How to Use Planer Boards to Troll for Catfish: Gear and Tips to Get You Started

Using Planer Boards to Catch more Catfish

Trolling or dragging baits with planer boards is a deadly technique for targeting big catfish, especially in large lakes and reservoirs. By spreading your baits out from the boat, you cover more water and present baits in zones catfish are actively feeding. In this guide, we’ll break down the gear you need, including rods tough enough for the job and planer boards built specifically for catfishing.

Why Use Planer Boards for Catfish?

Planer boards allow you to spread multiple lines away from your boat while drifting or trolling. This keeps your baits in the strike zone longer and helps you avoid tangles when covering large areas. When a catfish hits, the board dips or pops free—making it easy to detect strikes even at a distance.

What Are The Best Rods To Use With Planer Boards While Catfishing?

✅ Catfish Sumo Chop Stick Master Series Rod

Built for serious catfish anglers, the Chop Stick Master Series is a one-piece, 7’6″ medium-heavy rod designed for handling big fish and heavy drag. Its strong backbone and sensitive tip make it perfect for pulling planer boards while still detecting light bites.
👉 View the Chop Stick Master Series Rod from Catfish Sumo

✅ Catfish Sumo Elite 150 Rod

When trolling or dragging for big catfish, your rod needs the backbone to handle the added resistance of planer boards while still offering the sensitivity to detect bites. The Catfish Sumo Elite 150 catfishing rod is built exactly for that job. Rated for up to 150 lbs of strength, this rod is designed for serious catfish anglers targeting trophy fish.

With its extra-heavy power and durable carbon fiber construction, the Elite 150 easily handles the drag of large planer boards while maintaining the muscle to winch in monster blues or flatheads. A high-vis tip helps detect subtle strikes even when dragging baits hundreds of feet behind your boat. Whether you’re working big reservoirs or river systems, this rod is ready for the challenge.

If you’re rigging a spread of planer boards and want a rod that holds up to the task without sacrificing sensitivity, the Elite 150 is a top choice.

To get the best results from your dragging weight, make sure to match it with the size and type of bait that you’re using. For example, if you are using a smaller bait such as a minnow, then you should choose a lighter weight such as foam or plastic. However, if you’re using a larger bait such as a shad or white bass, then you should opt for a heavier dragging weight.

Recommended Planer Boards for Catfishing: B-Kat Catfishing Planer Boards

If you’re serious about trolling or dragging for catfish, you need planer boards designed for the job. B-Kat Catfishing Planer Boards are built tough with durable EVA foam and reinforced clips to handle big baits, heavy sinkers, and the drag of pulling through current.

• Large Catfishing Planer Boards: Ideal for heavy rigs, big baits, or fast current. These boards provide the pulling power you need to spread your baits wide and cover more water.
• Medium Catfish Planer Boards: Perfect for moderate-sized baits and calmer conditions. A great choice for anglers looking to run a full spread without overloading their setup.

Not sure what size to use? Check out B-Kat’s detailed sizing guide here: How to Pick the Right Planer Boards

TLDR

When trolling or dragging for catfish, using the right rods and planer boards is key. The Catfish Sumo Chop Stick Master Series and Elite 150 rods are built to handle planer boards and monster catfish. Pair them with B-Kat Medium Catfish Planer Boards or Large Catfish Planer Boards for perfect spread control. Not sure which size? Use B-Kat’s Planer Board Sizing Guide.