Dumb Planer Board Question

[Castmaster]

I haven't trolled much and have never used planer boards. I guess mainly because I hate the thought of fighting fish with the board hanging on the line. Is there any way to attach a planer board to a line attached directly to the boat (rear cleat) and have a clip on the planer board to which you would attach the fishing line? When fish hits it releases and you have only the fish on? Like a downrigger except out to the side. I am thinking something simple without a mast and all that. Possible?
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