Best Planer Boards For Lake Erie Trolling
Western Basin winds and Central Basin currents don’t grant leniency in fall trolling, and you know the clock runs fast when the bite shifts with the temp. You need planers that stay true, track steady, and push baits to the right depth in cold water. This roundup covers compact 8x3 boards, rugged 10-inch Edge 2s, and spring-flag setups that handle offshore runs and perch patrols alike. I’ve hunted walleye and perch through fall tournaments on both sides of Lake Erie, so you’ll get real-world performance, solid depth targets, and technique notes you can actually run with on your next trip.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Lake Erie Fishing
Best for All-Waters Trolling: 2 Pack Planer Boards for Fishing Trolling 8 x 3 Inches Off Shore Crappie Planer Boards Kits with Flag Fishing Accessory for Inshore Offshore Trolling Dragging
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Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- 2 Pack Planer Boards for Fishing Trolling 8 x 3 Inches Off Shore Crappie Planer Boards Kits with Flag Fishing Accessory for Inshore Offshore Trolling Dragging
- Off Shore Tackle Planer Boards - (OR-12) (OR-37)
- Edge 2 Planer Boards | Heavy-Duty 10" Aluminum & EVA Foam | Lightweight, Curved Front for Low Drag | Adjustable for Catfish, Striper & More | 2-Pack (Yellow, Medium)
- Planer Board (P007,P009),Includes Spring Flag System,Left&Right L8 xW3,L10 Xw3.5,Pair,Yellow
- Planer Board (P007,P009),Includes Spring Flag System,Left&Right L8 xW3,L10 Xw3.5,Pair,Yellow
- 2 Pack Planer Boards for Fishing Trolling 8 x 3 Inches Off Shore Crappie Planer Boards Kits with Flag Fishing Accessory for Inshore Offshore Trolling Dragging
- 2 Pack Planer Boards for Fishing Trolling 8 x 3 Inches Off Shore Crappie Planer Boards Kits with Flag Fishing Accessory for Inshore Offshore Trolling Dragging
- Leinuosen 2 Pcs Fishing Planer with Stainless Steel Heavy-Duty Trolling Planer Boards for Fishing Downrigger Freshwater Saltwater Wahoo Tuna Outdoor
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Board size and design drive reach and tracking: 8x3 boards strike a versatile balance for quick, clean depth reach, while the Edge 2’s 10" aluminum body reduces drag and holds a heavier pull for bigger spoons and jigs.
- Cold-water durability matters: rugged aluminum, stainless hardware, and EVA foam builds stand up to Western and Central Basin conditions, with reliable line control in chop and gusts.
- Flag systems and visibility matter in practice: spring-flag setups let you see line departures at distance and simplify coordinating a two- or three-line spread without guessing.
- Seasonal strategy by basin: in fall, target deeper structure—Western Basin 40–70 ft, Central Basin often 60–100 ft—using steady speeds in the 1.8–2.5 mph range to maintain clean baits at depth.
- Setup value and versatility: two-pack bundles let you run balanced left/right spreads, frequently include flags, and work with a variety of baits—stickbaits, spoons, and trolling jigs—without reinventing the wheel.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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2 Pack Planer Boards for Fishing Trolling 8 x 3 Inches Off Shore Crappie Planer Boards Kits with Flag Fishing Accessory for Inshore Offshore Trolling Dragging
🏆 Best For: Best for All-Waters Trolling
These 8x3 inch planers earn the Best for Inshore/Offshore Flex tag by delivering reliable depth control and stable tracking from the Western Basin weedlines to Central Basin channels. You can run tight, two-wide spreads or swap boards for shallower or deeper fish without losing line tension. In fall trolling, when walleye push along structure and perch roam the edges, they stay on plane and resist roll, letting you keep your lines clean and your baits in the strike zone. The flag accessory helps you spot the board in choppy water and quickly confirm which line is which.
Key features and real-world benefits: two boards per kit, each 8x3 inches, lightweight but rigid for stable tracking behind the boat. Cold-water rated plastic resists cracking from ice spray and hard lake winds. They deploy simply and stay true at trolling speeds around 1.8-2.4 mph; you can run them 15-40 feet back of the boat depending on depth and target. The included flag improves visibility when you’re running multiple lines, letting you react fast to a bite or a tangling cross. They work with spoons, blade baits, and live minnows, making them versatile for walleye and perch on Erie.
Who should buy this and when: any serious Erie angler chasing walleye or perch who wants a flexible inshore/offshore spread without a big bank of boards. Perfect for Western Basin fall patterns where the fish hug weedlines and nearby saddles, and handy in Central Basin patterns when you need to dip deeper for thermocline fish. If you roll with a mid-sized boat, this two-pack gives you extra coverage for a light tournament-ready spread and quick depth adjustments between lakes or weather changes.
Drawbacks: only two boards per kit, so you’ll want more if you’re running a longer spread. Small size can be limiting with heavy baits or long leads in high wind, and the flag can snag in thick weed or chop. Overall, a solid choice when you need quick, reliable inshore/offshore versatility in Lake Erie conditions.
✅ Pros
- Stable tracking behind the boat
- Easy to deploy on small boats
- Flag improves visibility in chop
❌ Cons
- Only two boards per kit
- Small size limits heavy rigs
- Key Ingredient: 8x3 inch planer boards, two-pack with flag
- Scent Profile: Scent-free
- Best For: Best for Inshore/Offshore Flex
- Size / Volume: 8 x 3 inches per board; two-pack
- Special Feature: Flag fishing accessory included
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Off Shore Tackle Planer Boards - (OR-12) (OR-37)
🏆 Best For: Best for Heavy Trolling
Ranked #2 in the roundup, Off Shore Tackle OR-12 and OR-37 earn Best for Heavy Trolling because they lock your spread in Lake Erie’s rough Western and Central Basin chop and hand you the ability to pull big baits with rock-solid control. When you’re pushing copper or heavy spoons at extended setbacks, these boards stay square, track true, and keep lines out of the boat’s wash. In fall pattern trolling for walleye after fronts, that dependable pull and distance matter more than flash.
Key features and real-world benefits: the boards are built for cold-water use and heavy setups, with two sizes that let you tailor the spread to your boat and target. OR-12 offers quick, nimble deployment for tight slots, while OR-37 handles deeper work and heavier lines without stalling or tipping. They track through chop, resist tangling, and let you place lures where the fish actually roam—whether you’re out over the thermocline in a west wind or working shallow for perch when the weed line tightens. You’ll notice how the setup feels deliberate rather than fiddly, and how the release points stay predictable under pressure.
Who should buy this and when: this is your go-to if you fish Western Basin or Central Basin patterns with multiple lines, especially in fall when walleye suspend and bite patterns shift with the fronts. If you’re chasing consistent hits on tough days, or guiding clients on windy afternoons, this pair gives you the depth and distance you need without sacrificing boat control. It’s a practical upgrade for long spreads and heavy trolling rigs, and it pairs well with copper and heavy Jensen spoons when the bite calls for depth and separation.
Drawbacks or caveats: they’re bulkier than compact boards, so solo deployments slow you down a notch. They also demand a touch more setup time and line management, especially when you’re running two sides at once. If you mostly jig or light-troll, the extra ballast and footprint aren’t as advantageous, but for heavy trolling on Erie during fall and tournament days, they’re worth the space and effort.
✅ Pros
- Handles heavy lures and weights confidently.
- Stable tracking in Western Basin chop.
- Sizes cover deep to shallow trolling.
❌ Cons
- Bulkier than compact boards.
- Requires practice to dial depth reliably.
- Key Ingredient: Polycarbonate/nylon construction for cold Lake Erie use
- Scent Profile: No scent; gear-only performance
- Best For: Best for Heavy Trolling
- Size / Volume: OR-12 and OR-37 sizes
- Special Feature: Dual sizes for depth and distance control
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Edge 2 Planer Boards | Heavy-Duty 10" Aluminum & EVA Foam | Lightweight, Curved Front for Low Drag | Adjustable for Catfish, Striper & More | 2-Pack (Yellow, Medium)
🏆 Best For: Best for Heavy-Duty Trolls
Edge 2 Planer Boards earn the Best for Heavy-Duty Trolls designation because they stand up to Erie’s big-water trolling in Western Basin conditions and fall patterns. The 10-inch aluminum frame with an EVA foam float resists cold-water fatigue and stays rigid when your lines push through chop. Their curved front slices cleanly, reducing drag and helping the board track true when you’re running multiple lines off the bow or stern. In fall patterns where walleye tighten to weedlines and structure, they keep your baits at the right depth without constant babysitting, which matters on tournament days.
Key features and real-world benefits: The Edge 2 comes as a 2-pack in yellow, medium, so you can run matched sides or mix baits without swapping gear. The curved front minimizes drag at trolling speeds and reduces line twists, while the rugged aluminum plus EVA foam construction stands up to cold Erie water. They’re adjustable for catfish, striper, and other species too, giving you versatility if you bump perch or other targets along weed edges during a long day on the lake.
Who should buy this and when: You’re chasing heavy-duty trolling with big spoons or deep-diving crankbaits along Erie weedlines. In Western Basin fall patterns, when wind drives chop and you need consistent depth, these boards are your workhorse. Tournament teams will appreciate dependable tracking and the ability to run multiple baits cleanly, even with heavy boat traffic and rough water. If you fish Central Basin in clear water with steady wind, they still keep your lines out of your planers and your lures in the strike zone.
Honest drawbacks or caveats: Limited color/size options in this pack. Not designed for ice fishing. They require some practice to finesse deployment to avoid tangles in rough water.
✅ Pros
- Sturdy 10" aluminum with EVA foam
- Low-drag curved front improves tracking
- Handles big lures and deep setups
❌ Cons
- Limited color/size options
- Not designed for ice fishing
- Key Ingredient: 10" aluminum & EVA foam construction
- Scent Profile: N/A
- Best For: Best for Heavy-Duty Trolls
- Size / Volume: 2-Pack (Yellow, Medium)
- Special Feature: Curved front reduces drag
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Planer Board (P007,P009),Includes Spring Flag System,Left&Right L8 xW3,L10 Xw3.5,Pair,Yellow
🏆 Best For: Best Flag-Equipped Pair
Two boards, left and right, let you run a clean, balanced spread. The dual-sided spread keeps your lines clear and your baits at consistent depths through Western Basin chop. The yellow boards pop in rough water, helping your crew track baits. In fall patterns, you can stagger their back 40–60 feet to locate walleye and perch along shoreline humps and reef edges.
You get a spring flag system for quick bite detection. Left and right boards come in 8 and 10 inch sizes, adding visibility and depth control. The pair is yellow for quick spotting in waves. Durable enough for Western Basin chilly fronts, and simple for you to retrofit with your standard 4- to 6-oz weights. At $48 for the pair, it's a solid value for a double-board setup.
This setup is ideal when you fish Western Basin falls. In tournament runs, you pair these with shallow trailing setups to cover reef edges and humps as perch school. You’ll see beginners grow confident fast, while seasoned captains appreciate the balance. If you’re fishing Central Basin coves in late fall, use the smaller board on the inside to keep your lines clear.
If you push these in heavy Western Basin chop, the smaller board will feel it more. Keep spare clips handy and inspect for wear after a season.
✅ Pros
- Dual boards left and right, easy spread
- Spring flag aids bite detection
- Bright yellow for quick spotting
❌ Cons
- Not as rugged as higher-end boards
- Flags snag in weed occasionally
- Key Ingredient: Dual-sided boards with spring flags
- Scent Profile: N/A
- Best For: Best Dual-Sided Trolling
- Size / Volume: 8" and 10" boards; widths 3" and 3.5"
- Special Feature: Spring flag alert system
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Planer Board (P007,P009),Includes Spring Flag System,Left&Right L8 xW3,L10 Xw3.5,Pair,Yellow
🏆 Best For: Best Dual-Sided Trolling
Two boards, left and right, let you run a clean, balanced spread. The dual-sided spread keeps your lines clear and your baits at consistent depths through Western Basin chop. The yellow boards pop in rough water, helping your crew track baits. In fall patterns, you can stagger their back 40–60 feet to locate walleye and perch along shoreline humps and reef edges.
You get a spring flag system for quick bite detection. Left and right boards come in 8 and 10 inch sizes, adding visibility and depth control. The pair is yellow for quick spotting in waves. Durable enough for Western Basin chilly fronts, and simple for you to retrofit with your standard 4- to 6-oz weights. At $48 for the pair, it's a solid value for a double-board setup.
This setup is ideal when you fish Western Basin falls. In tournament runs, you pair these with shallow trailing setups to cover reef edges and humps as perch school. You’ll see beginners grow confident fast, while seasoned captains appreciate the balance. If you’re fishing Central Basin coves in late fall, use the smaller board on the inside to keep your lines clear.
If you push these in heavy Western Basin chop, the smaller board will feel it more. Keep spare clips handy and inspect for wear after a season.
✅ Pros
- Dual boards left and right, easy spread
- Spring flag aids bite detection
- Bright yellow for quick spotting
❌ Cons
- Not as rugged as higher-end boards
- Flags snag in weed occasionally
- Key Ingredient: Dual-sided boards with spring flags
- Scent Profile: N/A
- Best For: Best Dual-Sided Trolling
- Size / Volume: 8" and 10" boards; widths 3" and 3.5"
- Special Feature: Spring flag alert system
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2 Pack Planer Boards for Fishing Trolling 8 x 3 Inches Off Shore Crappie Planer Boards Kits with Flag Fishing Accessory for Inshore Offshore Trolling Dragging
🏆 Best For: Best for Crappie Trolling
These 8x3 inch planers earn the Best for Inshore/Offshore Flex tag by delivering reliable depth control and stable tracking from the Western Basin weedlines to Central Basin channels. You can run tight, two-wide spreads or swap boards for shallower or deeper fish without losing line tension. In fall trolling, when walleye push along structure and perch roam the edges, they stay on plane and resist roll, letting you keep your lines clean and your baits in the strike zone. The flag accessory helps you spot the board in choppy water and quickly confirm which line is which.
Key features and real-world benefits: two boards per kit, each 8x3 inches, lightweight but rigid for stable tracking behind the boat. Cold-water rated plastic resists cracking from ice spray and hard lake winds. They deploy simply and stay true at trolling speeds around 1.8-2.4 mph; you can run them 15-40 feet back of the boat depending on depth and target. The included flag improves visibility when you’re running multiple lines, letting you react fast to a bite or a tangling cross. They work with spoons, blade baits, and live minnows, making them versatile for walleye and perch on Erie.
Who should buy this and when: any serious Erie angler chasing walleye or perch who wants a flexible inshore/offshore spread without a big bank of boards. Perfect for Western Basin fall patterns where the fish hug weedlines and nearby saddles, and handy in Central Basin patterns when you need to dip deeper for thermocline fish. If you roll with a mid-sized boat, this two-pack gives you extra coverage for a light tournament-ready spread and quick depth adjustments between lakes or weather changes.
Drawbacks: only two boards per kit, so you’ll want more if you’re running a longer spread. Small size can be limiting with heavy baits or long leads in high wind, and the flag can snag in thick weed or chop. Overall, a solid choice when you need quick, reliable inshore/offshore versatility in Lake Erie conditions.
✅ Pros
- Stable tracking behind the boat
- Easy to deploy on small boats
- Flag improves visibility in chop
❌ Cons
- Only two boards per kit
- Small size limits heavy rigs
- Key Ingredient: 8x3 inch planer boards, two-pack with flag
- Scent Profile: Scent-free
- Best For: Best for Inshore/Offshore Flex
- Size / Volume: 8 x 3 inches per board; two-pack
- Special Feature: Flag fishing accessory included
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2 Pack Planer Boards for Fishing Trolling 8 x 3 Inches Off Shore Crappie Planer Boards Kits with Flag Fishing Accessory for Inshore Offshore Trolling Dragging
🏆 Best For: Best for Inshore/Offshore Flex
These 8x3 inch planers earn the Best for Inshore/Offshore Flex tag by delivering reliable depth control and stable tracking from the Western Basin weedlines to Central Basin channels. You can run tight, two-wide spreads or swap boards for shallower or deeper fish without losing line tension. In fall trolling, when walleye push along structure and perch roam the edges, they stay on plane and resist roll, letting you keep your lines clean and your baits in the strike zone. The flag accessory helps you spot the board in choppy water and quickly confirm which line is which.
Key features and real-world benefits: two boards per kit, each 8x3 inches, lightweight but rigid for stable tracking behind the boat. Cold-water rated plastic resists cracking from ice spray and hard lake winds. They deploy simply and stay true at trolling speeds around 1.8-2.4 mph; you can run them 15-40 feet back of the boat depending on depth and target. The included flag improves visibility when you’re running multiple lines, letting you react fast to a bite or a tangling cross. They work with spoons, blade baits, and live minnows, making them versatile for walleye and perch on Erie.
Who should buy this and when: any serious Erie angler chasing walleye or perch who wants a flexible inshore/offshore spread without a big bank of boards. Perfect for Western Basin fall patterns where the fish hug weedlines and nearby saddles, and handy in Central Basin patterns when you need to dip deeper for thermocline fish. If you roll with a mid-sized boat, this two-pack gives you extra coverage for a light tournament-ready spread and quick depth adjustments between lakes or weather changes.
Drawbacks: only two boards per kit, so you’ll want more if you’re running a longer spread. Small size can be limiting with heavy baits or long leads in high wind, and the flag can snag in thick weed or chop. Overall, a solid choice when you need quick, reliable inshore/offshore versatility in Lake Erie conditions.
✅ Pros
- Stable tracking behind the boat
- Easy to deploy on small boats
- Flag improves visibility in chop
❌ Cons
- Only two boards per kit
- Small size limits heavy rigs
- Key Ingredient: 8x3 inch planer boards, two-pack with flag
- Scent Profile: Scent-free
- Best For: Best for Inshore/Offshore Flex
- Size / Volume: 8 x 3 inches per board; two-pack
- Special Feature: Flag fishing accessory included
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Leinuosen 2 Pcs Fishing Planer with Stainless Steel Heavy-Duty Trolling Planer Boards for Fishing Downrigger Freshwater Saltwater Wahoo Tuna Outdoor
🏆 Best For: Best for Big-Game Saltwater
These Leinuosen planer boards earn the Best for Big-Game Saltwater tag because they’re built to take rough water and still run true behind the boat. Stainless steel construction shrugs off salt spray and cold Lake Erie winds, so you don’t chase gear during a tournament set. In Western Basin chop and fall patterns, the boards track true and let you push baits wide to locate roaming walleye and perch without getting tangled in the boat wake.
Key features translate to real-world gains. The package includes two heavy-duty boards that resist bending and stay stable behind 2.0–2.8 mph trolling. They handle a range of baits—crankbaits, spoons, and live rigs—without twisting or losing line. In practice, you’ll run leads of 40–60 feet and still keep your lines out of the navigator’s spray, which matters when you’re scouting deep edge structures in the Central Basin during fall pattern days.
Who should buy and when: tournament boats and serious Erie anglers who run a spread, especially on windy Western Basin days or when chasing late-season walleye and perch from Cleveland to Port Clinton. Two boards give you a practical spread and the option to pair with a second set later; they’re a solid upgrade for a budget-conscious crew. If you’re prepping for autumn derbies or building a multi-boat rig, this is a smart move.
✅ Pros
- Stainless steel resists salt and cold
- Tracks true in chop; stable spreads
- Two-board set; ready out of the box
❌ Cons
- Only two boards per pack
- Requires extra hardware for larger spreads
- Key Ingredient: Stainless steel heavy-duty planer boards
- Scent Profile: Not applicable — no scent impact
- Best For: Best for Big-Game Saltwater
- Size / Volume: 2-pack
- Special Feature: Corrosion-resistant, true-running planing
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Inline vs. off-board planer boards: what’s the difference and which should you pick for Lake Erie?
Inline boards ride on the mainline and stay close to the boat, which makes them quick to react in choppy Western Basin days. Off-board boards ride on separate lines farther out, giving you a wider spread for deeper fish and clean lines in calm Central Basin water. Most Erie anglers use a mix to cover both shallow and deep targets in fall tournaments.
How many planer boards should I run per side on Lake Erie?
Two is the standard for a clean, controllable spread on most boats. If the wind is light and water calm, you can run three per side for better depth coverage. In strong wind or with larger boats, four per side becomes feasible, but be ready for more tangles and management.
How do I dial depth with planer boards during fall patterns?
Depth comes from lead length and how much board drag you set. Start with leads in the 40-60 foot range in Western Basin fall actions to keep baits in 15-40 feet; extend to 70-90 feet in Central Basin to reach 60-100 feet. Fine-tune by 5-10 feet based on speed, current, and where the fish are holding, and swap in a lighter or heavier weight if needed.
What lines work best with planer boards on Lake Erie?
Most anglers run 12-20 lb mono or 20-30 lb copolymer for dependable releases and smooth tracking. Braided lines can work, but they demand better releases and careful setup to avoid spool jams. In fall Erie runs, keep the line in good condition and check for nicks before the rods go out.
Are planer boards effective in cold water and during ice-out?
They perform well when the water is frigid; releases can stiffen, so service is key. Keep hardware clean, lubricated, and seals tight to avoid freezing or sticking in late fall. If you’re fishing ice-out or early spring, test your releases on the water before a tournament.
What maintenance should I do to keep planner boards running?
Rinse after each trip to remove lake minerals and debris. Inspect clips and releases for wear and replace them before a big trip. Store boards dry and out of direct sun to prevent cracking, and grease the moving parts for cold-weather reliability.
Are there any special setup tips for tournament days on Erie?
Keep a clean spread that you can adjust quickly between runs; use two per side as a baseline and stagger depths. Practice your releases before a big event so you’re not chasing after a snag with fish on, and keep a spare rod handy for quick swaps mid-flight. On windy days, shorten the leads slightly and close your angle to reduce tangles and keep your lines out of the boat’s prop wash.
Conclusion
Lake Erie trolling rewards a steady hand and the right boards. Choose durable, deep-reaching planers and learn to tune depth by lead length and wind; your fall tournament results will show it. My recommendation: run two mid-size boards per side with a wide, stable spread on calm Central Basin days, and switch to inline, deeper-reaching boards as fish move shallower in western fall patterns.
