Planer Mast Set-ups and double planer boards

[Gumbo]

I have a mast and big boards that I use on certain lakes, but rarely in Utah. There just isn't that much of a need for them here with our waters, fish, and regulations. It's easy to troll 2 or even 3 in-line boards per side, so conditions have to be right for using big boards.

I prefer the Big John mast with dual cranks, and I like these boards... [url "http://www.friskyjennyflies.com/trolling-boards.html"]http://www.friskyjennyflies.com/trolling-boards.html[/url]

A lot of people like the Otter Boats, but they track too well and don't impart any action to the baits. There are are plans online to build your own boards, but I think you'd be wasting your time and money trying to build your own mast. After you factor in the cost of the pulleys, handles/spools, line, base, etc, you might as well buy new. Search eBay or Great Lakes fishing boards for used Big John masts. I have a seat post adapter for my mast, so no new holes are required. I mount it on my bow seat post.

Also, get as many releases as you can afford so you don't have to stop fishing to retrieve them. Plus, it's a lot of work and takes some time to have to reset your boards and all your lines.

Here's a pic that shows the mast... [center][/center]