Using inline boards with Lead Core

GAP · **Joined:** Thu Jan 04, 2018 8:16 pm **Posts:** 223

Hey guys.

I am just getting into lead core and have some questions. When using inline boards is it ok to clip them directly to the lead core? I see some saying they use split set ups with mono in between say 5 and 5 colors. Or 3 and 5. Also some say not to clip weights on the lead core either. I also have down riggers and my plan was to use the lead on boards to catch the spooked fish off to the sides. Also found the riggers were no good fishing shallow. I should note that I am talking Lake Trout fishing in the fall/spring. Maybe salmon after I get the hang of it :roll:

Also, will be using Church brand boards unless told otherwise. I purchased them years ago at CTC. A little different than the Off Shore ones.

Thanks for any help. I couldn't find anything online.

Glenn

Superdad · **Posted:** Wed Mar 09, 2022 8:12 am

Glenn, boards and leadcore is great for what.intend to do.
We have used them together for a while and always hooked the boards to the mono or braid(if thats what your using)

I think hooking the boards to the lead might harm the lead inside rhe sheath of tje.the line.

imho

Bobv75 · **Joined:** Wed Oct 05, 2016 10:23 am **Posts:** 194

i run 10 color on all my rods, then run them 3 to 10 colors. hook the boards to the lead line all the time. if you are fishing lakers and salmon you will be changing the line long before the boards damage them. those guys tuff on gear.

FiveLines · **Joined:** Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:22 pm **Posts:** 30

That's interesting, Bobv75. I added two 10 colour lead core rods a few years ago and use them salmon fishing behind inline planers. I'm pretty novice, but the consensus on Spoonpullers seems to be NOT to put lead core in any kind of clip, and not to let it slap the waves between your rod and the board. But 10 colours becomes a lot more versatile if you can hook the boards directly to the lead line, and I can see that walleye would be a lot gentler than salmon, so I'm interested in this.

Two questions - 1. Do you run spoons off your lead core for walleye and/or crankbaits? 2. Do you keep your lead core lines as your deepest lines closest to the boat to keep the lead line from hanging into the water? Thanks in advance!

hablover · **Joined:** Sat Dec 27, 2014 9:43 pm **Posts:** 129

Bobv75 wrote:

i run 10 color on all my rods, then run them 3 to 10 colors. hook the boards to the lead line all the time. if you are fishing lakers and salmon you will be changing the line long before the boards damage them. those guys tuff on gear.

I've found that if I don't have a long enough strip of mono or braid between my sections of lead core, the lead core in front of the board tends to sag or be in the water, causing my boards to run funny.
Is there something I can do to combat that? Just get my rods higher in the air?

CrowMan · **Posted:** Thu Mar 10, 2022 4:16 pm

I have tried running rods with the full 10 colours of lead core, and just clipping a lesser amount of lead core off the planer, but have never been entirely happy with it. Hence, I have 6 lead core rod/reel outfits...2 with 10 colours, 2 with 5 colours, and 2 with 3 colours. I'm also a self-admitted gear junkie (just ask my wife and friends) so I enjoy pre-rigging up specific outfits with particular rod, reel, backing, main-line, and leader combinations.

I much prefer to clip my board to the backing (braid or mono). The problems I've had clipping a length of leadcore directly to the planer board are:

1. Yes, the releases can damage the leadcore. Lead doesn't like sharp angles, the core itself can easily kink or break. The Dacron sheathing isn't very abrasion resistant either, it frays fairly easily. It's also difficult to adjust the tension of the release with "thick" line...it seems it's all or nothing.

2. Leadcore is thick and heavy. It will form a bow between the rod tip and board...this is further magnified if you're running upwind on a blustery day. The thick line really catches the wind. Your boards don't run true or plane properly, and it's also difficult to detect shakers or weeds. The extra slack doesn't help with hook sets either.

3. You don't get the full "rise and fall" effect of the leadcore... which is what makes this presentation more likely to trigger neutral fish than snap weights or downriggers. From the "rod" end of the leadcore, I let out at least 25 to 50 feet of backing (mono or braid) before clipping it to the board. This allows whatever segment of leadcore I'm using to be fully submerged and "untethered" at both ends. Generally speaking, a 5 core segment will run about 25 ft down (depending on the lure, line, speed, current, etc)...when you make an outside turn it can easily rise up 10 to 20 ft...make an inside turn it can drop 10 to 20 ft. So trolling while doing "S" turns can be a very effective presentation...not only to cover the water column (vertically and laterally), but to trigger fish on the rise or fall (looks like a fleeing or dying baitfish) . If you clip your lead core directly to the board...yes, you get some of this "rise and fall" effect, but no where near as pronounced as having a free falling segment that's "free" at both ends.

Mike Rousseau · **Joined:** Sat Dec 01, 2012 2:22 am **Posts:** 43

I clip boards right to my leadcore

I’m not buying 6 combos

Never broke off yet but I’m not shy to replace line… cheap insurance

Bobv75 · **Joined:** Wed Oct 05, 2016 10:23 am **Posts:** 194

hablover wrote:

Bobv75 wrote:

i run 10 color on all my rods, then run them 3 to 10 colors. hook the boards to the lead line all the time. if you are fishing lakers and salmon you will be changing the line long before the boards damage them. those guys tuff on gear.

I've found that if I don't have a long enough strip of mono or braid between my sections of lead core, the lead core in front of the board tends to sag or be in the water, causing my boards to run funny.
Is there something I can do to combat that? Just get my rods higher in the air?

I do use a rod tree which allows me to run the the line that way.
Its great to run different amounts of lead on different set ups. some days I find fish are hitting better at certain depth like 40 to 50 feet, if you only have 2 setups able to fish that depth you miss out on fish. you will lose more lead to tangles and bottom then you will to planer board clips
I use that same set up for salmon as well in the early part of the season and that is normally in the 40 to 50 feet foot range.
for walleye I normally flatline cranks. with lighter gear to add to the fun, they don't put up much of a fight on laker/salmon gear.
you can debate the setups for weeks with every person liking a different setup, work with what fits in your preference and budget.
Good luck with the coming open water season.

GAP · **Joined:** Thu Jan 04, 2018 8:16 pm **Posts:** 223

Thanks to everyone for the comments. Greatly appreciate your help once again!!
How long before that North Channel opens up?? :wink:

HOME	Bait&Tackle	Bed&Breakfast	Boat Rentals	Campgrounds	Contact Us
Cottage Rentals	Guides/Fishing Charters	Hotels/Motels	Hunting Supplies	Ice Huts/Ice Guides	Marinas
Outfitters	QUINTE FISHING SERIES	Resorts	Tourism	Trailer Parks	Launches

Quinte Fishing

Using inline boards with Lead Core

Who is online