For trolling large bunker spoons, we recommend a conventional rod and reel combo consisting loaded with 40-50lb Monel wire line or 80-130lb braided lines. Braided line is easier to use, but will not have quite the same sink rate as wire.
It is critical to use a rod specifically designed for spoon fishing with wire line. Bunker spoon rods are typically 8ft or longer and fairly soft. The slow soft action allows the spoon to have the proper beating action.
The reel should is typically 4/0 size or larger. Levelwind reels are nice to have, but are not critical. The reel spool should be made of a material that will resist corrosion because the wire line accelerates that process. We spray all our reels frequently with a corrosion inhibitor.
The wire line should always be backed with monofilament and typically joined with an albright knot. A 10ft long 80lb fluorocarbon leader of should be attached directly to the wire using an Albright knot or an 100lb swivel. If a swivel is used, it should be small enough to easily pass through the guides.
A variety of 9 inch Secret Spoons in different colors are effective and these are the only spoons we recommend. Click here to learn more about using bunker spoons and the Secret Spoons!
Frequently Asked Questions
For trolling large bunker spoons, a conventional rod and reel combo loaded with 40-50lb Monel wire line or 80-130lb braided line is recommended. The rod should be specifically designed for spoon fishing, typically 8 feet or longer with a soft action to allow proper spoon movement.
A slow, soft action rod is crucial because it allows the bunker spoon to have the proper beating action in the water, which makes the lure more attractive to striped bass. This enhances the spoon's effectiveness when trolling.
Monel wire line in the 40-50lb range or braided lines between 80-130lb are best for trolling bunker spoons. Braided line is easier to handle but sinks slower than wire line. Always use monofilament backing with wire line and connect them with an albright knot.
A 10-foot-long fluorocarbon leader rated around 80lb should be attached directly to the wire line using an Albright knot or a small 100lb swivel that passes easily through rod guides. This setup ensures durability and prevents the leader from tangling or breaking off.
Reels of size 4/0 or larger are recommended. While levelwind reels are advantageous, they are not essential. It's important the reel spool be made of corrosion-resistant material since wire line accelerates corrosion, and reels should be sprayed frequently with corrosion inhibitors.
A variety of 9-inch Secret Spoons in different colors are highly effective and are the only spoons recommended for this type of fishing. Their design works best with the trolling setup described for striped bass.
While levelwind reels make trolling easier and more efficient by evenly distributing line on the spool, they are not critical for fishing with bunker spoons. Conventional reels without levelwind can still be used effectively with proper technique.