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RELEASES

Q. 081213. I just bought OR18's to replace the releases on a church walleye boards (sorry but I have had them for years). Anyway, the pins and holes don't match up and I was wondering if you had any advice for the installation.

A. I have never done that, but I think changing the bracket to the Off Shore bracket would solve the problem.

Q. 072413. Would the OR18 Snapper Release work well as a downrigger release or is a person better off sticking to the pinch pad type?

A. We have had some anglers use the OR18 Snapper like this but we have not tested them ourselves. I use the OR8 Heavy Tension Single Downrigger Release (red) that has the long cable and pull everything I have ever fished with off downriggers.

Q. 061713. What release do I use when trolling your OR12 Side Planers and using super line?

A. I am not a fan of super lines when trolling with boards; I prefer to use 10-15# mono. If you are using super lines, then I recommend the OR18 Snapper and even then, on rough days you should wrap the line around the Snapper. When putting the line in the tail (OR16) clip of the board, be sure to put the line behind the pin protruding through the middle of the pad. When reeling the board in with a fish on it, point the rod at the board until it is about 6' from the rod tip. Then lift the rod and be sure not to let the board back in the water because it will dive.

Q. 061413. What downrigger release do you suggest using when running super lines?

A. My preferred release for super lines (don't use them often!), would be the OR8 and put a twist in the line where it goes into the pads. Make a loop in the line and spin it a few times, then pinch the coils you have formed. That will keep the line from sliding through and cutting the pads.

Q. 061413. How do I keep my super line from sliding through my OR18 Snapper Release?

A. Try twisting the super line and putting the coil in the release. I make a loop in the line and then spin it between thumb and forefinger to make some coils and put that in the Snapper.

Q. 061013. I've been trying to use your boards the last two outings and still have problems with it slipping back or even completely off the line. We fish with braided line out of Lake Erie for walleye. We are thinking of purchasing the OR18 replacement release but wanted your recommendation before we purchased them.

A. You can either wrap the front OR19 (orange) release with the line or use the OR18. Braid is a pain for all release makers and we have found the OR18 does the best. You can adjust the screw in the bottom of the OR18 to increase tension, but just do it a 1/8 turn at a time. My real recommendation would be to use 15# P-Line!

Q. 060713. I'm having issues with the clips on my OR12 planer boards with the tattle flag setup. On 5 of my 6 boards the OR16 clip pads are stuck together. This makes getting the line between them near impossible. Weak adhesive? I have also lost 3 nylon nuts. Please let me know if other customers are having the same issues and what can be done to resolve them. As far the overall performance of the boards, I have been very pleased as they pull true and put me on more fish!

A. The usual cause of the pads sticking is not putting something between them during long storage periods. I usually put a business card or something like that in mine. Best way to loosen them up is to torque them slightly sideways to break the friction loose.

Each board came with a screw and spare nut on each bracket to use to replace the ones you may lose. Make sure you check tightness prior to setting the board out each time as the instructions indicate. If you want to get a lock nut instead, they are 6 x 32 and available in stainless at most marine or hardware stores.

Q. 060413. I was watching Babe Winkleman and Mr. DeShano use the OR34 boards on Saginaw Bay running spinners in the weeds with guppy weights. What was the red clip they used on the tail of the board? I have the pro snap weight OR16 clips, is this what they were using? Mine don't have a pin protruding through the middle of the pads to put the line behind though. Do you put the line behind the pin so it can slide down to the weight rather than fall off the line? I just bought these boards this spring, they are a little different to set than my other OR12's that I have used for years. Were they using mono or super line on the show?

A. The OR16 is the clip we use. If you have OR16's without pins, they are VERY old and a collectors item! Lol! We don't let them slip, just put the line in the OR10 (yellow) release about 1/2 way. The red OR16 clip is the one that the line goes behind the pin, and when a fish hits, give the rod a snap towards the motor and the yellow (OR10) will release allowing the board to swing around and you land the fish. We were using 12# mono on Babe's rods. We only used 12-15' of line behind the board and kept the boards pretty close to the boat since we were fishing a narrow group of weeds.

Q. 031413. I am looking for a clip that has an anti-release capability that I can use trolling. I attach them to torpedo divers and use them for a little extra weight when running monster flatfish on Great Bear Lake. If I use the anti-release ones, then I can run my weight wherever I want on my line (kind of like a movable three way). I had two and lost them last year to rocks and I can't figure out which ones I had bought.

A. The only thing we have close to what you're looking for is our OR16 (red) clip. It has a pin that protrudes through the middle of the pads that when you put the line behind the pin, it keeps the line from coming out.

Q. 110612. I was wondering if you could tell me which of your planer board releases would be best on Lake Erie walleye using braid?

A. I am assuming you are meaning the OR12 Side Planer. If so, the OR18 Snapper is the best. If you use the OR19 which is orange or OR16 (red) you need to wrap the line around the pads.

Q. 050112. I am having trouble with 250 # braided line being used as downrigger cable. The line slips through the release when we use your OR2 Medium Tension Stacker Downrigger Release as we can multi-task with them on other applications. Accordingly, because the braided line is so slick, we have to rubber band them to get them to hold. Those that are not tight enough slip and cause the pads to become grooved and not hold at all. We are replacing the pads as time allows but perhaps if this braided line becomes an accepted replacement for steel cable, some thought may be needed regarding a tougher pad that is abrasion resistant to the braided line. It's just a suggestion and I as a charter boat captain I for one would welcome this innovation.

A. I don't know if that will ever catch on. I think the consumer will find the cost prohibitive even though it is a good way to go. You might try our OR18 (Snapper) for the clip that goes on the wire. Even with that, if you slip it through the cable (line), even a little, it is going to grove the pads. If a clip was a solid clamp on the braided line, it would damage it if you ever ran the clip to the top of the rigger or had it slide from a snag or something. As a captain, you're used to maintenance as I was for my 20+ years on the Great Lakes and this is one of those items.

Q. 031412. I'm new to planer boards and thought I'd give them a try. Cabela's has a combo (2 planer boards with OR19 releases and OR12TF Tattle Flag Upgrade Kits) that I would like to purchase. We troll for salmon and lake trout and use 65 lb. super line with mono or fluorocarbon leaders.

Are the OR19 releases suitable for super line or do I need the OR18's?
Can I use the OR18's with the Tattle Flag Kits? Do I really need the tattle flag kits?
If I wanted to use your OR20 Pro Weight system with 65 lb. super line, do I need OR18 releases for that as well?

A. Yes, you should have the OR18's for super line. They work great. My boards are set up this way. Do not use tattle flags for salmon fishing. The OR16's that come with the OR20 Pro Weight System will work fine for 65 lb. super line; make sure you put the line behind the pin protruding through the center of the pad.

Q. 020412. I fish Lake Erie for walleye & steelhead using full size dual planer boards with 30# braid line and the OR3 (white) full size planer board releases. The braid slips through the releases. Is this the wrong release or are the pads in need of being replaced?

A. First I would try putting a loop in the line, twisting it between your fingers and pinching the coil in the release. If this doesn't work for you, switch to the full size OR17 Medium Tension Planer Board Release (black) or the orange OR19 mini clip. Again, spinning a loop and pinching the coil is always a good way of using our releases with any of the super lines.

Q. 112811. Would the OR8 Heavy Tension Single Downrigger Release work to hold 50 or 65 lb. super braid line while pulling a flasher rather deep (lots of drag)? If not, any suggestions on which of your releases would be best

A. This is what we designed the OR8 for. We pull large lake trolls (5-7 big blades), rotators and flashers as well as #1 dodgers while using it. The 18" cable on it will take up the throb of the big flasher and cushion the stress from them.

Q. 071511. What model of board release do you recommend for 6 lb. test mono fishing for kokanee at around 30' to 50' deep?

A. I would recommend the OR14 (black) mini release on the OR12 Side Planers.

Q. 070711. As you may know sockeye have very soft mouths. Your OR8 is too strong and your OR2, even set light, very often does not release. We tried the scotty with the duel setting which they claim are suited for socks, but half the time they do not readily release. After reading the description of the OR1 & OR4 it is difficult to determine which would be best suited. The suggested line is the same, so do you have a line release test for them, or tests for sockeye?

A. My recommendation for sockeye would be the OR4 (white). One thing you might want to try with any release on this type of fish is to fold the line on your finger and give it a couple of twists and place the twisted part in the pads. This will allow a crisp release from either the fish or by you from the boat.

Q. 060211. I need a heavier release. Will the OR30 hold more weight without releasing than the OR19? Any idea what each release weight is for reference?

A. Are you using them with a Planer Board Mast and Dual or Triple Planer Board set up or on OR12 Side Planeroards? They will definitely hold more weight but are considerably larger.

Q. 053011. I have been having trouble getting the spring tension on my OR12 that has been upgraded with the OR12TF Tattle Flag Kit. I have the spring at the tightest tension (connected to the bottom hole on the board nose) and still when running cranks or bottom bouncers, the flag is staying down. What else can I do to correct this problem?

A. Do you have slack line between the OR16 clips? The slack line is what allows the flag to move freely; this is why we ask. If yes, then your next option would be to remove the spring from the hole in the flag and place it around the stem of the flag above where it was. When running heavy bouncers and larger cranks, this gives you a little more tension.

Q. 031011. I have never used planer boards before and I am not sure what I need. We fish for bass and walleye mostly but they do have stripers were we fish (Bull Shoals & Lake Arkansas). I am interested in the planer boards as well as the tadpoles. How do I determine whether I need right or left and what type of releases do you recommend for 10-20 lb. mono and fluorocarbon. How do the tadpoles work? What causes the release once a strike has occurred? Would a snag or bouncing on bottom cause a release?

A. Both the OR12 Side Planer and the OR34 Mini Planer will work for striper. We have several videos and articles on our website for even more info, but I will give you quick overview.

The OR34 works with live bait for stripers very well, just put the shad on with little or no weight and let it out slowly to the side. They are easily reversible from right to left.

The OR12 has been designed for salmon, walleye and striper when using heavier weights or larger crank baits. Again, you let the lure out to get to the desired depth and pinch it on the line. They are designated as Left and Right so you will need one for each side (or 2 for each side). You will not have to change releases on either product for most applications.

The Tadpoles trip when a fish pulls on the lure which is being run on a leader 1' to 4' behind the Tadpole. It will not trip if you bounce the Tadpole on the bottom, but if you snag the lure, it will. The line slides down from the bend in the Tadpole and releases the drag from the wide flat lip that makes it dive. If the fish gets loose, the Tadpole will reset and begin diving again. You should bring it in and check it though for clean lures or bitten off night crawlers.

This is pretty simple, but once you start fishing them you will find they are easy and catch fish.

Q. 030311. I am having hard water build up on the pads of my releases?

A. This is a new one to me. I need more information about this to be able to help. I would think a mild soapy water mixture and clear water rinse would be adequate, but I have never known anyone with a problem like your mentioning.

Q. 022411. I am considering the purchase of your OR12 Side Planer. Most of my trolling gear is rigged with 15 or 20 lb. power pro. Do I need to purchase the OR18 Adjustable Tension Snapper Releases, or will the standard releases supplied with the package work as well? I normally fish for brown, rainbows, and occasionally fresh water hybrid striped bass.

A. If you are not fishing on a huge lake like Ontario, you can probably get by with the orange OR19 that comes with the OR12 Side Planer. The OR16 (red) and OR19 have the same spring tension with the only difference is the pin in the center of the OR16. You can always put a wrap around the OR19 release on the bracket when using them with power pro as well; however, the OR18 Snapper is specifically designed for super line use.

Q. 012611. I troll for muskie on Lake St. Clair and troll at an average of 4.8 to 5.2 mph. We are running large lures typical to muskie trolling. Can you recommend a release that we should use?

A. We make an OR30 (red) full size planer board release that has 2 springs in it. This comes with a quick clip (shower curtain hook).

Q. I just started using the OR10 for pier fishing as it seems to be the smallest size release available locally. I rigged a device to attach it directly to the rod while keeping the bail open. My question is, do you have anything with a lighter grip on the line for something like this?

A. You have the smallest and lightest release we make. Did you try moving the spring back away from the pads? That will cut the tension in half.

Q. I bought some OR18's for use with fire line for trolling walleye. Do you only install the OR18 on the bracket or replace both releases?

A. The OR18 on the bracket is the way to go. I leave the OR16 on the back.

Q. Some of the walleye pros are using only one release (OR18 Snapper Adjustable Tension Release) on the OR12 Side Planers so I thought I would try it on your OR34 Mini Planer Board. My question is, can the OR18 Snapper Release be used on the OR34 Mini Planer Board?

A. I would not advise using the OR18 on the OR34 Mini Planer. It is too heavy and we have found that even the OR14 is heavy enough for any application we could think of for the Mini. If you're worried about the board coming off, use the OR16 Pro Weight Clip. This board is so small and light that using the OR18 is overkill.

Q. I fish the Mississippi river and use 6 and 8lb Berkley Crystal for walleye. Will the clips hold braided line? If so what do you recommend?

A. The OR19 (orange) release or OR16 (red) clip should hold that. If not, we make an OR18 (Snapper) that will hold anything!

Q. I'd like to know out of all your different types of releases, what is the best release or clip for brown trout and walleye fishing on the Great Lakes and which one holds your line best?

A. The best way to learn about our releases and clips is on our website. Each model is explained as well as how to apply them.

The heavier the release or clip, the stronger it will hold the line. On the mini clips (OR10, OR14, OR19 and OR16), you can move the spring for about a 40-50% change in tension to fit most needs.

Q. I use 30 lb Power Pro and 20/30 lb fire Line with my OR18 Snapper Release on my OR12 boards. I have used them on only four fishing trips. Until the last trip everything was working well when one of the releases kept slipping down the line to the bead. So what can I do to prevent this? Which way do you push the top lever? Forward or backward?

A. There is a small screw underneath the jaws. Put the lever in the open position and turn the screw clockwise about 1/4 turn. Try it on the line again and see if that holds. Do not tighten the screw anymore than you have to in order to hold the line in place. This should do it.

Q. On your planer board releases there are two holes on the releases where the quick clips go on. What is the purpose for the two holes? Should only the outer one be used?

A. Yes, you should use the outer hole. That is the one with the brass eyelet. The other hole is for different applications and once it was put in the tooling it stayed there.

Q. I am really new at this. I am going to be pier fishing for king mackerel this coming weekend. I have a 13 ft tall fishing pole with a reel that has 50 lb. test line on it that I am going to be using for my anchor line. Basically I will be casting out as far as I can with a weighted anchor that will let the fishing line act as a zip line. I will be using a deep sea rod with live bait to catch the fish. I will use the anchor line (zip line) to lower the line with the live bait to the water, so that I can have the bait about 3 to 5 feet down in the water. I was wondering if I can use the OR1 to attach the line with the live bait to the anchor line, and if it would still release the baited line from the anchor line when the mackerel gets hooked by the baited fish?

A. Yes, that should work. Keep the anchor line as tight as possible. Are you going to have to pull the anchor line in each time? If not, you should be able to slide the release down for the next set.

Q. We have been using your OR2 Medium Tension Stacker Downrigger Releases for years and have found them to break at the same point where the two are clipped together. What are we doing wrong?

A. Breakage occurs when the clip to the downrigger cable was placed above the snap that lets it slide down the cable when released. When the OR2 is used properly (as per the directions on the packaging), you will not have this breakage. Always follow the directions supplied with our products. You can also find the instructions on this site under the Instructions tab.


Q. While watching the Best Chance Too Fishing Tips DVD this past weekend, Bill and Dave mentioned using your offshore clip for running fixed sliders. This clip would be clipped to the monofilament that runs to the pole. What Off Shore clip do you recommend? I am guessing that I should use the OR16 or OR19. Which of these snaps is smaller and has heavier tension?

A. You could use either the orange OR19 or the black OR14. The OR19 has heavier tension while the OR14 will probably do the job as a fixed slider. While some use the OR16, I don't recommend it. The OR16 has a pin protruding through the center of the pad and cannot be tripped from the line easily. The OR16 and the OR19 have the same heavy tension and all 3 are the same size.


Q. I am purchasing a set of planer boards and I need some clarification about the releases. I use 30lb PowerPro and I usually fish for walleye. Can I use the OR18 Adjustable Snapper Release for all fishing conditions or do you recommend having a variety?

A. The Snapper (OR18) would be the ticket for that application and for mono as well. You may have to tighten the screw in the bottom of the Snapper a little for the slippery PowerPro. Tighten the screw about 1/4 turn at a time.


Q. I wanted to ask what planer boards and releases you would recommend for in line trolling for muskie? We use mostly 80lb braid with an occasional 65lb braid and "medium" diving 8"-12" crankbaits. Troll speed is around 3.5-4 mph. Any information on what products and how to do an initial set up would be greatly appreciated.

A. I would use the OR31 (orange) Side Planer SST. The OR31 comes with an OR19 release and I would give that a try; if it did not handle the size lure you're using, then get the Snapper Release (OR18). I think the way the OR31 comes should work though.


Q. My buddy is getting started in walleye trolling and purchased four of your snapper releases for his Off Shore planer boards. The problem is, when the releases are tightened enough to hold on FireLine, they are very difficult to release. Any suggestions? I have older snapper releases on older Off Shore boards and don't seem to have that problem.

A. We haven't made any changes on the Snappers.


Q. I was wondering if you would sell me a set of 6 Off Shore planer boards, pre-rigged with the tattle flag and the adjustable clamp-down clips. I have looked into buying all of this separately; however, it gets very pricey and is a lot of work to set all of that up. Why don't you offer them that way "off-the-shelf"?

A. We do not specially make up the pre-rigging assemblies due to the fact that we need to stay within what our retailers sell and have available (which limits SKU's). Usually we have found that most anglers use the boards with different setups during different fishing adventures. So when they purchase the accessories, they still have all of the original equipment to use under different situations that would produce more fish for them. The boards were on the market long before the tattle flag system and then the OR18's came out so this is another reason for not packaging or specializing in setups. As the fishing venues change, we will be coming out with more options for the rigging and usage of the boards. The accessories allow the angler more of an adaptation to their needs at a particular time which may change by the hour of fishing and the conditions.

The cam action of the OR18's will not work with the tattle flag setup, only the OR16's. You can purchase the items separately for converting your boards over to tattle flag set up if you already have the OR16's.


Q. I recently purchased OR8 release clips to be used on flat line booms. Package said downrigger release but they told me at the store that they were also used for flat line booms. I will be using them for trolling for striped bass (we call them rockfish) here on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. Your thoughts, OK or not?

A. I am assuming that flat line booms are similar to outriggers in technique. The OR8 will work fine there. They will grip very tight and should assure you of a good hook set when a striper hits.


Q. In regards to FireLine, which release is better to use the OR19 or the OR18? Do I need 2 for each board or do I just need to replace the bracket release? I need to order as soon as possible. Can I order online?

A. The OR18 will be the best for FireLine. The OR19 works and is used by a lot of salmon anglers where they want a release to trip with a fish. I would recommend the OR18 as the best for walleye and FireLine. They are available at Cabela's, Gander Mountain and many other retailers. If you cannot find them there, they are available online.


Q. I am trolling with 14lb x 6 FireLine and my boards are constantly coming off. I am looping the line. Do I need different clips?

A. Yes, you do need a different release for that thin FireLine. The standard release on the board is for mono in the 10 to 12 pound range. You need the OR19 (orange) release or the OR18 Snapper Release.


Q. How many years could you expect the pads to last in occasional fishing use (10 to 12 trips per year) in fresh water?

A. The material is a gasket type of rubber and should last a long time if not exposed to heat or lots of sun. It may dry out in time, but I know I have had releases on my charter boat in the old days that were several years old. What they will probably show if they are old is they are hard and not supple any longer. It is not too difficult to change the pads and the replacement pads are available at your local retail store or through us directly.


Q. I picked up a pack of your planer board releases at Captain Hooks Sports (I think they are the yellow OR10's) to replace the releases on a couple of Yellow Bird planer boards. On my initial attempt at using them, I couldn't keep the line in the release. It would pop out almost immediately. I was using 20# mono pulling a surface plug and or spoon with a ½ oz weight. The spring was pushed toward the pinch pads. Am I doing something wrong or were these the wrong releases to get for this purpose?

A. The OR10's are too light for that application so you need the black OR14 Adjustable Medium Tension Release which is the next level up in tension. If you were fishing salmon or at a higher speed, the orange OR19 Adjustable Heavy Tension Release would be your best choice.


Q. I'm just starting to get into open water fishing in the Great Lakes with downriggers. I was reading on your web page article about the add-a-line method. I have used a stacker with another rod but I like this idea of adding a second line at a controlled depth on the same rod. My questions are:

1. How far up from the downrigger weight can I go? I have your downrigger release attached to the back of the cannonball for the main line but I'm worried about the bow in the line. This method will bring the main line bow back toward the wire. Any problem with this? Will this not be a double bow now?

2. Do I need to provide a stop down near the bottom of the main line to prevent this extra line from sliding all of the way down? My concern would be when a fish hits the main line and this slides down. If the extra line is 6 feet (give or take) a foot in length, would the stop be at 10 feet preventing this from getting in the way of the fish or is it best to just let it slide down and trail behind the fish?

A. This procedure of stacking is easier to do than talk about but here it goes. First off, you use a black OR14 or an orange OR19 release attached to about 5 feet of line (the same pound test as your main fishing line). I use a snap swivel on each end and one of the split rings that come with the releases. I set my main line in the cannonball release, lower the ball 6 to 10 feet and pinch on the OR14 or OR19 release. If I am trying to fish two different water temperatures, I lower the ball until the stacker would be at the upper temperature. As for a line stop, none is needed since the lure on the main line will act as the stop.


Q. I purchased 2 yellow Off Shore in line planers last year. I am running #30 Powerpro braided line on my Daiwa Sealine level wind reels. This high quality braided line continues to slip through the pads of the release.

A. The instruction sheets are included with every Side Planer and explains the different types of releases for different applications. Your use of PowerPro is an application which requires a special release or at least wrapping the line around the release once. We have many top pro anglers using these products for all applications including salt water and muskie. My recommendation would be to add the OR18 Snapper Release to the bracket and use the pigtail on the back.