Trolling Spoon Rig
The classic, erratic flutter of a trolling spoon is the ultimate way to trigger aggressive strikes from pelagic and deep-water predators.
Knot
Improved Clinch Knot
Target Depth
5-50 ft
Target Species
Where To Use It
How To Tie / Assemble
- 1Attach a heavy-duty ball-bearing swivel to your main trolling line to prevent line twist.
- 2Tie a 6 to 10-foot section of high-quality fluorocarbon leader to the other end of the swivel.
- 3Slide a small glass bead onto the leader to act as a buffer against potential weight systems.
- 4Attach a trolling weight or downrigger release clip if depth control is required.
- 5Tie the end of the leader directly to the split ring attached to the nose of the trolling spoon using an Improved Clinch Knot.
Recommended Baits
Flutter Spoon
Essential for targeting Lake Trout and Salmon by mimicking the erratic movement of wounded baitfish in deeper water columns.
Thin-Profile Casting Spoon
Highly effective for Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel when high-speed trolling to trigger aggressive reaction strikes.
Deep-Cup Trolling Spoon
Best used for Walleye and Striped Bass in low-light conditions, as the heavy vibration and deep cup produce strong pressure waves.
UV-Reflective Metallic Spoon
Ideal for targeting Salmon in overcast conditions or deep water where UV spectrum light is the primary visibility factor.
Jointed Metal Spoon
Provides a wider, swimming action that excels at enticing sluggish Striped Bass during the transition periods of spring and fall.
How To Use It
Maintain a consistent trolling speed between 2.0 and 3.5 mph. Use a fish finder to locate bait balls or fish arches, and adjust your downrigger or weighted line to keep the spoon at or slightly above the target depth. The spoon should flutter rhythmically; if it spins, your speed is too high.
Why the Improved Clinch Knot
Gear & Setup
Best Conditions
Species You'll Catch On This Rig
Walleye
The ultimate ghost of the freshwater depths, walleye are prized for their keen low-light vision and world-class table fare.
Striped Bass
The apex predator of the Atlantic coast and major inland reservoirs, known for punishing strikes and blistering drag-testing runs.
Chinook Salmon
The King of Salmon, revered for its legendary size and explosive fighting strength that tests the limits of any angler's tackle.
King Mackerel
The undisputed king of the coastal pelagics, known for blistering initial runs and acrobatic, high-flying strikes.
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