What’s the best strategy for trolling for walleye?

The basic strategy for trolling entails setting out planer boards, snap weights and crank baits or spinners to catch walleye. The purpose of setting up planer boards is to cover as much water territory as possible while the boat is in motion. Coverage areas go up to a maximum of 150 feet wide. While the boards are set to cover these measurements, the angler is free to try varying depth levels, lure sizes and more. Maintaining a boat speed of 1 to 3 mph aides in targeting the hiding spots of walleye in a broad area range. Planer board strategy also allows for a minimization in the area of line tangles. Boards are set in such a way that two lines do not cross one another at any point in the trolling process. When set properly, planer boards comb a body of water in much the same way a rake covers the front lawn. A simple trolling strategy is to set planer boards onto a line with friction release. Slowly set the boards out at the side of the boat while continuing to troll at a slightly reduced speed. With the boards in place at the desired lengths, pick up trolling speed and begin the hunt. As a fish strikes onto a particular board, slowly reel the board in backwards to the side of the boat. A quick twist at the top of a planer board releases it from the line. Lift the board and the fish up into the boat. Detach the fish from the board and place into a holding area. With the walleye now in your boat, re-attach the board to its line and set it off again. The process then starts all over again.

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