E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers Review

One Month Later: E-Z Diver Old Salt Planers Review

When you’re out on the water, especially when chasing down those deeper, more elusive saltwater predators, having the right gear can mean the difference between a banner day and a frustrating one. I’ve spent over a decade outfitting myself for everything from tight-knit workshop projects to expansive field research, and in that time, I’ve learned that reliable trolling equipment isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. That’s precisely what led me to the E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers.

My specific need for this equipment arose from a recent trip where my existing planers simply weren’t getting my lures down to where the fish were holding. I was losing valuable fishing time and, more importantly, potential catches. While I considered a few different deep-diving lures and weighted systems, the promise of a versatile planer that could adapt to different depths caught my eye.

First impressions of these Old Salt Planers were solid. They felt robust, with a weight that suggested they could handle the stresses of saltwater trolling. The construction appears straightforward, yet functional. I had briefly looked at some heavier-duty, more complex planer systems, but for this particular application, the simpler design of the E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers seemed more appropriate for my needs. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism – could this relatively simple device finally solve my depth-finding dilemma?

Real-World Testing: Putting E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put these planers to the test off the coast, targeting deeper reef structures where larger game fish are known to congregate. The conditions were moderately choppy, with a steady breeze and a moderate swell, typical for a late spring afternoon fishing excursion. Rigging them up was straightforward; I connected my main line to the planer, and then attached a leader with my lure to the planer’s tow point.

The planers performed as expected, cutting through the water and achieving a respectable depth with my chosen trolling speed. I was able to adjust my setup to target shallower areas by simply modifying the line let-out, demonstrating the advertised versatility. There was a slight learning curve in understanding exactly how much line out translated to specific depths with my setup, but it was intuitive enough that I found my rhythm within the first hour of fishing. No immediate issues or unexpected quirks presented themselves, which was a welcome change from some other new gear I’ve tested.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full month of consistent use, including several multi-hour trolling sessions, these E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers have proven to be quite reliable. They’ve been subjected to repeated launches and retrievals, the inevitable spray of saltwater, and the occasional bump against the boat hull. Despite this, I haven’t noticed any significant signs of wear or tear.

The materials seem to be holding up well against corrosion, and there’s no indication of cracks or structural weakness. Maintenance has been minimal; a simple rinse with fresh water after each outing seems to be all that’s required to keep them in top condition. Compared to some budget planers I’ve used in the past, which often start showing signs of fatigue or corrosion after just a few trips, these Old Salt Planers feel like they’re built to last. They also outperform some more elaborate, and considerably more expensive, trolling divers I’ve encountered.

Breaking Down the Features of E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers

Specifications

The E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers come with a set of specifications designed for effective trolling. The product is manufactured by E-Z Tackle, a company known for its fishing accessories. Each unit measures 9 ft in length, which is a significant factor in how deep it can take your line.

The stated weight is 0.35 lb, providing a good balance between substantial feel and manageable handling. Its dimensions are 4.4 in in width and 2.8 in in height, contributing to its hydrodynamics in the water. While the “Additional Features: Black Multi, No” is a bit cryptic, it likely refers to color options or specific configurations that are not applicable to this particular unit, suggesting a straightforward, single-color design without extraneous attachments. These specifications work together to create a planer that can effectively dive and maintain depth while being stable enough for consistent trolling.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, achieving depth, the E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers perform admirably. They do an excellent job of pulling down trolling lines, allowing anglers to present lures or bait at depths that might otherwise be inaccessible without heavy weights or specialized downriggers. The ability to adjust depth by simply changing the amount of line let out is a key strength.

The main strength is definitely its depth-achieving capability. However, the “Black Multi, No” feature specification is a weakness due to its vagueness; it would be helpful to have more clarity on available options or specific benefits. Overall, it meets expectations for its intended purpose, delivering the necessary lure presentation for targeting deeper water species.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these Old Salt Planers is purposefully simple, focusing on function over form. The construction feels robust, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing. The materials used appear to be durable and resistant to corrosion, which is crucial for any gear exposed to the marine environment.

Ergonomically, the unit is straightforward to handle and attach to a fishing line. There isn’t a significant learning curve, as the connection points are standard. The overall feel in hand is solid, and the 9 ft length is manageable for rigging and stowing.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction and the materials I’ve observed, these planers appear built for longevity in a saltwater environment. I anticipate they will last for many seasons under normal trolling conditions, especially with proper care. The design is straightforward, meaning there are fewer complex parts that could potentially fail or require specialized maintenance.

Cleaning is as simple as rinsing with freshwater after each use, which is a standard but essential practice for saltwater gear. I haven’t encountered any failure points, but I would advise checking connections regularly, as with any fishing tackle. The 0.35 lb weight contributes to its sturdiness without being overly cumbersome.

Accessories and Customization Options

The E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers appear to be a standalone trolling device rather than a system that relies heavily on numerous accessories. The provided specifications don’t list any included accessories, and the “No” in the additional features suggests a lack of modularity or customization options for this specific model. This means the user relies on their existing tackle setup, such as line strength, leader material, and lure choice, to complement the planer’s function.

Pros and Cons of E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers

Who Should Buy E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers?

The E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers are an excellent choice for recreational anglers, particularly those who enjoy trolling for saltwater species like salmon, cod, or rockfish that often inhabit deeper waters. They are ideal for individuals who need a reliable and straightforward way to get their lures into the strike zone without investing in expensive downriggers or multiple heavy weights. Anyone looking for a cost-effective solution to increase their trolling depth would find these quite useful.

However, serious tournament anglers or those needing extremely precise depth control for highly specialized techniques might find this planer’s capabilities a bit basic. If you require advanced features or a system that integrates with electronic depth sounders, you might need to look at more sophisticated trolling equipment. For general use, I recommend ensuring you have a strong enough fishing line and appropriate leaders to handle the increased stress at greater depths.

Conclusion on E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers

After a month of rigorous testing, the E-Z Tackle E Z Diver Old Salt Planers have proven themselves to be a dependable and effective piece of fishing gear. They deliver on their promise of achieving greater trolling depths with a simple, robust design. The $33.99 price point represents excellent value for the performance offered, making them an accessible upgrade for many anglers.

I would personally recommend these planers to any angler looking to expand their trolling capabilities without a significant financial outlay. They are a solid, no-nonsense tool that gets the job done, especially for those targeting fish in deeper waters. If you’re in the market for an easy-to-use, durable planer that won’t break the bank, these Old Salt Planers are certainly worth considering.