7 Best Trolling Spoons For Speed for Open Water Fishing
Master high-speed trolling with our top seven spoon picks. Discover durable designs built to track perfectly and trigger aggressive strikes in open water.
When the salmon are running and the water is glass-calm, high-speed trolling becomes the ultimate game of precision and patience. Choosing the right spoon can be the difference between a quiet day on the water and a cooler full of trophy fish. Let’s dial in your gear so you can spend less time guessing and more time fighting fish.
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Understanding Trolling Spoon Dynamics at High Speeds
At high speeds, a standard spoon often turns into a spinning propeller, losing its critical side-to-side flutter that triggers predatory strikes. The physics of water resistance means that as you increase your trolling velocity, the spoon’s surface area dictates how much drag it creates. If the spoon is too light or poorly balanced, it will simply "wash out," spinning uncontrollably and tangling your leader line.
For the best results, you need a spoon with a specific curvature that maintains a rhythmic, wide-swinging action even when you’re pushing past 3.0 knots. This action mimics a wounded baitfish, which is exactly what aggressive predators like Chinook or Lake Trout are looking for. Understanding this balance between speed and action is the foundation of successful open-water trolling.
Choosing Spoons for Optimal High-Speed Performance
When selecting gear, prioritize spoons constructed from heavier-gauge metals like brass or high-density nickel. These materials provide the necessary weight to keep the lure tracking true at higher velocities without requiring excessive lead weights that might dampen the lure’s action. A thicker spoon will slice through the water column more efficiently, maintaining its intended depth and flutter pattern.
You should also consider the finish and color profile relative to your target depth. In clear, high-sun conditions, metallic finishes that reflect light are essential for visibility. Conversely, in deeper or murkier water, high-contrast patterns or UV-reactive coatings help the fish track the lure from a distance.
Luhr-Jensen Coyote Spoon for Consistent Tracking
The Luhr-Jensen Coyote is the gold standard for anglers who prioritize predictable, consistent performance. Its unique, elongated shape is specifically engineered to maintain a tight, erratic wiggle even when you increase your trolling speed. This consistency is perfect for covering large swaths of open water when you are searching for scattered schools of fish.
If you are a beginner looking for a "set it and forget it" lure that won’t tangle, the Coyote is your best bet. It tracks exceptionally well behind a flasher or a simple dodger, making it an incredibly versatile addition to any tackle box. For those who value reliability over flashy gimmicks, this is a must-have.
Michigan Stinger Stingray for Aggressive Action
The Michigan Stinger Stingray is designed for those days when the fish are active and aggressive. Its wider profile creates a more pronounced, heavy-thumping action that draws attention from a distance. Because of its larger surface area, it does require a bit more attention to trolling speed to ensure it doesn’t spin out, but the payoff is a lure that mimics a larger, injured baitfish.
This spoon is the right choice when you are targeting trophy-sized predators that are looking for a substantial meal. If you are fishing in conditions where you need to trigger a reaction strike from a lethargic fish, the Stingray’s aggressive movement is unmatched. It’s a specialized tool for the angler who isn’t afraid to adjust their speed to find the "sweet spot."
Silver Horde Kingfisher for Deep Water Stability
When you need to get down into the colder, deeper water where the big lakers hang out, the Silver Horde Kingfisher is a top-tier performer. Its design is more compact and streamlined, allowing it to stay stable even when you are trolling at higher speeds to cover deep structure. The added weight of the metal construction helps it sink quickly and hold its depth under tension.
This spoon is ideal for anglers who spend most of their time trolling at depths exceeding 50 feet. Its stability means you can maintain a steady pace without worrying about the lure losing its action in the deeper, denser water. If you want a dependable, deep-water workhorse, the Kingfisher is the one to reach for.
Pro-Troll ProChip Flasher for Added Vibration
While technically a flasher, the Pro-Troll ProChip is an essential component that changes how your spoon behaves in high-speed scenarios. By adding a small, high-frequency vibration to the water, it helps attract fish to the general vicinity of your spoon. This is especially effective in open water where fish rely on their lateral lines to detect movement.
I recommend using the ProChip when you are fishing in slightly turbid water or during low-light conditions. The added sensory input can be the difference between a fish swimming past your lure and one turning to strike. It’s a great piece of gear for the angler who wants to stack the odds in their favor.
Moonshine Lures Super Glow for Low Light Depths
Moonshine Lures have built a reputation on their high-visibility glow finishes, and the Super Glow series is the best in the business. In deep, dark water, these lures provide the only visual cue for a predator. The glow is intense and long-lasting, ensuring that your presentation remains visible even when the sun is low on the horizon.
This is the ultimate tool for early morning or late evening trolling sessions. If you find that your bite usually happens at dawn or dusk, these spoons should be your primary choice. They offer the perfect balance of action and visibility for those low-light windows.
Dreamweaver Super Slim for Erratic Fluttering
The Dreamweaver Super Slim lives up to its name by offering a very thin profile that creates an incredibly erratic, side-to-side flutter. This action is designed to trigger strikes from fish that are otherwise "neutral" or uninterested in a standard, steady-swimming lure. The erratic nature of the spoon makes it look like a dying baitfish, which is a powerful trigger for predatory instinct.
This spoon is perfect for the angler who likes to experiment with speed changes to see what triggers a bite. It’s highly sensitive, so it requires a bit of finesse, but in the hands of an experienced troller, it’s a lethal weapon. If you are looking for a lure that stands out from the crowd, the Super Slim is your go-to.
Yakima Bait Mag Lip for Controlled High Velocity
While technically a plug, the Yakima Bait Mag Lip is a frequent companion to high-speed spoon trolling because of its ability to handle extreme velocity. It features a unique diving lip that keeps it perfectly centered and tracking straight, even when you push your trolling speed to the limit. It provides a distinct, deep-thumping vibration that contrasts nicely with the flutter of a spoon.
If you are trolling in a mixed setup, run the Mag Lip on one line and your spoons on others. This allows you to test both the erratic flutter of a spoon and the deep, rhythmic thumping of a plug simultaneously. It’s an excellent way to determine what the fish are keyed into on any given day.
Proper Rigging for High-Speed Trolling Success
To keep your spoons working correctly at high speeds, your rigging needs to be clean and minimal. Use high-quality ball-bearing swivels to prevent line twist, which is the primary enemy of high-speed trolling. A twisted line will destroy the action of even the best spoon, causing it to spin rather than flutter.
- Leader Material: Use fluorocarbon to maintain invisibility and abrasion resistance.
- Swivels: Always use ball-bearing swivels to ensure the lure can rotate freely.
- Speed Management: Use a GPS-enabled fish finder to maintain a consistent speed over ground.
Remember that your leader length is just as important as your lure choice. A longer leader allows the spoon more freedom to move, while a shorter leader provides more direct control from the rod tip. Adjust your leader length based on the current and the depth you are targeting to maximize your presentation.
High-speed trolling is a dynamic way to explore open water, and having the right spoons in your kit will make your time on the water significantly more productive. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lures and speeds until you find what the fish are looking for today. Grab your gear, head out to the water, and enjoy the pursuit of that next big catch.
