I am new to using planer boards and tried out a couple I purchased for the first time this weekend. They are very simple and small in-line planer boards. We seemed to miss more fish than we were able to hook. Was wondering if anyone knows of good techniques for hooking fish with this style of fishing? Particularly those light biting walleyes. We tried various things like letting the fish take it until it hooks itself, trying to set the hook while keeping the resistance on the board with the water, etc...It seemed that as soon as the board released and/or any slack popped into the line, the fish was lost.

Also, was wondering if anyone prefers any particular line for this, the line is simply pinched in a narrow rubber slot to hold the board in place. I tried braided nylon and mono, have not come to any conclusions yet.

Thanks for any help.

are you sure your not talking the mast type boards. the inlines should set the hook by its own from just the trolling action

No I'm talking about the inline (very small inline boards), trolling pretty slow has been a challenge first time trying. Maybe it will just take some getting used to.

Do you attach them to slide back when the fish hits, or to realease completely? I still lose fish with mine more than I would like also but I have found its better to let the board slide back when the fish hits.

They are sidewinder planer boards - check them out - you can look them up on the web, the website is swboards.com.

Get yourself some offshore boards and you wont have any worries. I dont seem to lose fish due to the boards. Most are nicely hooked up. I lose way more fish on a mast system than I do my offshores.

I think I hate losing fish more than anyone. There's nothing worse than doing everything right up until the fish hits only to miss the hit or have 'em shake off. I feel your pain. One thing I like to do is sharpen all of my hooks before washing a lure. Some companies make great lures but the hooks are junk right out of the package. Try swapping the factory trebles out with a different size or better quality brand. Otherwise just touch them up with a sharpener. You shouldn't set the hook when trolling. That's the fish's job. A little speed might help but any deviation might not get you a bite anyhow. You've already won half the battle if you're getting bit. Just remember you can't catch 'em all. Sometimes they just get off.

I agree with what Matt said, sharpen your hooks.
Whether it be in-line, mast and board, or downriggers, the hook is set by fish when it meets the resistance from either of the above devices. What you should be doing is taking the slack out after a release by reeling in and sweeping the rod as well if it applies. Looks like hook set but your not.