Imagine this: the sun glints off the water, the boat hums gently, and you’re ready to feel that powerful tug of a salmon on your line. But before that exciting moment, there’s a crucial step: choosing the right spoon. Have you ever stood in a tackle shop, staring at a wall of shiny, wiggling spoons, feeling completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone! Picking the perfect salmon trolling spoon can feel like a guessing game, and using the wrong one can lead to a day of frustratingly empty lines.
This is where we come in. This post will cut through the confusion and equip you with the knowledge you need to select the best spoons for your next salmon fishing adventure. We’ll explore what makes a spoon irresistible to these prized fish, and how different colors, sizes, and shapes can make a big difference. By the end of this guide, you’ll be confident in your spoon choices, ready to reel in those impressive salmon and create unforgettable fishing memories.
Our Top 5 Salmon Trolling Spoons Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Salmon Trolling Spoons Detailed Reviews
1. Moonshine Trolling Spoon Green Jeans (5″)
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to reel in some big catches with the Moonshine Trolling Spoon in Green Jeans! This 5-inch spoon is designed to attract fish with its flashy movement and vibrant color. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to troll for salmon, trout, or other game fish. The Green Jeans pattern is especially popular for its effectiveness in various water conditions. Plus, keep an eye out for a coupon to make this a truly sweet deal!
What We Like:
- The Green Jeans color is eye-catching and works well in many lakes.
- It’s a proven performer for Great Lakes trolling.
- The 5-inch size is versatile for different fish species.
- This spoon is built to last and can handle tough fishing trips.
- You might find a special coupon to save money.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Prop 65 warning might be a concern for some buyers.
- Availability can sometimes be limited, so grab yours when you see it.
The Moonshine Trolling Spoon in Green Jeans is a reliable lure that will boost your success on the water. Its proven design and attractive color make it a must-have for serious anglers.
2. Luhr-Jensen 3.5 Coyote Spoon
Rating: 9.1/10
Anglers, get ready to reel in some serious excitement with the Luhr-Jensen 3.5 Coyote Spoon in Live Image/Neon Blue Side Stripe. This lure is designed to grab the attention of fish with its lively action and bright colors. Its thin body wiggles and flashes in the water, mimicking a wounded baitfish that predators can’t resist. Whether you’re trolling or casting, this spoon is built to perform and keep you hooked.
What We Like:
- The thin body creates an awesome swimming action that attracts fish.
- Its polished plating gives off a bright flash, making it easy for fish to spot.
- The UV Bright finish reflects light, making it visible even in deeper water.
- It works great when used with a dodger or flasher, adding even more appeal.
- The lure is made to resist rust and wear, so it lasts longer.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the neon blue stripe is eye-catching, some anglers might prefer more color options.
- The 3.5 size is good for many fish, but a wider range of sizes could cater to more specific fishing situations.
This Luhr-Jensen Coyote Spoon is a fantastic addition to any tackle box, promising more bites and better fishing trips. Its proven design and attractive features make it a reliable choice for anglers looking to improve their catch.
3. Moonshine Lures Magnum Trolling Spoon – 4-3/4″ – Don’s Dagger
Rating: 8.9/10
The Moonshine Lures Magnum Trolling Spoon in the “Don’s Dagger” pattern is a serious contender for any angler looking to attract big fish. This spoon is designed for trolling, meaning you drag it through the water behind your boat. Its size, 4-3/4 inches, makes it a substantial offering, perfect for targeting larger predatory fish that are looking for a hearty meal. The “Don’s Dagger” pattern is a unique color scheme that might just be the secret weapon to get those finicky fish to strike.
What We Like:
- It’s built tough, so it can handle the rough and tumble of being pulled through the water.
- The size is just right for attracting bigger game fish.
- The “Don’s Dagger” color combination looks really cool and might be very effective.
- It’s designed to create a lot of flash and wobble, which is what fish love.
What Could Be Improved:
- No specific features were listed, so it’s hard to say what could be better without testing it.
- We don’t know how it performs in different water conditions yet.
This spoon looks like it has the potential to be a real fish-catcher. Give the Moonshine Lures Magnum Trolling Spoon a try on your next fishing trip!
4. Moonshine Lures Salmon Walleye Trout Striper 4″ Spoon Wonder Bread
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to reel in some big catches with the Moonshine Lures Salmon Walleye Trout Striper 4″ Spoon in the “Wonder Bread” color! This lure is designed to attract a variety of popular game fish, including salmon, walleye, trout, and stripers. Its special UV reflective colors really stand out, making it a top choice for anglers. You can use this lure any time of day or night, and it works wonders in deep water or when the water is a bit murky.
What We Like:
- The UV reflective colors grab the attention of fish, even in low light.
- It’s versatile and works well for both daytime and nighttime fishing.
- This spoon is a fantastic choice for targeting fish in deep water.
- It performs exceptionally well in stained or murky water conditions.
- The 4-inch size is a proven winner for attracting a variety of game fish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Wonder Bread” color, while effective, might not be available everywhere, making it sought after.
- While it’s great for deep water, anglers might want to experiment with different depths for best results.
This Moonshine Lure is a powerful tool for any angler looking to improve their success rate. You’ll definitely want to add this versatile spoon to your tackle box.
5. Moonshine Lures Black Pearl Standard Original Series 4″ Trolling Spoon
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to catch more fish with the Moonshine Lures Black Pearl Standard Original Series 4″ Trolling Spoon! This lure is designed to attract big game fish with its shiny black pearl finish. It’s built tough for serious anglers. You can use a special coupon to get a great deal on this lure. It’s a fantastic addition to your tackle box for trolling adventures on the Great Lakes and beyond.
What We Like:
- It’s made with durable materials that last a long time.
- The realistic black pearl design attracts a variety of fish.
- It’s easy to attach and use when trolling.
- You can often find a coupon for a better price.
- It’s a popular choice for Great Lakes spoons.
What Could Be Improved:
- The packaging could be a little more secure.
- Sometimes it’s hard to find in stock due to its popularity.
The Moonshine Lures Black Pearl spoon is a reliable lure that will help you reel in your next big catch. Give it a try and see the difference it makes!
Choosing the Best Salmon Trolling Spoons: Your Guide to a Great Catch
Trolling for salmon is an exciting way to spend a day on the water. One of the most effective lures you can use is a trolling spoon. These shiny metal lures mimic the flash and dart of baitfish, which salmon love to chase. This guide will help you pick the right spoons for your next fishing trip.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for salmon trolling spoons, keep these important features in mind:
- Size Matters: Salmon come in different sizes, and so do the baitfish they eat. Spoons generally range from 3 to 6 inches long. Smaller spoons work well for smaller salmon like Coho, while larger spoons attract bigger Chinooks.
- Color Palettes: Salmon are attracted to a variety of colors. Bright colors like chartreuse and pink work well in clear water and sunny days. Deeper, darker colors such as purple, blue, and black are good for cloudy days or murky water. Silver and gold are classic choices that always seem to work.
- Action and Wobble: A good trolling spoon has a lively action. It should wobble and flash enticingly as it’s pulled through the water. This movement is what triggers a salmon’s strike. Some spoons have a more erratic wobble, while others have a steadier swim.
- Durability: You want spoons that can withstand the tough conditions of saltwater fishing and the thrashing of a hooked salmon. Look for spoons with strong finishes that won’t chip or fade easily.
Important Materials
The materials used to make trolling spoons greatly affect their performance and lifespan.
- Metal: Most trolling spoons are made from metal.
- Brass: This is a popular choice because it’s durable and has a nice shine. Brass spoons often have a good weight for casting and trolling.
- Copper: Copper spoons develop a patina over time, which can be very attractive to salmon. They offer a different kind of flash and flash.
- Lead: Some spoons have lead cores to give them extra weight. This helps them sink deeper and stay steady in the water.
- Finishes: The surface finish is crucial for attracting fish.
- Chrome plating: This provides a bright, reflective surface.
- Paints and coatings: Many spoons feature colorful paints or UV-reactive coatings that can be seen from further away.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a trolling spoon better or worse.
- Weight and Balance: A well-balanced spoon will have a consistent wobble. Spoons that are too light might not sink properly, while those that are too heavy can be hard to control.
- Hook Quality: Spoons come with hooks, but upgrading to sharper, stronger hooks can make a big difference. A sharp hook is more likely to penetrate a salmon’s tough mouth.
- Finish Durability: A spoon with a finish that flakes off quickly won’t last long. High-quality spoons have finishes that resist corrosion and abrasion.
- Design: Some spoon designs are simply more effective than others. Manufacturers often test different shapes and curves to create the best swimming action.
User Experience and Use Cases
Salmon trolling spoons are versatile and easy to use.
- How to Use: You attach the spoon to your fishing line, often behind a dodger or flasher, which adds even more attraction. Then, you troll your boat at a slow, steady speed. The spoon does the work of attracting the salmon.
- Where to Use: These spoons are excellent for trolling in lakes and rivers where salmon are found. They are particularly effective in open water, where salmon might be actively feeding.
- When to Use: Salmon trolling spoons can be used throughout the salmon season. They are great for targeting different species like Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, and Pink salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best color spoon for salmon?
A: There isn’t one single “best” color. It depends on the water conditions and the salmon’s mood. Silver, gold, pink, chartreuse, and blue are all popular and effective choices.
Q: How deep should I troll my spoons?
A: The depth depends on where the salmon are holding. You can use downriggers, lead core line, or trolling weights to get your spoons to the desired depth.
Q: Should I use a dodger or flasher with my spoon?
A: Yes, using a dodger or flasher is highly recommended. They create extra flash and vibration, which attracts salmon from a distance and makes them more likely to strike your spoon.
Q: What size spoon is best for salmon?
A: For most salmon species, spoons between 3 and 5 inches long are a good starting point. Larger Chinooks might prefer slightly larger spoons.
Q: How fast should I troll?
A: A good trolling speed for salmon is usually between 1.5 and 3 miles per hour. You might need to adjust this based on the species you are targeting and the water conditions.
Q: Do I need to sharpen the hooks on my spoons?
A: It’s always a good idea to check and sharpen your hooks. Sharp hooks increase your chances of hooking and landing salmon.
Q: Can I use these spoons for other types of fishing?
A: While designed for salmon, trolling spoons can also be effective for other game fish like trout, steelhead, and even some saltwater species like bonito or mackerel.
Q: How do I clean and store my trolling spoons?
A: After fishing, rinse your spoons with fresh water to remove salt and debris. Dry them thoroughly and store them in a tackle box to prevent scratches and corrosion.
Q: What is the difference between a spoon and a blade bait?
A: While both flash and vibrate, spoons are typically flatter and have a more pronounced wobble. Blade baits are often more compact and have a tighter vibration.
Q: How many spoons should I have in my tackle box?
A: It’s good to have a variety of sizes and colors. Having at least 5-10 different spoons will give you options to try in different fishing situations.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.