Nice article about the offshore inline boards Mike.We switched over about 3 yrs ago to the release on the arm that releases the line when bringing board in.But we use the orange OR19 release on the forward arm.We were having a problem with boards diving when bringing in fish at faster speeds and long leads.Changing to the orange release solved that problem.Was a bit of a learning curve initially but the boards come in much easier now and think we lose less fish now that the tension on the fish is more direct rather than still attached to the board.The one difference between us, is we use rubber bands to the tattle flags that tilt down.When started using the inline boards,we had issues with getting the proper tension on the flags with the springs that came with the boards.Then we went out with a charter many years ago and he was using rubber bands instead of springs on his boards.We then switched to rubber bands too and was much easier.We use the size 33 rubber bands you get at OfficeMax.We loop them through the forward hole in the arm then stretch them across the leading edge then hook the band on the wire attached to the tattle flag on the back.To adjust tension to the flag just move the runner band to either side of leading edge.
So when setting out boards to start the day I put out the lure we're using and lead then put our mono into both releases.Then I hold the board and pull on the line to see how much tension is needed to hold up the flag.I then will move the rubber bands to either side of leading edge so even a small fish will pull the flag down.We need to change the rubber bands every 2-3 trips but can do that in a couple minutes.Good luck to all this coming season.