RIGGING A SIDE PLANER

Since it can be rigged to plane to port or starboard, the Hot Shot Side Planer (1) comes unassembled. There are two rudder sizes, with the small rudder (2) best for really fast water. The large rudder (3) is what you will likely use most. The release tension of the stainless steel tripper arm (4) can be adjusted with a pair of needlenose pliers.

The round end faces upstream and you assemble the strut and rudder (5) the direction you want the planer to go, making sure to slide the strut all the way to the rear of the planer (6). A little wax or lip balm applied to the strut will make it slide on easier. The wire tripper arm should be positioned toward you and snapped into the provided release groove.

Once assembled, thread your main line through the wire eyelet at the end of the tripper arm (7), down through the center grommet (8) and out the tail eyelet – located on the bottom (9) of the planer. It’s then that you place a plastic bead (10) onto your main line and add a swivel (11). Your leader length, extending back to your plug (12), should be 3 to 4 feet long.

The key to locking the planer onto your main line at the desired distance from your lure is to wrap it around the end fin tab (13). When wrapping, make sure to grab your line between the tripper arm and where the line threads through the grommet in the center of the planer. –BR wrapping. Because it’s stiff, monofilament can resist the wrapping and spring of the fin tab, which means you may have to hold the wraps in place until you have the planer suspended off your rod tip.

The idea is to then swing your side planer out into the water from your rod tip and let the current pull your planer to midstream. By adjusting the amount of letout and rod tip angle, you can pretty much position the planer and trailing plug wherever you like. It’s then that you back-troll your planer and plug downstream by slowly walking along the river bank. Keep in mind, it’s important to not walk too fast. Take a few steps and stop and let the plug work for a minute before taking another couple of steps.

WHEN MR. STEELHEAD strikes, your reaction should be to yank back to set the hook, which should also trip the arm on the planer, causing the device to begin sliding down your line. Unlike my first try, make sure to have a swivel prerigged 3 feet above your plug so the planer won’t drill your prize between its eyes.

Keep in mind that using a side planer in the same location as where others are fishing is not a good idea. This is especially true if they are casting while downstream from your location. My advice: back-troll your plug from shore in drifts not being fished by others, just like those trolling plugs from boats do.

The theory among many anglers, including me, is that steelhead (especially males) strike plugs viciously when backtrolled into their location due to them having no tolerance for a vibrating plug invading their territory. Nearly all the really big steelhead, most of which are males, we have landed over the years were caught on plugs.

And finally, keep in mind that plugs are most effective when the water is clear. NS

Editor’s note: Buzz Ramsey is regarded as a trout, steelhead and salmon sport fishing authority and proficient lure and fishing rod designer. He has been honored into the Hall of Fame for the Association of Northwest Steelheaders and the national Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.