Trolling for walleye with or without planer boards is all about how you want to cover water, manage lines, and control depth. Here’s a practical comparison to help you decide, with mid-spring patterns in mind.
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Planer boards (the boards) – what they do for you:
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They let you run multiple lines off the sides without tangling with the boat or each other. This expands your trolling spread and increases your chances to pick up those cruising schools. If you want to cover more water fast, boards are your friend. How to Use Planer Boards - Trolling for Walleyes
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They help keep baits away from boat wake and muddy water near the hull, which can spook shallow fish in spring.
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They pair well with depth-control tools like Dipsy divers or inline weights to put lures at precise depths while you wander a broad arc.
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If you’re windy or boating in open water, boards reduce line interference and keep your lines clean.
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Pros: bigger spread, more water coverage, easier line management with multiple lines, better for windy days.
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Cons: equipment cost, extra setup time, more components to monitor (releases, lines, board angles), potential for tangles if you push too close to structure.
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No boards (short-line or near-boat trolling) – what you get here:
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Simplicity and quicker setup. Fewer moving parts means fewer chances for tangles when you’re learning or fishing tight structure.
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Great when you’re near docks, weed edges, points, or in tight bays where a board might snag or foul a line.
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You can still control depth with weights or diving lures, keeping things simple and cheap overall.
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Pros: cheaper rigging, quicker adjustments, easier handling near structure, more tactile boat control.
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Cons: narrower spread, more lines near the boat, less water coverage, harder to fight wind without sacrificing line control.
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Depth and depth-control options (mid-spring tips):
- If you’re using boards, you can achieve deeper or shallower presentation by selecting lures with different dive curves and adjusting trolling speed. Planer boards shine when you want to run multiple depths without re-rigging. See planer-board tutorials above for setup ideas.
- If you go no-boards, use short lines and ballast like snap weights or inline weights to push baits deeper, or deploy diving divers (Dipsy divers) to reach suspended fish without adding boards. For a quick look at no-board depth control, check out Snap Weights for Trolling Crankbaits - Walleye Fishing and How to Use Dipsy Divers For Walleye Fishing - Set Up Tips and Settings for Trolling with Dipsies.
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Practical setup hints you can use tomorrow:
- If you choose boards: start with two boards, one on each side, and run 1–2 lines per side to build a moderate spread. Keep boards at least a few rod lengths away from the boat and from each other. Use reliable releases and check line tension often when you accelerate or slow down.
- If you choose no boards: decide how many lines you’re comfortable managing (typically 2–4 lines off the stern). Use shorter leaders and keep speeds in the 1.8–2.4 mph range for walleye in spring; adjust as water clarity and air temperature shift. Use snap weights or Dipsy divers to hit target depths without boards.
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Quick decision guide:
- If you’re in open water, windy, or want to maximize water coverage quickly – go with planer boards.
- If you’re fishing tight structure, learning, or prefer a lean rig with fewer parts – go no boards and keep it simple.
Cited watching tips: for board setups, see How to Use Planer Boards - Trolling for Walleyes; for depth without boards, check Snap Weights video and Dipsy Divers video. How to Use Planer Boards - Trolling for Walleyes Snap Weights for Trolling Crankbaits - Walleye Fishing How to Use Dipsy Divers For Walleye Fishing - Set Up Tips and Settings for Trolling with Dipsies
Bottom line: practice both methods on a couple of trips this spring. You’ll quickly learn which setup your lake favors under current wind, water clarity, and fish movement. Keep at it, stay patient, and enjoy the bite—the walleye are waking up, and your plan is your ticket to more bites. Tight lines and happy trolling! 🎣
