First Impressions of Old Salty Planers
The world of trolling for fish can be a complex one, filled with downriggers, divers, and an array of other gadgets designed to get your bait in the strike zone. But sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. That’s where Old Salty Planers come in. These unassuming devices promise to help anglers cover more water and target fish at specific depths without the need for elaborate setups. For years, I’ve relied on more complex trolling setups, so I was skeptical but intrigued by the promise of a simple planer.
I’d been looking for a way to effectively troll shallow water without spooking fish, and I needed a more portable solution than my downriggers for smaller boats. The promise of improved bait presentation and wider coverage drew me to these planers. My first impression of the Old Salty Planers was that they are remarkably simple, almost deceptively so.
Compared to more expensive and elaborate trolling setups like electric downriggers or specialized diving planers, the Old Salty Planers offer a minimalist approach. I was specifically deciding between these, a set of Dipsy Divers, and weighted keel sinkers. Ultimately, I chose the Old Salty Planers because they seemed like the easiest to deploy and retrieve, and the least likely to cause tangles. I was pleasantly surprised by the solid feel of the plastic and the seemingly robust construction of the release clips.
I was cautiously optimistic. I hoped these planers would live up to their promise of simple and effective trolling.
Real-World Testing: Putting Old Salty Planers to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Old Salty Planers came on a trip to a local lake known for its walleye and northern pike population. The water was relatively clear, with a slight chop caused by a moderate breeze. I rigged up two rods, each with a Old Salty Planer attached to the main line, followed by a leader and a shallow-diving crankbait.
Initially, I struggled to get the planers to track correctly. It took some experimenting with line releases and trolling speed to get them running smoothly to the side of the boat. However, once dialed in, they performed admirably, pulling my lures well away from the boat and covering a much wider swath of water than I could have managed with straight trolling. I noticed the biggest improvement when using the Old Salty Planers at slower speeds to target specific depths.
I was surprised by how effectively the planers stayed on course, even when encountering slight changes in speed or direction.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Old Salty Planers on various bodies of water, including lakes and rivers, I’ve gained a solid understanding of their performance and durability. The planers have held up well to repeated use, with no signs of cracking or deformation in the plastic. The release clips, while simple in design, have proven to be reliable and consistent in their release tension.
The only maintenance I’ve needed to perform is a quick rinse with freshwater after each use to remove any algae or debris. Compared to more complex trolling systems that require regular lubrication and maintenance, the Old Salty Planers are remarkably low-maintenance. They are far more convenient than dragging out the downriggers every time I want to fish.
The Old Salty Planers have consistently outperformed my expectations, especially considering their affordable price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Old Salty Planers
Specifications
The Old Salty Planers are deceptively simple, relying on basic physics and durable construction for effective trolling. Their key specifications include:
- Durable Plastic Construction: The planers are molded from a high-impact plastic that is resistant to cracking and deformation, even under stress. This ensures longevity and reliable performance in various conditions.
- Adjustable Release Clips: These clips attach to the fishing line and release when a fish strikes, allowing the angler to fight the fish directly. The adjustability of the clips is crucial for fine-tuning the release tension based on the size of the fish and the type of line being used.
- Hydrodynamic Design: The shape of the planer is designed to create a sideways pull when trolled through the water, effectively diverting the lure away from the boat. This maximizes coverage and reduces the chances of spooking fish.
- Compact Size: Their relatively small size makes them easy to store and transport, an advantage over larger and more cumbersome trolling systems. This portability is ideal for anglers fishing from smaller boats or kayaks.
These specifications are critical to the overall performance of the Old Salty Planers because they directly influence their ability to track accurately, release reliably, and withstand the rigors of trolling.
Performance & Functionality
The Old Salty Planers excel at their primary function: diverting lures away from the boat to cover more water and target fish at specific depths. When properly rigged and adjusted, they track smoothly and consistently, maintaining a stable position to the side of the boat. The release clips are reliable, allowing for clean and consistent releases when a fish strikes.
Their biggest strength is their simplicity and ease of use. Their main weakness is the learning curve associated with getting them properly dialed in. They meet expectations for anglers looking for an affordable and effective way to expand their trolling spread.
Design & Ergonomics
The Old Salty Planers feature a simple, functional design that prioritizes durability and ease of use. The plastic construction feels robust and capable of withstanding the wear and tear of regular use. Their light weight makes them easy to handle and deploy, even in windy conditions.
There isn’t a significant learning curve, but experimentation is necessary to find the optimal settings for different lures and trolling speeds.
Durability & Maintenance
The Old Salty Planers are designed to last, thanks to their durable plastic construction and simple design. With basic care and maintenance, they should provide years of reliable service. The only maintenance required is a quick rinse with freshwater after each use to remove any salt, algae, or debris.
Their robust design means that repairs are rarely necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Old Salty Planers themselves don’t come with a wide array of accessories. The primary customization option involves adjusting the release clips to accommodate different line types and fish sizes. Anglers can also experiment with different leader lengths and lure types to fine-tune their trolling presentation.
While not specifically designed for compatibility with other brands, the Old Salty Planers can be used with a wide variety of aftermarket line releases and trolling weights to further customize their performance.
Pros and Cons of Old Salty Planers
Pros
- Affordable Price: They offer a cost-effective way to expand your trolling spread without breaking the bank.
- Simple and Easy to Use: Their straightforward design makes them easy to rig and deploy, even for novice anglers.
- Durable Construction: The high-impact plastic construction ensures they can withstand the rigors of regular use.
- Effective Diverting Action: They reliably pull lures away from the boat, covering more water and reducing the risk of spooking fish.
- Versatile Application: They can be used in a variety of fishing scenarios, including lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
Cons
- Requires Fine-Tuning: Achieving optimal performance requires some experimentation with line releases and trolling speeds.
- Limited Depth Control: They are best suited for targeting fish in relatively shallow water, as depth control is not as precise as with downriggers.
Who Should Buy Old Salty Planers?
- Perfect for: Casual anglers looking to improve their trolling success, anglers fishing from smaller boats or kayaks, and those seeking an affordable alternative to more complex trolling systems.
- Who should skip this product? Anglers who primarily target deep-water species or require precise depth control, or those who prefer the convenience of electric downriggers.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A selection of different line releases to accommodate various line types and fish sizes, as well as a small assortment of trolling weights to fine-tune the depth of your lures.
Conclusion on Old Salty Planers
The Old Salty Planers offer a compelling value proposition for anglers seeking a simple, affordable, and effective way to expand their trolling spread. While they may not offer the precision and depth control of more sophisticated systems, their ease of use, durable construction, and reliable performance make them a valuable addition to any angler’s arsenal.
The price is definitely justified given their effectiveness and longevity. I would recommend these planers to anyone looking to improve their trolling game without breaking the bank.
Give the Old Salty Planers a try and experience the difference they can make in your fishing success. You might be surprised at how such a simple device can significantly improve your catch rate.