Trolling planers are the ultimate tool for nearshore fishing. If you're fishing in nearshore waters of 300 feet or less, trolling planers is the most productive tool you can use. During the summer, when the air temperature soars and the upper water column heats up, fish tend to go deeper. The question is: How do you get your baits down to where the fish are? The answer: Use a fishing planer. If you're not using them, you might as well consider another hobby, like golf. And while this guide is based on experiences in South Florida, the knowledge about trolling planer fishing is universally applicable.

Fishing with Trolling Planers Video with RJ Boyle

This video tutorial, featuring RJ Boyle, delves deep into the art of using a planer for fishing. Here's a sneak peek into the topics covered:

Big boat and small boat setups
Tackle essentials
The right rods and reels
Rigs, tactics, and techniques for planer fishing

Discover the advantages of fishing with a planer through this comprehensive presentation.

Dive into the Mechanics

Understand the intricacies of the rig:

Hooks selection
The role of mylar, squid skirts, and sea witches in bait protection
Choosing the right color skirts for different water conditions
Insights into fluorocarbon and monofilament usage
The importance of multiple swivels on both ends of the planer

Bait Choices for Planer Fishing

RJ discusses the best strip baits for your planer fishing rig:

Bonito
Mullet
Squid
Artificial or rubber strip baits

Remember: Fresh is always best. Opt for what's abundant in your local waters and learn the art of hooking baits with single and double hook rigs.

Setting Up Your Trolling Spread

Get insights on:

Setting up for both sport fishers and center consoles
Using different size planers and their significance
Staggering your spread to avoid tangles during turns
Techniques to deploy, trip, and release planers
Tips on effectively fighting fish

Why Trolling a Planer is Essential

Whether you're targeting grouper, sailfish, kingfish, wahoo, or other reef species in nearshore waters, a planer will significantly increase your catch rate. Ever wondered why commercial kingfish anglers swear by them? Because they work! Whether you're navigating a current edge, temperature break, or deep structure, mastering this technique will ensure you're not just fishing—you're catching. Adopt this tactic, proven by top crews globally, and boost your fishing game.

Explore More

Dive deeper into the world of planer fishing with more videos in our Planer Fishing library.