Off Shore Tackle—Often Imitated but Never Duplicated
Chris Souders likes the adaptability of the Pro Mag Boards to different fishing conditions.
Planer boards have become a vital part of most catfish anglers’ arsenal. They were used for years in walleye fishing, were picked up by crappie anglers, and since picked up by numerous catfish anglers. There are not many catfish boats that don’t have planer boards onboard for when the right conditions arise. If they don’t have them, they should.
Traditionally, planer boards were used for dragging baits but more and more anglers are discovering that they can also use them from a stationary position if there is enough current. In either case, putting one or two boards out on each side of the boat will increase the spread and the success.
Planer boards are not as hard to get used to as some anglers think. They are pretty simple and they increase the odds of putting fish in the boat. Well-known catfish angler Chris Souders carries different size boards on his boat. Different conditions require different boards.
Souders describes Off Shore Tackle planer boards as “…some of the most dependable and toughest boards on the market,” He runs two different sizes on his boat depending on the fish he targets.
“The OR12 boards are the perfect size to drag baits in small lakes for channel catfish,” continued the Oak Hill, Ohio angler. “I can normally drag weights up to 4 ounces with small to moderate size baits. They provide a good wide spread, even at lower speeds (.3 to .5 mph).”
“My favorite boards to run are the Pro Mag series,” explained Souders. “I can do everything from drag baits to suspend baits in any lake or river with the Pro Mags. Being able to have one board that you can suspend 8 ounces of weight with a large bait in the Ohio River is a must for me. Then to turn right around and drag 6 ounces or less on Lake Wheeler in 3-foot waves, with the same boards, is a real confidence booster.”
Souders has figured it out. Only having one set of boards to fish in two different situations not only boosts your confidence but is also a huge space saver in the boat. Additionally, he reports that his catch rate increased around 35% instantly when he started using planer boards.
Visit the Off Shore Tackle website at www.offshoretackle.com to view their full line of catfish gear. Chris Souders can be reached through his Facebook page and view his videos on YouTube.
