How To Troll With Planers: The Three Methods Fully Explained! CATCH MORE FISH!!! Offshore Fishing

Planer fishing is one of the best methods for filling the coolers full of fish on your boat. There's a reason commercial fisherman and fishing charter captains consistently use planers as a way to get their clients on fish. These are the three methods explained the best I could explain them. Planer fishing is often associated with catching King Mackerel and Wahoo. While this is very true and a very effective way to catch these fish you will bycatch everything in the sea trolling with planers. I have personally caught mahi mahi, blackfin tuna, cobia and even grouper trolling with planers.
First method: In line planer attached to main line with hand lining required
Second method: In line planer with quick release system to remove planer and continue fighting the fish with the rod and reel
Third method: Poor Mans Downrigger. Planer runs off a boat cleat and you fish a separate rod and reel secured to the planer line with a snap swivel and a rubber band
I know from experience that you will catch more fish and add a very productive backup fishing plan to your arsenal if you ever need to use it. I mention in the video that I never leave the house without my planers and that's the truth. PLANER FISHING WORKS!!!
Video links on how to make the poor mans down rigger and how to make the quick release system will be coming soon to this description and to my channel so please keep an eye out for it if it's not already here and I will try my best to finish these videos asap. Thank you so much and please remember to hit that subscribe button. I need your help to grow!
How to make a poor mans downrigger(3rd method) • How To Make A Poor Man...
How to make a quick release planer bridle(2nd method) • How To Make A Quick Re...

[@JeremyReger]

I’m subscribing because you said funner.. I fish Lake Erie but love watching this man. I don’t need no grammar people bothering me, this is my safe space

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Haha thanks

[@miketexas4549]

I consider myself a beginner/intermediate level offshore fisherman - recently I went out with an expert buddy who was running skirted ballyhoo on planers and we crushed mahi with it. I tried to get him to explain it (he used technique #3) but I couldn't quite grasp what he meant. This video not only explains PERFECTLY what he did, but two other methods I wasn't aware of. Excellent video man, subscribed! Tight lines from Hawaii 🤙🏽

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot. I also run planers for mahi and it works great. Most people just run surface lures and they are missing out on some nice fish

[@tw00061593]

*Love St. Croix enjoyable.fishing recommend . Great action. Very enjoyable rod to use. I matched it with a Quantium Catalyst reel and together it works great. *

[@jeannemasters3986]

Excellent, well thought out video! Thanks Scott.

[@chineseeyedgrowr9182]

Great video Scott. Your ability to teach is second to none.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot. I have more videos coming up

[@montrich1]

Wow just seeing this out of the box kzbin.infoUgkxQr1yd4Zc6qJF-scTB6Zb9dQbVpviuRxB recommend I have yet to fish with this set up, but based on the first hands on appeal, I can tell this is going to change the way i pack and carry to a whole new level. If you fish like i do, you know the smaller and less stuff the better. I’ve added a photo of just some of my gear so you can see how serious i am about fishing.

[@johnstark340]

Great video, glad I came across it. Nice to see someone on a smaller boat like I fish using tackle I can afford. Very informative! Thanks!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment

[@kevinmorrow1944]

Scott thank you for your expertise loved the 3rd cleat method...keep up the great job!

[@bassmandan9484]

You made this look easier than snook fishing. And that says a lot. Very well done!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot!

[@iansullivan7830]

Hi mate I have been fishing all my life I have never heard of this type of trolling before it is all new to me I know about down riggers I must say that your video is very informative for anyone who does boat fishing especially trolling the way you explain this method of trolling and how it can be done 3 different ways using the same jig set up not only do you explain the jig set up you also explain how to deploy the jig in water without tangling it around your motor You gave a very good informative description of your boat speed as well as reel setting for drag during this time jig deployment I am sure that is something a lot people would not be aware of and will find very informative to know I know I have learnt something new hear myself and I hope to use this sydney harbour soon thanks for your video great work

[@jasonrodean2282]

Great video! Easy to understand without anything unnecessary ill be watching the rest of your videos next!

[@RRlocoENGR]

You explain so much better than most! Enough information without repeating and getting boring, thanks!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Wow, thanks!

[@pistoleropr]

Subscribed! I appreciate you taking the time to show us these techniques, Scott, thank you.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot!

[@r8drvr819]

Content is KING; thanks for the maximum content!!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@tonyl6068]

Great video man! Finally someone that explains how to do this simply! I’m now a subscriber.

[@hardcoreanglers3241]

Nice job ladies❤❤❤❤❤ very thorough! True anglers and well done!

[@johnslonsky3956]

The last method is the reason why I had to subscribe. Excellent thought and really great, simple, methodical approach.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you I appreciate that

[@cesarcanales3909]

Thank you very much. By far the most educational video on planners I've seen. Best regards from Peru!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks for the amazing feedback! It’s very cool finding out people are watching from around the world so thanks a lot for the comment!

[@paultew7087]

Simply an Awesome tutorial! Your work and effort are so worthy!!!! Many Thanks

[@user-ut2hj2vq8g]

awesome instructional video. thank you for the demonstration

[@ronbrisbin4851]

I really appreciated the detail. I learned way more that I anticapated. Thanks

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment

[@gerardamitranno8837]

Great video!I love how you explain all methods .

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks so much!

[@RollieII]

Thanks Scott, great video. Just getting started at this I will be watching more of your videos for sure!

[@chaugi]

Great job simplifying these methods. Looking forward to my next outing. Great job. Thank you!!!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you! Good luck out there

[@SmittysSurfFishing]

I'm determined to get my trolling game perfected over here in the Panhandle. Your videos are teaching me so much. Thanks for dropping the knowledge!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! I hope it helps

[@johnsimmons2840]

By far the most informative and clear-cut video I've ever seen on planer fishing. I'm a veteran salt water fisherman including inline planer fishing, but have never used a cleated planer. I'm visual and had to see it done. Man you really laid it out perfectly. Thanks so much!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks for the great feedback. The cleated planer is such a great method once you get it down

[@connereagleton8099]

@@ScottBonnerOutdoors Instead of a swivel you can use a paper clip. Both work great

[@billbenn401]

Good video on planers. I have been fishing for over 50 years and a Master Operator Captain for 40 years, but did know about the last method that is very simple & easy way to troll a planer. I especially like the fact it can be used with spinning equipment, that is way sportier way to catch fish than conventional gear. Good luck with your channel, wish it was available when I was younger. Capt. Bill

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks for the great comment. I appreciate it. Method 3 is my favorite because of the spinning gear. I fish for fun above all other reasons

[@richo1177]

I'm in Queensland Australia and I fish for Spanish Mackeral ( King Mackeral to Americans ) I only use spin gear now, a Shimano Sedona 4000 reel and 6 foot Daiawa Aird rod with 30lb braid to 60lb mono leader, it's the most fun way to fish now with plenty of huge fish caught on such light gear

[@geraldvillarreal1630]

I like the second setup. Good job!

[@rednoize4391]

Very informative, I recently purchased a new boat and plan to try your techniques. Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video...

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Awesome! Good luck out there

[@06asheville]

Absolutely fantastic content. Great work and thank you. Subscribed!

[@jackhinnenthal8145]

Great video. Answered the question I had perfectly. Thank you

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Awesome I’m glad it helped

[@cliffvalentin3564]

Best explanation ever. Thanks.

[@portwegian1368]

Excellent video clarified few things for me big thanks from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Glad it helped and thanks!

[@frederickk2852]

Excellent. That really has taken the confusion out of this planer method. Many thanks.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joeyherring6360]

I really like that 3rd method! Thanks brother!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

No problem thanks for watching

[@garypowell550]

Best explanation I’ve seen on using planers, great video from a new subscriber.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Awesome thanks for subscribing. I’m planning on putting out lots of videos in the future

[@eddier9380]

I do like the fact that you have notes (even if they are one your cell phone) so you make sure you are giving people correct information. Good video

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

I actually wasn't reading notes I was looking at my phone to make sure the camera is recording me through the GoPro app

[@Reload77725]

EXCELLENT! Much appreciated.

[@laurenceorr5618]

i recently went on a fishing charter and used planers for the first time, didnt quite understand it , i watched your video and you couldnt have explained it any better... thanks for the info!!

[@marcosgonzalez6545]

Spot on the information I believe we are going to need. Thanks

[@ckaz2806]

Great video Bro very informative! You do a great job explaining every method!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot!

[@thomasmcnamara9970]

Great video, best explanation and covered all info

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thomas McNamara thanks for the positive feedback. I hope this video ends up helping a lot of people

[@LivewireTrucking]

Very informative, I like method 3 you use. It's now my favorite method as well, thanks man.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Awesome man glad to hear it

[@Al-oe8ib]

Really good info Scott, and well put across. Been a charter skipper for 30 years, but haven’t used planers until recently, as a replacement for a downrigger. I would encourage the use of a leader wheel that allows for clipping on your lure before feeding it out by hand, as 3 times, I have seen a fish grab a lure fed out that way, before being attached, during a hot bite and it was bye bye lure. Keep up the good work and good luck with your chanel

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks for the tip that makes a lot of sense

[@MrCliftonLaird]

Thank You Sir. I will try that poor mans method.

[@hakangunsur6365]

Great explanations, thank you very much.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jademayo8955]

Awesome video nice and clear explanation. Thanks

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aquafishingchannel3942]

Holly. That is a great video. Thanks

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot! I love getting feedback like this

[@SoberDadFishing]

Very Greatful for this video thanks !

[@arvfishing]

This video is amazing man. Everything I could have ever wanted to know. Great job. Now I need to figure out how to do your #3 method on my Sea Doo Fish Pro.

[@romeogarcia8448]

YOU FINALLY GOT A BOAT !!!! 🙏🏻

[@BobbyHarvey-op4wn]

Well done! Thanks!

[@F15Bluto]

Thanks for this. I already planer fish (method 3) but it was tougher to learn because you’re the first person to actually show anything you were talking about. Amazing how much more helpful a video is when you actually put what you’re talking about...in the video 😉 GREAT JOB!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate the feedback

[@georgesmith5042]

Question for either of you, how often do you get a fish tangled in the down rigger line? Do you bring it in whenever a fish is hooked up? I’m interested in using method 3 this weekend.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

@@georgesmith5042 the only time the planer line has been tangled is while fighting a tuna I got sharked and that shark messed me up. I usually don’t have an issue just always keep in mind you have a line down there. Always leave the boat in gear

[@georgesmith5042]

@@ScottBonnerOutdoors thanks for the info!

[@MrTravis0306]

Very well spoken! Nice video with no wind noise!! Keep it up dude

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

I appreciate that. Thanks for watching

[@Danielasfishingandmore]

Love this Video it was so informative you really took time to explain everything very thoroughly I had watched a couple other videos and there was pieces missing and with yours and explained everything and I love how you went through all methods which I never had heard of any of these so when I came upon planer fishing I was researching it and then got your video which has been so awesome I will definitely share your video and keep subscribed and looking forward to more videos

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you so much!

[@PetClipdog]

Great Video, Thanks Cap!!!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you! Tight lines

[@davids8132]

awesome tutorial on planer fishing! thank you. fished method 1 and 3 in the lower Chesapeake Bay today. worked very well for mackerel.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Awesome glad it worked out

[@hamed55411]

Very well Explained. thanks.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RobertoM892]

Just learned about that 3rd method! Thank u👍🏼

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

No problem!

[@gregoriocisneros5114]

Thank you for the teaching. I liked the first methoo

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

No problem thanks for watching. Good luck out there

[@B4thunder28]

Subscribed, great info on some awesome techniques!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot!

[@csuitecharters677]

Really appreciate this tutorial, thank You !!!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

You're very welcome!

[@mikeporter398]

Great Video. I've never seen the cleated method. Can't wait to try it. I just subscribed. Keep it up.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@spinfishingtr]

Subscribed. Thanks for the solutions that I was trying to find.👍

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@chickenredcat]

Thanks for taking the time to educate us newbies!! I am new to fishing in Puerto Rico and am looking for clever ways to fill the cooler. We've caught mahi, wahoo, kingfish and tuna so far and are always looking to get better. Hit me up if you are coming to the island, I'll be happy to take you fishing!!

[@donaldthornton3531]

Excellent video, Thanks...

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Glad you liked it!

[@687patrick1]

Hey Scott, great video, I live in New-Caledonia in the South Pacific and have the planers but did not really know how to use them effectively, but now I know !! I Subscribed also for more informative videos, keep up the great work and thank you for all the goood advices !!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks for the feedback and for subscribing. More videos to come!

[@687patrick1]

@@ScottBonnerOutdoors Great! Iwill be waiting for theses Videos. I like the fact that you explain step by step, makes it simple and easy.

[@sifu1965]

Thanks for taking the time to make this, new sub here!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks for the sub!

[@zzzxxzzz3248]

Thanks for sharing !

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

No problem thanks for watching and the comment

[@thomasterrell2736]

Thanks for all the info very good

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

You’re welcome!

[@kaiwikoadeforest9497]

Gonna give this a try. Mahalo from Hawaii 🤙🏽

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Awesome good luck

[@rickbold9337]

Hit the button. Good clear info. Al methods are good in their own way!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@steve20110]

Excellent! Quickly got into it!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you

[@0xb1sh0p8]

Your videos are very informative man. Hope you continue to make them. Maybe one on your preferred bottom fishing setup and techniques. Keep churning out content like this and maybe mix in some footage of catching and this channel will grow. Thanks..subbed.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot I am planning some more videos and I will get better at making them more consistently

[@cjfloor8416]

Thanks man. This vid was very helpful

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

No problem glad it helped

[@syedmehdi47]

Amazing channel! Happy to subscribe and like 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

I appreciate that. More videos coming soon

[@leiderposso7396]

Dam man awesome video, i really apreciate all the time you took to explain all methods 💪🏼💪🏼

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment and no problem! I enjoyed making the video

[@kerryhennessy169]

Well explained, I like the poor man system for wahoo myself. Liked & subscribed

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot man

[@Shinobi1Kenobi]

Great video. Thanks.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Glad you liked it!

[@shamarsmall1907]

Nice lesson 💪

[@ziradee]

Best Fishing video I've ever seen on YT! You have a new subscriber. More videos like this would be awesome. Tight Lines.

[@bernardmerida2221]

great video , i learned a lot

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Awesome, thank you! I have many more videos planned

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks

[@hirammendez4686]

Awesome detailed video. Keep it up 👍

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@midkansaspolebarns2875]

Great video!! I'm very excited to try planers

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you! Definitely try it

[@chriswhitlock5097]

Hey Scott. Great video! I was using the planer bridal method for awhile and it works fine, but eventually switched to the 3rd method (rubber band). Two reasons: 1st, sometimes the bridal swivels would get jammed up in the smaller roller guides on my trolling rods and I would have to "shake" the rod or pull them through by hand sometimes at critical moments. 2nd, I fish alone a lot and so not having to set the rod down and take off the planer, is just easier. I haven't tried the 1st hand lining method yet...maybe next time! Thanks for making it look so easy!

[@chriswhitlock5097]

Also...3rd reason, in south FL the weeds get pretty thick in the summer. It's not a problem for the planer, but it pulls even harder on the "already stressed" rod/reel. Tied off to a cleat it's not an issue at all since I use 400lb mono outrigger line (but I do pull it up to clean it off every now and then).

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Yes I know all about the south Florida weeds they can be a real pain. Makes trolling very difficult sometimes. I’m glad it’s working for you!

[@jeremylindsay54]

Its 1 am looking for planar pointers before going out in a few hours ty for the great demo

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

No problem thanks for watching

[@kurtrambial4037]

Good work man

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@lightkeeper_17]

Thanks, very useful.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Glad to hear that!

[@williamdevine518]

Great tutorial, learned a lot. I’m an offshore guy who doesn’t get wahoos to often, got to get those baits down ok I’m on it. Thx

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Awesome good luck out there!

[@24012780]

Thank you for the video, I tried and it's work for bottom species also

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Awesome thanks for letting me know! Yes this works great for trolling shallow water grouper too and other species

[@quintinkleinhans2328]

Thanx... very educational....

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you

[@FastEddie203]

Good video,very informative, tyvm

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment

[@deweyperez4863]

great video. FOLLOWED!!!

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@markhamdickson2163]

Helps me out a lot on the “slaughter” style rig off the cleat. I read about that on Reddit but really helps to see it in a video. Thanks a lot for posting. Have you heard of anyone using this method in conjunction with outriggers? Might be cool if you could get 4 lines out by spreading them with the outrigger. Might be too much force from the planar ans also Little technical to pull the planar line over alongside the boat to clip in. But if you could might be a neat spread tactic. I think I’ll try it next time I’m in the boat.

[@emjayw3018]

Thanks mate, I will be incorporating that cleated method into my fishing on Australia's east coast and hopefully it will save me the added expense of a,downrigger, definitely earned a sub and best of luck in the future.. 👍👍🇦🇺

[@Reload77725]

Earned a sub? Yea ok clown. Who the hell do you think you are?

[@hotreels8590]

Exelent explication thanks cpt🙏👍👍

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@lv2mine]

Great video I learned a lot. You gave excellent instruction. Thanks cant wait to try these methods. Oh I subscribed! Cheers!🐟👍🍻

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot and good luck out there

[@backyardbrian7707]

Very clear and informative, thanks you! I grew up offshore trolling with my grandpa as a kid but it’s been so long that I am pretty much a beginner again. Nice to have some to the point and easy to understand videos! Seems like a every other “tutorial/tips” videos are just dudes showing off fish lol

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Thanks a lot for the great comment. I tried my best to be clear and to the point

[@puravidaconelcoqui8507]

Cool video. I nee to planner fishing found it very informative. Fish on brother.

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fishingnarkodorattias6179]

Great vid thanks very helpful🤙

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

Glad it helped

[@joedigirolamo3567]

Bummed you stopped making videos bro. This was great. Thank you. Subed

[@ScottBonnerOutdoors]

I’m getting back on the ball here I promise. Thanks for subscribing!

[@joedigirolamo3567]

Looking forward to it. I’ll be finishing my graduate program in the next year & buying a boat ASAP. Just trying to learn as much as possible before then.