Page 12 - Crappie NOW | April 2016

Planer Board Tactics

of the boat. A two-man team makes the out Youtube videos to see how the line is
technique easier but one fisherman can connected to the boards.
do it.” “We use Off-Shore Tackle planer
boards with flags,” says Steele. “The
Catching Crappie OR12 boards are durable and the flag
Typical holder setups will work but provides a good strike indicator.”
Dannenmueller wanted better access to In the spring, the team focuses a lot
the back of the boat. “We’ve learned we on large flats between spawning areas
can work better out of the back of the and main channels. Fish get in the flats
boat with two racks verses a rod across and suspend. Schools of shad are the
the back of the boat. The pole across the main food source and since the baitfish
back just gets in the way a lot. By working roams around so do the crappie. Trolling
with David Baynard with Driftmaster, we allows a fisherman to go to the fish and
designed custom racks that wrap around the boards are great for catching active
the back corners of the boat so we get a or spooky crappie.
good setup but also racks that are very Dannenmueller says, “Jigs have
strong. That’s important when fishing been our best baits in the spring. A lot of
boards. Also, the opening between the jigs work when placed in front of a crappie
racks makes netting a fish much easier.” but our best performer by far is the Bobby
The team says rigging a board and Garland Stroll’R. The jig has a longer
getting it out the side of the boat is easier length and a great tail action. MoGlo heads
to do than explain. A newcomer can check work great but sometimes we add Road

12 Crappie NOW April 2016