How to Troll a PLANER | Planer Trolling Basics & Tactics

This video is a short seminar on how to troll a planer. I go over planer trolling basics & tactics. I share with you in detail, some personal experiences and drop some knowledge on how to get yourself setup and get out on the water planer trolling in South Florida. I also go over exactly water lures I use, what depth I fish and what my thought process is behind how I troll and where I decide to troll. Planer trolling is almost a necessity when it comes to sport fishing or deep sea fishing. It is one of the most productive ways of finding fish and producing results to satisfy your fishing cravings.
Enjoy,
Tight lines & good vibes.
If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, or have a product you would like showcased in one of our episodes, please email [e-mail]
Reel - Penn International 30
bit.ly/2QR6sJY
rod - Choas 7' trolling outfit custom
www.chaosfishing.com/Trolling...
Line - 30lb Momoi smoke blue Nylon Mono
bit.ly/2QpZFYK
www.chaosfishing.com/home.asp
Boat - 2005 Key West 1720c
www.keywestboatsinc.com/boats/...
Engine - 2017 Evinrude e-tec 90hp
www.evinrude.com/en-US/e-tec....
Anchor - Fortress FX-7
fortressanchors.com/selection-...
Sunglasses - Costa - Cat Cay 580g
bit.ly/2No5pma

[@jayalldayism]

Thanks again for taking the time to make these videos. I’m really learning a lot from them.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Hello again, great to hear from you. I really appreciate the support. Awesome to hear you are learning. Thanks a million. Good luck with your fishing & be safe out there :)

[@brianh.5727]

Thanks for another great video Captain. I REALLY enjoyed this one. You’ve got me excited about trying out some planer fishing and thanks to you I feel confident enough to do it. Thanks again Brother.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and sharing your enthusiasm to get out there and get going. Once you get the hang of it you'll be addicted. It's a super effective method and catches many species. I consider planer trolling to be a fundamental way of trolling the deep reef. Glad to hear you found the info useful. Thanks again for your support of the channel, I truly and sincerely appreciate it. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@khalidalbagdadymd4081]

What I like about your videos is the way you explain, you explain those tiny little things clearly, and I mean those little things that i wouldn’t even think about now and I just face it while I am fishing. For example letting the line in the water while hand lining the fish by keeping the boat slowly in forward. So thank you.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some excellent feedback. I truly appreciate it and the support for the channel. Thanks for noticing the details. Sometimes that's what makes all the difference, some of the tiniest unspoken about practices, that take the whole game to a new level. Glad to hear you are enjoying. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@rickbold9337]

Thanks Heath for the loads of information to the newbies like me!

[@branislavkupresakovic4622]

Great video,thanks. Number one source for saltwater fishing. Very informative. Easy to understand and help to educate future king mackerel fisherman.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving a most excellent comment. I truly appreciate your support. Whether your a seasoned pro or brand new to fishing, it's always interesting to see how other people approach certain tactics. Thanks again for your continued support. Take care & tight lines :)

[@cobaelpescador]

Thanks Capt got myself some good tips specially with the colors I fish of Boca Inlet too and I appreciate that, Tight lines David C.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Hey David, It's my pleasure to share what works for me as I have learned through many failures time and time again. Boca Inlet is a great spot to the north or south, with Hydro right out front and the trench about a mile away... and it's not a brutal inlet like Boynton or Haulover. Take care and tight lines.

[@TheJwhollis]

IMHO this is a most sensible DIY saltwater fishing guide & tips being being shown for south Florida and surrounding waters.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some positive feedback. Looks like you've been doing some binge watching :))) I truly appreciate the support and am glad it is down to earth and understandable. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@donaldmaltby3128]

Very informative as we are going to get gear to go planer trolling. We have been trolling on top since we started and this seems like the next step in learning and catching some fish.. Thanks for another great video that is very informative.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and sharing the progression of your journey. Planer trolling is definitely another step in the learning process... You'll eventually realize it is a necessity to finding fish. Good luck in your adventures. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@gunavaratharajan7246]

Another great video Captain! Keep rocking!!👍🏻👏🏻

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a boat load for watching and leaving some awesome feedback. I truly and sincerely appreciate it and your support for the channel. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@jimmuado]

Really helpful! Thanks so much!!!

[@sylvesterinfl]

Excellent presentation. Thanks, heading out!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks fir watching and leaving some positive feedback. I truly appreciate it. Good luck on your adventure. Tight lines & take care :)

[@1539Mickey]

Hi Heath, That was really good info about planning. Up here, we are in the winter slump until spring. Be glad you live in FL. Thanks, Mickey

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Hi Mickey. Thanks for watching, as always, great to hear from you. Stay warm, spring will be back before you know it. Take care. Heath.

[@1539Mickey]

Hi Heath, At least I'll have your videos to watch over the winter. Thanks, Mickey

[@baratangin9466]

Great lesson..

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks, I really appreciate the positive feedback :) take care

[@jejoko]

Listening to your video while I'm trolling the reefs 😁 Using the rubberband trick. So far, one King in the cooler.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Awesome sauce 🤙🤙🤙

[@aquaman461]

Heath another excellent bare bones video. Just the facts without all the "youtube wanna be celebrity" noise. Ive been fishing for years and you've knocked the dust off of the basics that work. Thanks for taking me back to fishing university!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for the compliment. Glad to give you a throwback. It's a real pleasure to hear from you, I really appreciate your support. Take care :)

[@aquaman461]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing have you done any episodes about catching pilchards/live baits

[@ckaz2806]

Great Video!!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching :)

[@Survivor00001]

Thanks-for the info , will be out as soon as it stops raining .Got it 6-8 knots on gps . Hope to be out next week .This will be my first time ,trolling in the golf wish u were there

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

I'm out of Boca Raton on the east coast... Good luck... Hopefully weather gives a window of opportunity

[@carycooper220]

Love your vedeos so much good information

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. I truly and sincerely appreciate it and your support for the channel. Thanks. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@reallymean233]

Enjoy your videos!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. I truly appreciate it and your support for the channel. Glad your are enjoying. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@chrisredding6034]

i'm happy your back up and running again buddy. let me know if you want to go out and do a tile fish episode or maybe we can do some wreck fishing with huge live baits! that will get some views, drop down some Vermilion or lane snapper on the hydro or something else.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Hey Chris, thanks for watching. It's good to be back in action. I'll definitely keep in touch and let you know when we can do another one. Tight lines :)

[@PetClipdog]

Thanks Teacher another very instructive Video. Miami!!!!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching. I really appreciate your persistence. Soon you're gonna run through the entire channel. Glad you are enjoying. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@PetClipdog]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing See You on the water. I usually launch from Crandon Park

[@gregakin5387]

Good stuff sir, thx

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching and leaving some positive feedback. I really appreciate the support. Take care :)

[@jerryoconnor6770]

This is by far the most detailed presentation on planer trolling I have found. I troll for spanish mackerel so your equipment is too heavy for that but the lessons apply. Thanks for a great educational video. I'm new to this but this helped my learning curve a great deal.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving the stellar feedback. I truly appreciate the support. Smaller planers that are made for lighter gear are available... when I go for the Spaniards in shallower water I'll use a #2 planer and a small green drone spoon... It's nothing but slaying time then. Glad to hear the information was helpful. Be safe out there. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@mellowmoodify]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Just wondering if youre still using 100' leader for spanish?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

@@mellowmoodify yes I am

[@mellowmoodify]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Thanks for the reply, tight lines!

[@keepnitreel2582]

Thanks for the tip

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. Your most welcome. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@gerardamitranno8837]

Heath, Do ever use a bridle system ? Do you have a video on that too?

[@millieatr]

Speaking of a Tether ,,, for years now when i buy a rod i zip tie a heavy duty D-ring to the rod and buy a 3 dollar small dog lease at W@lmart to attach the rod to my rod holder

[@josecapablanca2351]

Heath that was a great video. Funny thing is I find the video this morning and just yesterday I resupplied all my trolling tackle and bought exactly the same sea witch and skirts you show in the video without having seen it until today. Lol Anyways my question is you actually connect your baited lure line to the planer by using a snap swivel. In the instructions I got with my planer kit it talks about using a rubber band to attach my baited lure line to the planer ring. When there's a strike, the rubber band breaks and you go straight to fighting the fish and reel it in without the planer attached. If like to get your opinion on the pro and cons of that. I am new to planers so I'm trying to figure out how to follow your tactics and deploy it your way correctly. I'm not sure if I'm missing any steps.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question. I am a traditionalist when it comes to planer trolling. I love the man vs. fish aspect of handling the fish in once I reach the planer when reeling in. when it comes to the quick release planer use, the plus side is that you are no longer hooked to the planer and there is no hand lining in. The problems I've encountered and heard about are: 1.) the planer is still out there attached to a line and you don't know exactly where it is, thus it's possible for your fish to dive and get wrapped up in the line attached to the planer and cut your line or cause a huge mess of a tangle. 2.) you need 2 rods to troll 1 bait. 3.) some times the rubber band doesn't break. that being said, It's just my opinion... Some anglers swear by the rubber band method and have nothing but great success. Honestly, It's just something you have try to see what you prefer. Planer trolling definitely has a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you'll always have one in the water. PS.... best bait is bonito strips, hands down. Good luck and be safe out there :)

[@sunilramnath8972]

Its great to see the kids being part of your Fishing Team. Great Video again!. Question on the video: So the mono leader is 100ft. and attached to the planer with another 100ft or so of braid to the rod tip. While trolling, its understandable the planer will dive down to lets say 20-30+ feet. However, given a trolling a speed of 6 (+/-2) knots, how deep is the lure actually trolled below the surface (I am thinking that at the end of 100ft. of leader the lure would still tend to want to rise upwards rather than trolled as the same depth as the planer). Thank you in advance for you answer.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching leaving a great comment and asking a great question. Your assumption is correct The lure will rise back up in the water slightly probably about 10 or 15 ft or so. So let's say you're using a number 6 planer which will dive down to about 50 or 60 ft you can safely assume that your lure will be being trolled through the water at around the 30 to 40 ft depth range. The smaller the planer the less of the arc upwards the lure will have them so with a smaller planer you will have less of a variance difference in how far the lure will rise. For instance if you're using a number 3 planer which will dive down to about 30 ft your lure will only rise about between 5 and 10 ft up from the lure. Hope this makes sense and helps. Thanks again for your support of the channel I truly am sincerely appreciate it. Couldn't get this done without your help along the way. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@lannylawrence4864]

Great info for a novice like me.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving the positive feedback. I truly appreciate it. Glad it was helpful. Tight lines & take care :)

[@TheSteelheadKiller]

great great video thank you..I am new to sea fishin :) r those sea witch weighted or the only weight is in the squid head ? tnx

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching and asking a great and informative question... The answer is yes... They are weighted... Most sea witches are manufactured with a 1/4 ounce head in them, any additional weight is added through your squirt squid or trolling skirt. Welcome to the saltwater fishing family... Good luck & tight lines :)

[@darylculbertson8968]

🤙🏻

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and giving me the radical emoji of approval.I truly appreciate it and your support for the channel. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@deepwaterhappy3609]

Thank you. Headed across the GS from Lake Worth to Old Bahama Bay in a month on a sailboat; 6 knots. Planning to use a Cuban reel. We will be going in a straight line. Borrowed a planer from my dad. Any suggestions?

[@chuckhenry407]

Hello, Keith I have never done planner trolling. After watching your videos I got motivated to try it. I just rigged it and had a question. At the hook end instead of tying leader directly to hook could you tie a snap swivel to end of leader. So you can make it easier to switch between your different skirt lure set ups you have made. Instead of having to cut the line and retie again. Thank you

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching, leaving some great feedback, and asking a great question. Yes to the snap swivel. You're 100% accurate about the ease of switching out the lure. Make sure you use a swivel with a coast lock and not a snap swivel. snap swivels tend to pop open. Coast lock swivel won't. Hope this helps. Thanks again for your support of the channel, I truly appreciate it. Good luck in your fishing journeys. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@iBelongOutdoors]

How are you doing great video, I’ve heard some brand planers are better than others when it comes to trying to trip them to reel in and check your lures , what do you say about that?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching and asking a most excellent question. To be honest, I've never really thought about different manufacturers and whether or not they trip easier, nor have I heard that theory. However, I'm sure it's entirely possible. Technology on tackle makes advances all the time and planers are not excluded from further development. The planer I use is from the Old Salty, it's a #6, it trips quite easily with braid. I wish I had a better answer for you, gonna have do some homework I guess. Anyway, take care & tight lines :) PS... those are some nice lobster on your channel banner.

[@iBelongOutdoors]

South Florida Saltwater Fishing No worries, thanks for the quick response!

[@kenscott484]

Your thoughts on planers run off of your boat cleat and rubber bands / quick release for your main fishing line? Thanks

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking you a question. it's funny that you mention needs to other tactics of planer trolling I'm about ready to start a series where I go over exactly how to do it and. what gear you can use to get it accomplished. the bridled quick release method can we get a little complicated because of the attachments on your line if you don't have the right guides on your rod and can get hung up and compromise the connecting points. the one where the line is runoff that cleat I actually just leave it on another ride that way I can real it up at the end of the day instead of hand lining it in and I tend to like this one a little bit better simply because you can use a spinning reel on it. Hope this helps. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care

[@grandwonder5858]

How much line should you tie between the planer board and the lure? Does the more line being let out between the planer board and the lure make the lure dive deeper? Also, does trolling faster make the lure dive deeper as well? I'm asking because I don't have a boat, but I'm thinking about getting one when I have the money. Thanks for your excellent explanation on what fishing with a planer board is all about. I have been wondering for years about what it is, but never really know how it works until I saw your video!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching. Best policy is to have 100 feet of leader line between the planer and the lure. No, letting out more line will not make it dive deeper, but, you have to let out at least 150 feet of main line to make it troll at it's proper depth. No, going faster will not make it dive deeper. Good with your future fishing ;)

[@lildeena1]

what # mono for the shock leader behind the planer do you recommend I use? I have 80, 50, and 40 in house.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

I use 100 feet of 60 lb test mono

[@Hellmuthsilva]

I went out today morning, using what I learned from you caught about 10 bonitos lol huge king fish and one spanish mackerel. Very cool and fun day. Thanks for the info my drag broke lol to small for planner so now I have to look for one any recommendations? I was looking at a Penn but so many options.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Sounds like you had a stellar day... with the exception of the broken gear. I can definitely advise you on reels.. Penn is a Globally recognized name, and for good reason. All but 2 of my reels are from Penn... If you're looking at conventional reels and it's in your budget, I'd check out Penn International 30. That's what I use for planer trolling. It's a total monster reel that gets the job done. Here's a link: bit.ly/2QR6sJY Good luck in your search for a quality reel... Just keep in mind, you get what you pay for. Tight lines & take care :)

[@Hellmuthsilva]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing the link doesn't work. Also would need a rod, yeah I need something It will last me because I'm the only one that works in my how and on a budged lol.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

@@Hellmuthsilva here's a link to Penn's website www.pennfishing.com/collections/conventional-reels when it comes to rods if you're on a budget (like me too) I'd go to bass pro and check out the Offshore Angler selection for conventional reels. Good luck & tight lines... PS finding a conventional reel that's a good personal fit, is not something that is a rushed process, please take some time to shop around and find something you really like. Take care :)

[@jeffwien6460]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing what are your thoughts on the Penn Fathom 60?

[@jeffwien6460]

Can I use a bent rod with the planer? I have a Squall 50W with a bent rod, but have trouble knowing if the planer is set with the bent rod

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Yes u can... Bent butt rods react well with planers.

[@ralph9987]

Thanks for all the info. I have a #4 planer, what depth does it go down to at 6-8 knots?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

It'll get down to about 40 feet

[@ralph9987]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing thanks, we have many shallows here in Australia around the Whitsundays, so that's good to know.

[@jarvisvannorman2933]

In this video you said 30lb mono but in your planer video for wahoo you said 80lb braid to keep the line from stretching and going up and down. I just had 50lb mono put on my told 30’s. Should I stay with the mono since it is brand new. Only planer the store had were #4. Thanks!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching, sharing and asking a great question. You are correct about the differences in the videos, the how to seminar is more of a novice classroom session, the wahoo video is more of a"how to target this species" showcase. The more involved in planer trolling you, the more you'll notice the difference. However, mono is perfectly fine, don't go changing it. It's easier to set the planer using mono, you just have to check/re-rig your main line swivel at the end of the trip because of the stretching and retracting of the line (with braid you don't have that issue). A #4 planer is awesome it'll get you down 30 - 40 feet when you're doing around 6 - 8 knots. Once you get comfortable planer trolling, you're gonna want to consider tying on a 300 yard top shot of 80 pound braid over your 50lb mono. Sounds like you're set up and ready to go do some slaying. Good luck in your fishing adventures. Thanks again for your support of the channel, I truly appreciate it. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@miketexas4549]

Been thinking of running a 40' planer off the stern cleat, then double snap swivel/rubber band setup to send a DTX 220 Minnow that also dives to 40'. Theoretically, I would be able to get the lure 80' down - will this work? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

You can try it. The resistance from the diving minnow might snap the rubber bands though

[@prairiepegger]

Need assistance on catching fish in the Boca Grande area while trolling. Do you have any experience in my Gulf region?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

I'd be lying if I said I had any clue.

[@nicacrush]

Guys in Florida ever use sinker releases for trolling?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching and asking a great question. Some people do use the quick release clips on planers, however, most folks have never even heard of them. Personally, I like the hand-to-hand combat, man vs. fish thing, so I stick with the traditional planer and hand-line in the 100 foot leader. Thanks again for watching, I truly appreciate the support. Tight lines & take care :)

[@christianhaugland2104]

Hey Heath , what size planer would you need to troll a weighted 2oz head sea witch? I felt my #6 planer kept tripping

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

That lure is too big it's gonna trip most planers... u can try a size 16 but that dives down to 160 feet and takes a 12-0 real to handle it.... your gonna want to max out at 3/4 ounce plus lure and strip bait

[@christianhaugland2104]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing thanks you just saved me a lot of frustration

[@christianhaugland2104]

Are these 2oz weighted seawitches good for anything? I already bought them unfortunately

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

@@christianhaugland2104 troll them on top same setup as planer trolling

[@matthewmueller4060]

Does it really need to be 100 feet from planer to lure? That seems like a lot.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Makes all the difference. The planer is a big metal piece of hardware that will spook fish.

[@JoeJoe-qy4vw]

Please i want buy a reel for planer trolling system no 6 ..please what reel rather than penn international you advise me to buy ?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

You might want to consider a Shimano TLD. Here's a link: www.tackledirect.com/shimanotld.html Remember you're gonna need a rod too... Good luck in your search :)))

[@JoeJoe-qy4vw]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing thanks for your great advise

[@TEKKKNO]

Whats the maximum depth can dive with this boards?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question... The #6 planet I usr dives to about 35 feet down... If you want to go deeper you can go with a #8 which will get you to about 50 feet down... The smaller planers will tale you shallower. I have had the most success with the #6. Hope this helps. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@ChasingDreamsLivingLife]

Why only 40lb test on the yo-yo? Do you ever have any issues with big wahoo or Tuna, Kings with only 40lb test?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching and asking a stellar question. The answer is multi part... First, no, I've never had an issue with 40lb. I've used it for countless years now and never had a failure due to the line weight test, it's more about making sure you monitor you drag tension properly. With 40 I've caught kings, wahoo, tuna, bonito, dolphin, sharks, cero macks, sailfish, white marlin and barracuda... No problem. Next, truth be told, 40 is a little risky, but at the same time it's more stealthy, which is why I use a light weight #4 wire leader also... I'll take my chances with the lighter tackle and more bites, than less bites and a sure landing... But that's just me and my thought process. Hey, thanks for asking, glad I could explain that for you.... Take care & tight lines ;)

[@ChasingDreamsLivingLife]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing awesome!! thanks for all the Info! I live down here in Key Largo! Lets go Fishing! Come down and lets take my boat out!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

@@ChasingDreamsLivingLife Sounds great. My grandmother lives on largo sound across from the Caribbean Club. So I down there often. Next time I head south I'll hit you up. Send me an email [e-mail] Take care & tight lines ;)

[@dgaffishing235]

I had my planer bit off by a barracuda

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and sharing your story. that's a true bummer to lose all that gear at one time from a barracuda. Unfortunately it does happen every once in awhile from those toothy critters. One clean swipe in there goes a lot of deer in one shot. Thanks again I really appreciate your support for the channel. Hopefully something like this doesn't again this to you. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@gerardamitranno8837]

Heath, Do ever use a bridle system ? Do you have a video on that too?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

No I don't like the bridle. I'm an old school hand lining guy.