Newbie Trolling Spoons Questions

[Big fat pike]

Im not a direhard for trolling but if i am with one of my buddies we troll deep for pike (ill throw a daredevle) with my one rod but can't get them deep (downrigger and spinning reels are a disaster) and worry trolling weights would break the rod as it would exceed the rod weight rating as the spoon is 3/4oz and i have broken one before (for more context i got an IRT 200 reel that has been perfect with 20lb power pro maxcuatro because the old reel kept tangling for whatever reason but i still haven't been able to get a fish on it and would like too and the rod is cajun rods Black Bayou™ 845: 7 ft / Med Heavy Power / Fast Action) would planer boards do it  or is my rod setup just not going to work with the lure 

 

 

Also I use the weedless daredevle spoons for the single hooks and was wondering if anybody else trolls weedless spoons and whether or not they add split rings or fish it as is and are the weedless daredevles as good as the originals?

 

Edited July 13, 2025 by Big fat pike
Title change

[LongLine]

How heavy a weight are you using as a "trolling weight?"  

[Big fat pike]

2 hours ago, LongLine said:

How heavy a weight are you using as a "trolling weight?"  

2ozs i believe but can vary

Edited July 14, 2025 by Big fat pike

[LongLine]

2 oz is not a problem for any rod.  If 2 oz broke your previous rod trolling, then that rod was defective.  A 2 oz Keel sinker should typically take your lure down 18-20 ft at 50 ft behind the boat. (obviously speed dependent too)  If you're asking about the planner that I'm thinking you are, it'll pull a lot harder than a 2 oz weight.

 

The numbers/ratings on a rod generally refer to the setup for the best casting.  One very rarely casts when trolling.  Rather the lure's action is checked at the side of the boat and then line is let out.

 

Unlike fly fishing where the rod and the line are most important, when trolling the reel and line are most important.  The reel must have a smooth and adjustable drag.  

 

Daredevils can be great lures.   When casting you can make it do almost anything.  i.e raise & lower rod tip, reel fast-reel slow, jerk the rod tip, etc.  When trolling the action is determined by the boat speed.  If too fast all it'll do is spin.  generally, the slower, the better.  Put boat in neutral and let it flutter down once in a while.   If not using a rod holder and holding rod in your hand, then every once in a while, move the rod tip towards the bow then back towards the stern.

 

You can add a split ring if you want but 3/4 oz is fairly heavy and unknown if you'll gain anything with it.  It's not a flutter spoon.  Daredevil used to make flutter spoons that were specifically designed for trolling.  Only problem was if a pike hits any flutter spoon, it'll get destroyed. 

 

If you're worried about a single vs treble, they're easy enough to change.  I'd advise if it has a #2 treble, then use a #3 or even #4 single hook on it. 

 

Good luck

 

 

 

 

 

[Big fat pike]

19 minutes ago, LongLine said:

2 oz is not a problem for any rod.  If 2 oz broke your previous rod trolling, then that rod was defective.  A 2 oz Keel sinker should typically take your lure down 18-20 ft at 50 ft behind the boat. (obviously speed dependent too)  If you're asking about the planner that I'm thinking you are, it'll pull a lot harder than a 2 oz weight.

 

The numbers/ratings on a rod generally refer to the setup for the best casting.  One very rarely casts when trolling.  Rather the lure's action is checked at the side of the boat and then line is let out.

 

Unlike fly fishing where the rod and the line are most important, when trolling the reel and line are most important.  The reel must have a smooth and adjustable drag.  

 

Daredevils can be great lures.   When casting you can make it do almost anything.  i.e raise & lower rod tip, reel fast-reel slow, jerk the rod tip, etc.  When trolling the action is determined by the boat speed.  If too fast all it'll do is spin.  generally, the slower, the better.  Put boat in neutral and let it flutter down once in a while.   If not using a rod holder and holding rod in your hand, then every once in a while, move the rod tip towards the bow then back towards the stern.

 

You can add a split ring if you want but 3/4 oz is fairly heavy and unknown if you'll gain anything with it.  It's not a flutter spoon.  Daredevil used to make flutter spoons that were specifically designed for trolling.  Only problem was if a pike hits any flutter spoon, it'll get destroyed. 

 

If you're worried about a single vs treble, they're easy enough to change.  I'd advise if it has a #2 treble, then use a #3 or even #4 single hook on it. 

 

Good luck

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you i will let you know if i get anything when i go out

 

Are these the Flutter Spoons you are referring to?

Edited July 14, 2025 by Big fat pike

[LongLine]

yes.  I remember the flutter chucks from years ago.