Side-planers aka mexidriftboats can be very effective under the right conditions and fishing hole. It still boils down to fishing water with fish in it. Once you find fish start way above them and work down into em'. When I have used them I normally run the plug about 20 feet behind the planer. Be sure to still tune your plug! Pretend your in the driftboat and work a run top to bottom. I do especially good in holes or runs where the fish get trapped, such as a hard quick tailout, downed tree, or simply a nice pocket, basicly anyplace the steelhead is forced into a corner. Steelie hate to be cornered or threatened. If presented properly the plug or "threat" will be slammed by mr steelie. When fish tend to spook from plugs normally thats a sign to switch methods and go for something less flashy.........bait.

[ 11-28-2001: Message edited by: BK ]