boards are awesome. if you want open water trolling. musky/salmon/walleye. if your serious get the mast system. you will never look back. you can stagger baits at different depths/distance .. when the fish hits its the clip releases then you fight the fish only. as for nay-sayers on dragging fish,,,not so. when the fights on turn the boat with the waves. then you can neutral bump and fight the fish. believe me I ran boards on all great lakes. they are the most valuable tool for multiple lines and spooky fish.