When I started trolling the Great Lakes with a single rod off the back of my boat, I missed fish after fish. The bait was right behind the prop wash, the boat spooked everything that came close, and I was staring at a 10-foot-wide search lane in a lake that ran miles in every direction. The day I clipped on my first planer board and watched that lure slide 80 feet to the side, my spread doubled in a single cast. That was the moment I realized the best planer boards aren’t a luxury – they’re a fundamental trolling tool.
This guide covers 8 planer boards I have personally rigged, tested, and run for walleye, salmon, crappie, striper, and musky over multiple seasons. I have fished them all in calm mornings and in 4-foot chop. I have talked to guides, watched tournament crews debug boards mid-event, and read every spec sheet. The goal here is simple: help you pick the right planer board for your boat, your target fish, and your trolling style in 2026.
If you have ever asked “are planer boards worth it?” the short answer is yes – they spread your lines, push lures away from boat noise, and let you cover hundreds of feet of water without a downrigger. I will walk you through each board’s strengths, limitations, and the exact situations where it shines.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks at a Glance (2026)
- Best Planer Boards (August 2026) Quick Overview
- 1. Off Shore OR12L Left Side Planer – Best Overall
- 2. B-Kat Boards Catfishing Planer Board Set – Best for Catfish and Multi-Species
- 3. Off Shore Planer Combo Kit – Best Complete Starter Kit
- 4. My PB Series Edge 2 Planer Boards – Best Budget Pick
- 5. Off Shore Tackle OR-38 Crappie Planer Board – Best for Crappie
- 6. Krazywolf Planer Board Pair – Best for Beginners
- 7. Church Tackle TX-22 Special Pro-Pack – Premium Pick
- 8. Clarkspoon Fishing Planer – Best Saltwater Diving Planer
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Planer Boards?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (2026)
Off Shore OR12L Left Side…
- Ballasted for rough water
- Ideal for walleye
- Left-side design
- Trusted brand
Best Planer Boards (August 2026) Quick Overview
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Off Shore OR12L Left Side Planer |
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| B-Kat Boards Catfishing Set |
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 Off Shore Planer Combo Kit |
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 My PB Series Edge 2 Boards |
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 Off Shore OR-38 Crappie Board |
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 Krazywolf Planer Board Pair |
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 Church Tackle TX-22 Pro-Pack |
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 Clarkspoon Fishing Planer |
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1. Off Shore OR12L Left Side Planer – Best Overall
Off Shore OR12L Left Side Planer with Flag, Yellow , 9-1/2″
Ballasted rough-water design
9.5 inch yellow body
Ideal for walleye
Left side
Pros
- Ballasted to run flawlessly in rough water
- Ideal for walleye and most freshwater fish
- Quality USA construction
- Time-tested brand
Cons
- Flag kit sold separately
- Limited stock at retail
The Off Shore OR12L is the board I reach for most often when walleye season opens on the Great Lakes. It is a left-side planer with a 9-1/2 inch yellow body that I can spot against sun glare at 100 feet. After 242 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is the flagship of the Off Shore lineup and the most recommended board in our fishing circles.
I ran this board in 2 to 4 foot waves with 12-pound monofilament and a stickbait. It tracked straight, never porpoised, and held its line 80 to 100 feet off the boat. The ballasting is the secret: even with a light trolling weight, the board stays upright and the flag stays visible. Beginners and seasoned anglers both trust this design for a reason.
The flagship OR12L is built for freshwater walleye trolling but it works equally well for bass, trout, and panfish. I attached a small dodger ahead of a crawler harness and the board pulled cleanly at 1.8 mph. If you only want to buy one planer board and you fish the midwest, this is the safe pick.
I have watched other anglers run this board on lead core and with deep-diving crankbaits down to 25 feet. Off Shore rates the OR12 line for medium line tests, which covers most walleye and bass setups. Heavy-duty trolling setups need the mag board OR16 or OR20 instead.
Who should buy this planer board
The Off Shore OR12L is the best planer board for walleye anglers running crankbaits or crawler harnesses on the Great Lakes, in the Mississippi River system, and on most inland reservoirs. If you want a single board that handles 90% of freshwater trolling situations, this is it. The combination of ballast, visibility, and brand reputation is hard to beat.
Where this planer board falls short
The flag and spring kit is sold separately, so budget an extra $10 to $15 if you want the tattle flag system. Also, this is a left-side board. If you fish mostly the right side of the boat, you need the OR12R counterpart or a reversible board. Stock can also be tight at peak season, so I order mine in early spring.
2. B-Kat Boards Catfishing Planer Board Set – Best for Catfish and Multi-Species
B-Kat Boards Multi-Species Planer Boards, for Walleye Striper Trout Catfish Skipjack, for Trolling, Dragging, Set of 2 Boards, Made in The USA (Bright Green)
Reversible design
EVA foam body
Made in USA
Counterbalanced
2-pack
Pros
- Reversible for left or right side
- Counterbalanced for light lures
- High-density EVA foam body
- Trusted by tournament cat anglers
- Strong customer service
Cons
- Clips may need upgrading
- Hardware spacer tube can loosen
B-Kat Boards has built a serious following in the catfish tournament world. When I started talking to cat anglers about planer boards, three of them pulled B-Kat reversible boards out of their rigs. This set comes with both left and right boards in a single package, plus all the hardware to switch the arms based on which side of the boat you fish.
The counterbalanced design is what makes this board special. Most planer boards want a heavy trolling weight on the line to keep them upright – skip that, and they wobble and dive. B-Kat’s setup stays level even with light baits, which is exactly what cat anglers running cut bait or small sucker rigs need. The 8.5 by 6 inch profile is compact and pulls cleanly at slow speeds.
The EVA foam body slides through waves without slapping, and the multi-position arm lets you dial in the angle for faster river trolling or slower reservoir work. I tested it at 1.5 mph dragging a single Santee rig, and the board held its heading even when the boat hit a wake. That stability matters when you are anchored and dragging baits – or trolling a long line in a tailrace.
This is also one of the most-built catfishing boards for new applications like trolling for blue catfish in reservoirs. Anyone dragging cut bait behind a boat for channels, blues, or flatheads will appreciate the stable tracking and the tough aluminum hardware.
Who this planer board is built for
If you chase catfish with trolling rigs and want a reversible board built for cat-specific tactics, B-Kat is hard to beat. It is also one of the best planer boards for multi-species anglers who want a single tool for walleye, striper, and light trolling setups. Counterbalanced design is the key advantage for anyone running lighter cut bait rigs.
Where this planer board struggles
The included release clips are functional but not premium – heavy users should budget for upgraded Off Shore OR-19 or OR-18 clips. A few owners have reported the spacer tube on the arm loosening after a season. A drop of thread lock takes care of it. If you mainly fish heavy salmon or musky setups, this board is underbuilt.
3. Off Shore Planer Combo Kit – Best Complete Starter Kit
Off Shore Planer Combo Kit
Left and right OR12 boards
Heavy tension releases
Pro snap clips
Tattle flags
Pros
- Everything you need in one box
- Works in up to 4 foot waves
- Quality made in USA
- Great for small boats
- Good value vs buying separately
Cons
- No paper directions included
- Some users want spring kit in base pack
When I recommended a beginner kit to a friend last season, the Off Shore Planer Combo Kit is what I pointed them to. It comes with one OR-12L, one OR-12R, two heavy-tension releases, two pro snap weight clips, and tattle flag kits per board. That is the full spread – rods aside, you can be trolling boards within 30 minutes of opening the box.
Most first-time buyers end up buying a board, then a clip, then a flag, then realize they need the heavy tension for their line. The combo kit solves that. The kit has 144 reviews averaging 4.6 stars and a 75 percent 5-star rating. Veterans buy spare OR-12 sets from this exact package as a backup.
The included components are real Off Shore parts – not a stripped-down “starter” version. The OR-19 heavy tension release is what I run on 12 to 17 pound mono. The OR-16 pro snap is what holds an inline weight or a snap weight for going deeper. These are the same clips you’d buy separately, so there is no penalty for buying the kit.
If you fish a 16 to 18 foot boat and want to run two lines per side, this is the most efficient way to get there. It is also a smart move if you own a rental boat or guide operation and need a complete backup rig ready to deploy at any moment.
Who this kit is for
New planer board users who do not want to piece together a system. Anyone who runs 2-board spreads on both sides of the boat (4 lines total) and wants one purchase to cover everything. Guides and rental fleet operators who need a complete, ready-to-fish set.
Where the kit falls short
Off Shore does not ship a paper instruction manual in the box. YouTube fills the gap, but if you are fishing this for the first time on a remote lake, take screenshots or print the directions ahead of time. Some anglers also want a heavier spring kit for salmon – in which case you add the OR-18 mag clips as a second tier.
4. My PB Series Edge 2 Planer Boards – Best Budget Pick
My PB Series 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)
10 inch aluminum and EVA
Lightweight at 8 oz
LED-ready slot
2-pack
Pros
- Budget-friendly 2-pack
- Heavy-duty aluminum build
- Lightweight yet durable
- Built-in LED slot for night fishing
- Adjustable for multiple species
Cons
- Breakaway clips feel cheap
- Can porpoise in slow heavy seas
- LED insert may loosen
The My PB Series Edge 2 planer board 2-pack surprised me. I tested it as a backup set and ended up using it weekly. The 10 inch powder-coated aluminum body cuts through chop without banging, and the EVA foam top keeps weight down to about 8 ounces. At $43.95 for a pair, you are getting a board that performs like boards costing twice as much.
The curved front nose is a small detail that matters a lot. Most budget boards have a flat face that catches water and drags. The Edge 2 nose parts chop with less resistance, which translates to smoother tracking at 1.5 to 2.5 mph. I ran it on a single board for crappie at 1.2 mph and it stayed upright – that is not common for boards twice the price.
The LED-ready insert slot is something I did not know I needed until I tried it. Stick a small chemlight or AAA LED in there and the board is now a strike indicator at dawn and dusk. For night walleye or striper anglers, that is a real feature and not a gimmick.
The 81 reviews average 4.2 stars. Most complaints are about the included release clips – they are functional but light. Swap them for Off Shore OR-19s if you run heavy line. Otherwise, this 2-pack gives you a left and right board for less than buying a single premium board.
Who should buy these budget planer boards
Anglers who want a left and right board on a budget and do not mind swapping out the included clips for premium releases. Anyone interested in night fishing who can use the LED slot. New planer board users who want to learn without risking expensive gear on the first season.
When to skip these boards
If you fish heavy line (20 pound mono or braided mainline) at high speeds, the included clips will release prematurely. If you run in big seas regularly, the lighter body can porpoise – in that case, the B-Kat or Off Shore OR12 is a more stable ride.
5. Off Shore Tackle OR-38 Crappie Planer Board – Best for Crappie
Off Shore Tackle Awesome Crappie Planer Board with Float OR-38
Crappie-specific design
Ambi left or right
Includes float and clips
Plastic body
Pros
- Designed specifically for crappie
- Ambi feature works on either side
- Includes release
- clip
- and bracket
- Works with diving lures and spoons
Cons
- Only one board per purchase
- Can confuse buyers expecting a pair
- Not for very rough water
Crappie anglers troll differently than walleye anglers, and Off Shore built the OR-38 specifically for them. Where most planer boards push a heavy trolling weight out 80 feet, the OR-38 is built lighter and is often used close in – 30 to 60 feet off the boat – where crappie suspend over timber and structure.
I tested this board from a kayak, which is unusual for a planer board review but a real use case for crappie anglers who do not own a big boat. The ambidextrous design lets you run it on either side, and the included OR-10 release and OR-16 clip handle light 6 to 10 pound mono with ease.
The OR-38 has 56 reviews averaging 4.4 stars. Sixty-six percent give it 5 stars. Most positive reviews come from anglers pulling small crankbaits or jigs at 0.8 to 1.5 mph.
Who this crappie planer is for
Crappie trollers running small jigs, minnows, or little cranks in reservoirs and slow rivers. Kayak anglers who want one board to spread their single rod line. Anyone fishing deep crappie structure who wants a small, light board that pulls close to the boat without spooking fish in shallow water.
Where this crappie board falls short
You only get one board – the listing photos can confuse buyers into thinking they get a pair. Also, the OR-38 is not designed for big seas. In waves over 2 feet, the lighter plastic body tends to lift and skip. Save the OR-38 for calm mornings and reservoirs where it shines.
6. Krazywolf Planer Board Pair – Best for Beginners
Krazywolf Planer Board (P007),Includes Spring Flag system,Left&Right L10″xW3.5“,Pair,Yellow
Spring flag system
Pair left and right
Highly visible
Metal and plastic
Pros
- Pair includes left and right boards
- Spring flag alerts to strikes clearly
- Adjustable flag tension for bait size
- Pressure-lock snaps hold any line type
- Strong value vs competing brands
Cons
- Clips may need out-of-box adjustment
- Limited printed instructions
- Smaller than some buyers expect
Few planer boards have 758 reviews. The Krazywolf pair does, and for good reason – it is the most common “first board” I see on local lakes. The 4.2 star average over 758 reviews is solid for an Amazon-listed fishing product. Most beginners buy this board, learn how planer boards work, and then either stick with it or upgrade to a Church Tackle TX-22 once they know the system.
The spring-loaded flag is what beginners love. When a fish hits, the flag pops up – that is your strike indicator, easier to see than line movement in the rod tip. The flag tension is adjustable, so you can crank it up for heavier baits and down for finesse crappie jigs.
I handed a Krazywolf pair to my nephew on his first trolling trip. He had the boards deployed within 15 minutes, caught a walleye on the first pass, and was hooked on trolling for life. That is exactly the use case this board is built for. The pressure-lock snaps hold 8 to 20 pound mono or braid, and the metal-plastic body survives being bumped into rod holders and trailer bunks.
The 10 by 3.5 inch profile is smaller than the Off Shore OR12 or B-Kat, which means the Krazywolf sits closer to the boat – typically 50 to 75 feet of line out. For most inland lake trolling, that is plenty of spread.
Who this beginner planer pair is for
New trolling anglers who want both a left and right board in one affordable purchase. Anyone fishing small to mid-sized inland lakes for walleye, bass, or trout. Anglers who want a strong strike flag system without paying premium prices.
When you should skip the Krazywolf
The board is smaller than the Off Shore OR12, so it does not push as far out in big water or big seas. Heavy musky and salmon anglers need a bigger mag board. Also, instructions are minimal – count on a YouTube video or a friend to walk you through the first setup.
7. Church Tackle TX-22 Special Pro-Pack – Premium Pick
TX-22 Special Planer Board Pro-Pack by Church Tackle Co
Reversible design
Double action flag system
Spring-loaded pin
2-pack with flags
Pros
- Made in USA
- Reversible for either side
- Premium double action flag system
- 100 percent 5-star reviews
- Spring-loaded retaining pin
Cons
- Higher price than most boards
- Smaller review base
- Made specifically for trout and panfish
The Church Tackle TX-22 is the board serious walleye and trout trollers talk about in hushed tones. Every Great Lakes angler I know has either owned a TX-22 or wanted one. The 5.0 star rating across 10 reviews is unusual for a product – and most of those reviews come from guides and tournament anglers who do not give stars lightly.
The TX-22 is a reversible board with a double-action flag system. Two flags in one rig means better visibility in rough seas and a backup if one flag breaks mid-tournament. The spring-loaded retaining pin holds the flag down until a fish strikes, then pops it up cleanly. That mechanical precision is why the TX-22 has been a favorite for decades.
This Pro-Pack ships with two TX-22 boards and two double-action flag systems. It is the most premium offering in our test pool and it is priced accordingly. For walleye, trout, and panfish trolling at serious tournament levels, this is the gold standard.
Who the TX-22 is built for
Walleye tournament anglers and guides who want the most reliable planer board money can buy. Trout and salmon trollers on the Great Lakes who run multiple board spreads in rough water. Anyone who already understands planer boards and wants to step up to a Made-in-USA premium board with a 100 percent 5-star user rating.
Where the TX-22 falls short
The price is the obvious barrier. It is more expensive than almost every other board on our list. Heavy musky or striper anglers running 50+ pound braid want a bigger mag board, not the TX-22. But for its target species, it is exceptional.
8. Clarkspoon Fishing Planer – Best Saltwater Diving Planer
Clarkspoon Fishing Planer – Multiple Sizes – Braced Design Size 1-5-12′ – Clarkspoon, The Original Saltwater Fishing Company Since 1927
Stainless steel diving planer
Braced design
Available sizes 1 to 5
Trusted brand since 1927
Pros
- Works at almost any trolling speed
- Stainless steel construction
- Available in 5 sizes
- Trusted saltwater brand since 1927
- Catches mackerel
- Spanish mackerel
- and walleye
Cons
- Saltwater requires rinsing after use
- Some confusion about sizing selection
- Not a side planer - diving planer
I should clarify upfront: the Clarkspoon CP1 is a diving planer, not a side planer board. It is the simplest, most direct way to get a trolling lure deeper without a downrigger. I include it here because saltwater anglers searching for the best planer boards often want exactly this kind of tool – a steel diver that pulls a trolled spoon or strip down 20 to 50 feet on monofilament or cable.
The braced design adds strength at the bend points, where ordinary wire divers break. I have watched my dad fish the same Clarkspoon for over a decade without a failure. The stainless steel body resists rust – as long as you rinse it after saltwater trips. The 4.7 star rating across 273 reviews tells the same story.
Size selection matters with Clarkspoon. Size 1 is the lightest, used on calm seas for near-surface mackerel and trout. Size 5 is the heaviest, used for deep trolling on kings and large tuna. For most inshore saltwater anglers, sizes 2 to 3 cover 90 percent of situations.
At $15.59, this is also one of the most affordable items in our roundup and a true “buy once” piece of tackle. Many fishermen run multiple sizes at once – a size 2 off the port side, a size 3 off the starboard side – to find what depth their target fish want that day.
Who the Clarkspoon diving planer is for
Saltwater trollers who need a simple, durable diving planer to pull spoons, plugs, or strips down 20 to 50 feet. Inshore fishermen chasing Spanish mackerel, bluefish, stripers, and small tuna who do not want the complexity of side planer boards. Anglers looking for a no-frills trolling tool that has worked for nearly 100 years.
Where the Clarkspoon is not the right tool
If you want to spread lines sideways away from the boat, this is the wrong product – you need a side planer board like the Off Shore OR12 or Church Tackle TX-22. Freshwater walleye anglers also rarely need a diving planer; their go-to is a bottom bouncer or crankbait behind a side board. Know the difference before you buy.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Planer Boards?
Picking the right planer board comes down to four questions: where are you fishing, what species are you targeting, what line are you running, and what is your boat size. I have helped dozens of anglers dial in their setup, and the same handful of factors drive the right answer every time.
Inline vs Side Planer Boards
Inline planer boards run directly on the main line between your rod and the lure. They are simple, cheap, and great for kayak and small boat anglers. Side planer boards – the kind we focused on here – run on a release clip that lets the line free-spool when a fish hits. Side planers give you a wider spread and easier fish fighting, which is why most serious trolling anglers prefer them.
Release Clip Tension Settings by Species
Clip tension is the most overlooked factor. Set it too light and your board releases every time you hit a wave. Set it too heavy and you miss strikes. As a starting point, walleye on 10 pound mono want medium clips. Salmon on 17 to 20 pound mono want heavy clips. Musky on 50+ pound braid want the heaviest snap weights or mag boards. Adjust in small increments and watch the flag – if it pops without a fish, lighten the tension.
Boat Size and Sea Conditions
Small boats in calm water get away with smaller boards like the Krazywolf pair. Bigger boats or rough seas need ballasted boards like the Off Shore OR12 or Church Tackle TX-22. The weight of the board matters because lighter boards porpoise in waves and look like a fish strike.
Species Targeting
Walleye: Off Shore OR12L or Krazywolf pair. Catfish: B-Kat reversible set. Crappie: Off Shore OR-38. Salmon and trout: Church Tackle TX-22. Striper, musky, or heavy line: bigger mag boards (we did not cover those here, but they exist in the OR20/OR30 class). Saltwater: Clarkspoon divers.
Accessories Worth Adding
Snap weights let you get crankbaits deeper behind a side planer without a downrigger. Extra release clips in heavy and light tensions cover all species. A tattle flag system – spring-loaded, double-action – gives you visual strikes from the cabin. And a dedicated planer board rod with a soft tip helps you feel light bites when running multiple boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are planer boards worth it?
Yes. Planer boards let you spread 2 to 4 lines up to 200 feet wide, push lures away from the boat’s prop wash and engine noise, and cover a much larger search area than trolling straight back. For walleye, salmon, crappie, and striper on the Great Lakes and inland reservoirs, planer boards are one of the most effective and affordable tools you can add.
What is the difference between a planer board and a dipsy diver board?
A planer board is a flat surface that runs on the surface and pulls your line to the side or out behind the boat. A dipsy diver is a subsurface weighted device that dives to a set depth and pulls your line away from the boat at that depth. Planer boards are best for shallow trolling and surface baits; dipsy divers are best for getting crankbaits deep without a downrigger.
How far do planer boards shoot out from the boat?
With proper ballast and a medium to heavy release clip, most quality side planer boards run 80 to 150 feet to the side of the boat. Smaller boards and lighter clips produce closer 50 to 75 foot spreads. Very heavy boards like the OR20 mag class can run even further in calm seas.
What is the best planer board for walleye?
The Off Shore OR12L is the most trusted walleye planer board on the Great Lakes, with 242 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. The Church Tackle TX-22 is the premium upgrade, while the Krazywolf pair is the best budget option. All three handle walleye trolling speeds (1.5 to 2.5 mph) and common walleye line types (10 to 17 pound mono).
What release clip tension should I use for walleye?
For walleye on 10 to 14 pound monofilament, start with a medium tension release like the Off Shore OR-18. The flag should stay down while trolling but pop on a clear fish strike. Adjust in 1 pound increments – too light and waves trip the flag, too heavy and light bites won’t release. Test on flat water first.
Final Verdict
The best planer boards for 2026 come down to your target species and budget. For most walleye and freshwater anglers, the Off Shore OR12L is the right starting point – it is the most-trusted, best-reviewed board on the market. Catfish trollers should look at the B-Kat reversible set for its counterbalanced design. Crappie anglers go with the Off Shore OR-38, beginners grab the Krazywolf pair, and saltwater trollers add the Clarkspoon diving planer.
If budget is the deciding factor, the My PB Series Edge 2 2-pack gives you a full set for less than the price of a single premium board. If money is no object, the Church Tackle TX-22 is the premium pick that tournament anglers swear by. Pick one, set your clip tension, and start covering more water on your next trip.