Making planer boards

[irons]

So I bought the materials to make my own planer boards. Looks like I’ll be able to make 6 boards for about $60. I will post how it goes but does anyone have any experience doing this that they would share, thanks

[johnr]

Build 1, get it right, then use it as a template.

I found that when making planerboards, the line connection location is everything. And I prefer my clip to be fixed, not dangling.

Deburr everything, preferrably with a buffing wheel for smooth edges.

[irons]

Thanks johnr, I’m using a lexan glass instead of aluminum. Also using Scotty release clips.

[Yam]

Aug 19, 2019 16:26:03 GMT -5 johnr said:

Build 1, get it right, then use it as a template.

I found that when making planerboards, the line connection location is everything. And I prefer my clip to be fixed, not dangling.

Deburr everything, preferrably with a buffing wheel for smooth edges.

Just curious. I have been using rednecks for 6 years. They seem to work fine. I assume these are what you would consider dangling? What does fixed do for you? Additionally, I'm interested in the angle of the line from clip to swivel. Does this matter to you?

Thanks for your feedback.

[johnr]

The fixed clip allows for more consistent hook sets, especially in cases where the fish doesn't come tight on it. Like when they come towards the boat. I use a heavier offshore clip and still get a clean pull out on hookset.

I haven't checked into the clip to swivel angle. Line to board angle determines how hard and wide the board pulls. With a fixed clip, you can change this on the fly with the right setup.

This is all though trial and error during several design iterations of 3d printed board prototypes. It makes a difference on smaller fish like crappie, walleye and trout which dont always provide enough resistance for a solid hookset with a board in the middle. Turns out the method is scalable to larger fish.

[irons]

So I’ve been building these boards, 9”x4”. Some boards I’ve used in the past have weights on them, do you need these to help the board float upright and pull correctly?
So far I’ll be able to build 8 boards and I’ve got about $70 invested