How to Make a Planer Rig

Planers and downriggers are ways to get you bait deep down in the water column, in places fish like to stay. Retail models will work, but a quick and easy homemade planer rig can be just as effective in the right situation.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal planer
  • Steel cable 30 to 40 feet
  • Swivel
  • Rope 3 to 8 feet
  • Boat
  • Rubber Band
  • Paper Clip
  • Fishing pole with reel
  • Fishing line
  • Bait
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the desired length of steel cable to the metal planer. The length of the cable will determine how deep the planer will carry your bait, so think about the depth you want to fish beforehand and adjust accordingly.

    • 2

      Attach the swivel to the end of the steel cable opposite the metal planer. Tie one end of the rope to the swivel. Secure the other end of the rope to a cleat on the boat. The length of the rope will add depth to where the planer takes your bait, so research the depth at which fish like to eat.

    • 3

      Place the planer in the water with your boat idling. Once it is in the water, set your boat to a low trolling speed, so that the planer and cable and rope extend out the back of the boat.

    • 4

      Wrap a rubber band around the line on your fishing pole just above the bait you wish to fish with. Clip the rubber band into the paper clip, then clip it to the steel cable that is pulling the planer. Open the bail on your reel, drop your bait into the water and release the paper clip. The motion of the boat with carry your bait, attached to the paper clip, down to the depth where the metal planer board is holding. When you get a strike, the impact with cause the rubber band to break, thereby releasing the fishing line from the planer rig. Gloves may come in handy in you need to pull retrieve the planer rig by hand, or to avoid fouling the fishing line when a fish is on.