Unveiling The Mechanics Of Trolling With Planer Floats

If you’ve ever wondered how trolling with planer floats works, you’re in the right place. Trolling with planer floats is an ingenious technique that allows anglers to reach deeper water and target a wider range of fish species. In a nutshell, planer floats are attached to fishing lines and let out behind a moving boat, enabling the bait or lure to dive to a desired depth. This method is particularly effective for catching fish that inhabit deeper waters, such as striped bass, king mackerel, and walleye. In this article, we will delve into the mechanics of trolling with planer floats and explore the advantages of this technique for avid anglers. So, let’s dive right in and discover how trolling with planer floats works!

How Does Trolling with Planer Floats Work?

Trolling with planer floats is a popular and effective technique used by anglers to target fish that are suspended at various depths in the water column. By employing planer floats, fishermen can present their baits or lures at specific depths and cover a larger area of water, increasing their chances of catching fish. In this article, we will delve into the details of how trolling with planer floats works, exploring the different types of planer floats, their setup, and the advantages they offer.

Section 1: Understanding Planer Floats

Planer floats are specialized devices designed to enable anglers to control the depth at which their baits or lures are presented while trolling. These floats are typically made of buoyant materials such as plastic or foam and are shaped in a way that allows them to move through the water parallel to the surface, regardless of the speed of the trolling boat.

Types of Planer Floats

Planer floats come in various designs, each suited for different trolling applications. The two main types of planer floats are:

1. Inline Planer Floats: These floats are attached directly to the fishing line and are used to target fish in shallower depths. Inline planers are great for covering large areas of water and are often used when trolling for species like walleye, bass, or pike.
2. Side Planer Floats: Side planers are attached to the fishing line but are designed to run to the side of the boat, allowing anglers to cover a wider area and target fish at different depths. Side planers are commonly used for trolling in deeper waters for species such as salmon, trout, or muskie.

Advantages of Using Planer Floats

Trolling with planer floats offers several advantages that make it a preferred technique for many anglers:

1. Increased Coverage: Planer floats enable anglers to present their baits or lures at various depths and cover a larger area of water, increasing the chances of encountering fish.
2. Precise Depth Control: By adjusting the setup of planer floats, anglers can precisely target specific depths, increasing the likelihood of attracting fish that are suspended at those levels.
3. Stealthy Approach: The use of planer floats allows anglers to present their baits or lures in a natural and stealthy manner, reducing the chances of spooking fish and increasing the chances of enticing strikes.
4. Versatility: Planer floats can be used with a wide range of baits or lures, making them adaptable for targeting various species of fish in different fishing conditions.

Section 2: Setting Up Planer Floats for Trolling

To effectively troll with planer floats, it is important to set up the equipment correctly. Here are the steps involved in setting up planer floats for trolling:

1. Choosing the Right Planer Floats

Select the type of planer floats that align with your trolling goals. Consider factors such as the target species, fishing location, and desired depth range to determine whether inline or side planer floats are more suitable for your needs.

2. Attaching the Planer Floats

Attach the planer floats to your fishing line using the provided clips or releases. Inline planer floats are typically secured directly to the fishing line, while side planer floats require additional clips to run them to the side of the boat.

3. Determining the Desired Depth

Before deploying the planer floats, determine the desired depth at which you want to present your bait or lure. This can depend on factors such as fish behavior, water temperature, and the presence of underwater structures or baitfish.

4. Adding Weight or Divers

To achieve the desired depth, consider adding weights or divers to your setup. These additional elements will help get your bait or lure down to the desired depth range quickly and efficiently.

5. Deploying and Trolling

Once the planer floats, weights, and divers are attached, deploy your setup into the water. Start trolling at a slow and steady pace, monitoring your fishing rods for any signs of strikes or activity.

Section 3: Tips for Successful Trolling with Planer Floats

To enhance your chances of success when trolling with planer floats, consider the following tips:

1. Research the Target Species

Before heading out, research the behavior, habitat, and feeding patterns of the species you intend to target. This information will help you determine the appropriate depth, speed, and lure selection for trolling.

2. Experiment with Depth and Speed

Fish behavior can vary depending on factors such as water temperature, time of day, and weather conditions. Experiment with different depths and trolling speeds to find the combination that is most effective for enticing strikes.

3. Pay Attention to Lure Selection

Different species have different preferences when it comes to bait and lures. Consider using lures that mimic the natural prey of the target species to increase your chances of success.

4. Monitor Your Equipment

Regularly check your planer floats, lines, and terminal tackle for any signs of wear or damage. Maintaining your equipment ensures optimal functionality and reduces the risk of losing fish due to equipment failure.

5. Stay Alert

When trolling, it is essential to remain vigilant and attentive to your fishing rods. Pay close attention to any signs of strikes or unusual activity, as this will help you respond quickly and effectively.

By understanding how trolling with planer floats works and implementing the right techniques and setups, anglers can enjoy a successful and fulfilling fishing experience. Remember to always abide by fishing regulations and practice ethical angling to maintain healthy fish populations for future generations of anglers to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does trolling with planer floats work?

Trolling with planer floats is a technique used in fishing to target fish that are swimming at a particular depth. The basic idea behind this method is to use planer floats, which are attached to the fishing line, to pull the bait or lure down to the desired depth. The planer floats work by creating resistance in the water, which causes the line to sink and the bait/lure to be dragged at the desired depth. This allows the angler to present their bait/lure at a specific level in the water column, increasing the chances of attracting and catching fish.

What types of planer floats are commonly used for trolling?

There are various types of planer floats available for trolling, but two common ones are inline planer floats and weighted planer floats. Inline planer floats are buoyant devices that are attached to the fishing line and pull the bait/lure to a desired depth. Weighted planer floats, on the other hand, have weights attached to them, which helps in pulling the line and bait/lure deeper into the water. Both types of planer floats can be effective, depending on the fishing conditions and the target species.

How do you set up planer floats for trolling?

To set up planer floats for trolling, first, attach the planer float to the fishing line using a snap or swivel. Then, attach the leader line or the main fishing line to the other end of the planer float. Next, tie your bait or lure to the leader line. Make sure to choose the appropriate weight and size of planer float based on the desired fishing depth and target species. Finally, cast your bait/lure and slowly let out the line while keeping an eye on the planer float to ensure it is working correctly at the desired depth.

What are the advantages of trolling with planer floats?

Trolling with planer floats offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to target fish at specific depths, which can be beneficial when certain fish species prefer to swim at particular levels in the water. Secondly, planer floats help in covering a larger fishing area by keeping the bait/lure at the desired depth for an extended period. This increases the chances of attracting fish and getting more bites. Additionally, planer floats can help keep your bait away from snags and weeds that are present closer to the surface, reducing the risk of losing your tackle.

Can trolling with planer floats be used in different types of water bodies?

Yes, trolling with planer floats can be used in various types of water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and even inshore and offshore saltwater environments. The technique can be adjusted based on the specific conditions and the target species in each location. Whether you are fishing in shallow or deep waters, planer floats provide a versatile method to present your bait or lure effectively at the desired depth.

What are some tips for successful trolling with planer floats?

For successful trolling with planer floats, it is essential to consider factors such as the speed of your boat or kayak, the size and type of bait or lure you are using, and the targeted depth where the fish are likely to be. Experimenting with different colors, sizes, and depths can help determine what is most effective on a given day. It is also crucial to pay attention to changes in water conditions, such as temperature and clarity, as these can affect fish behavior. Finally, be patient and persistent, as trolling with planer floats may require some trial and error before finding the optimal setup for a successful fishing trip.

Final Thoughts

Trolling with planer floats is a highly effective fishing technique that allows anglers to target fish at specific depths. By utilizing planer floats, which are adjustable devices attached to the fishing line, fishermen can control the depth at which their bait or lures are presented. This method is particularly useful for targeting deep-feeding fish species. The planer floats’ design and adjustable features enable them to dive or rise in the water column, making it easier for anglers to cover a larger area and increase their chances of success. Incorporating trolling with planer floats into one’s fishing repertoire can greatly enhance the overall fishing experience and increase the likelihood of catching desired fish species.