What Are Planers?

Fishing planers are devices that attach to a fishing line and submerge a lure to a specific depth in the water. They are used to troll for fish by driving baits deep into the water column. Planers are useful for catching fish that are suspended in the water, such as wahoo, tuna, dolphin, and kingfish.

Here are some tips for using fishing planers:

Planer size
The size of the planer determines the depth at which the bait will be presented. For example, a 2 planer will run at 20 feet, while a 4 planer will run at 40 feet.

Planer release
When a fish strikes, the planer flips over and moves slightly upward, allowing the angler to fight the fish without the drag of the planer.

Leader length
A typical leader length is 80-100 feet of 60-80-pound-test, but experienced anglers may use a shorter leader to get more bites.

Shock leaders
Planer-trollers often prepare several yo-yo spools with shock leaders of varying lengths and strengths.

Bridle Rig
Wind on planer bridle is designed to allow the attachment of the planer to fixed loops at the top of the shock leader by way of swivels or clips of your choosing. The planer can then be removed by crew as it reaches the rod tip allowing the angler to wind-on their shock leaders and fight the fish all the way to the rod tip. This eliminates the need to hand line the shock leader and conveniently stores the shock leader on the planer reel.

Rubber band rig
A rubber band rig allows the planer to break away from the main line when a fish is hooked.

Planers can be used with a variety of lures and natural baits, including drone spoons, bonito strips, ballyhoo, and feathers.