RE: How does a downrigger work?
Downriggers have a weight and take the line down to a measured depth. When the fish strikes it pulls the line free of the release and you can fight the fish without all the weight of a lead core line. Planner boards usually come in two and are shaped like a couple of wedges. They are attached to the boat by a heavy line and when the boat goes forward the planners go out to the side like a water skier. The fishing lines are placed in releases which slide down the tow rope towards the planner. When I had my lake boat I usually ran 3 lines off each side of the boat. It is used to troll multiple lures that are spaced apart to eliminate tangles. When the fish strikes it pulls the line out of the release and you fight the fish. I used to run the lures that were closest to the planner back the farthest and the middle lure next and the inside lure was just out of the prop wash. Hope it helps.