BY COREY HANSON
tripped for switching out lures or when a fish is hooked.
A lot of people have questions when they are looking to get into trolling with boards. There are many options and ways to run boards, but for the beginner it’s best to keep things simple. One of the many advantages of Off Shore Tackle boards is you can go to a favorite retailer, buy a set of OR12 Side Planers, take them right out of the package and catch fish without making any alterations or aftermarket purchases. I like to show people who are using monofilament line to twist the line to create a loop and place the twists of line in the orange OR19 release mounted on the bracket of the board. The line is then placed behind the plastic pin protruding through the center of the pads of the red OR16 clip mounted on the tail of the board.
When a fish is hooked, give the rod a firm tug to release the line from the OR19. Once the line pops free from the OR19, the board will stop planing and swing backwards while still being held in place on the line by the OR16. Now you can reel in the fish and the board without having to fight the resistance of the board. This method also helps to keep from crossing other boards lines as you reel in fish.
I recommend starting with one or two left (OR12L) and right (OR12R) boards depending on your area and what is allowed in your state or body of water. Once you become comfortable rigging and fishing those boards, more lines can be added to the set up.
I like to use an OR10 Light Tension Planer Board release (that I keep attached on an Off Shore Tackle lanyard) to grab the line and make it easier to spin the line. The OR10 also makes it easy to hold the line while inserting it into the OR19 release. Once the line is inserted into the OR19, simply unclip the OR10.
Don’t forget to inspect your releases and clips to see where the spring is positioned. If you notice a release or clip slipping down the line, check the tension and easily adjust by using a pocket screwdriver to move the spring. To increase tension, move the spring forward toward the pads. To lighten the spring tension, slide the spring away from the pads. Also, remember the pads on all Off Shore Tackle releases and clips are replaceable when they eventually wear out.
