and a couple of Shakespeare Tidewater roller rods. I figure these rigs will do the job without totally breaking the bank. I've fished with dipseys many times. I do plan on trying the wire on the boards. Thanks again for all your help!

[Missdemeanor]

Otter boats are sweet. A little trick to running copper off them is using a double keel on them. They will pull like hell and handle really rough water. Last year We ran them in 3-4 fters. No problems.

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[Chromeslayer]

double keel are a major improvement on how the boards tow when running coppers... can pull 2 600ft sections of copper off one side without the board lagging behind the boat... a few mods to the boards are a must tho... heavier rope on the board, fender washers so nothing gets pulled through the holes, and 250lb powerpro tow line

[Epic Sportfishing]

Chrome

What is your distance to the loop from the front and back?

[Chromeslayer]

9 and 14

[spoonfed-1]

It will also help considerably to drill the cradel holes, on the sides of the boards, 3/4 of an inch lower than the original hole locations for running Copper.

Glen

[Gill-T]

Single keel 9.5" and 11.5". Jeremy, I measured Kevin Davis's double keel otter strings and they were set at 6" and 10.5". Here are my mods.

[Baccala]

Where can I get extra keels for the otter boards?

[Chromeslayer]

Direct from Big Jon

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[Gill-T]

Call to order, I could not find the part on-line. Order the 1/2 keel not the full keel (too heavy).