Matchit with Metal

By Jason Mohl of Clayoquot Ventures
Article First appeared in May issue of Island Fisherman

Over the years, many anglers have undoubtedly heard the term “match the hatch”. This phrase applies to when an angler focuses attention to the local entomology of a stream or lake, and presents a simulation of something a fish likes to eat, at the right time and place.

This same approach has also been used for many years in saltwater angling applications by using metal trolling spoons, often with phenomenal success rates. We are obviously no longer focusing on bug life as our food source match-up, but to the imitation of numerous small marine fish species that contribute to the basis of the marine ecosystem. The most prolific bait fish species along the British Columbia coastline that contribute to the Pacific Salmon’s diet are; Needlefish, Anchovies, Herring and Pilchards (Sardines). The most commonly sought after Pacific Salmon species – Chinook and Coho, are also the two species whose diet consists mainly of these baitfish. While there are currently numerous effective and favored methods to catching these great game fish, one tactic has literally trolled through time for over 100 years. Trolling Spoons for salmon has long been a very effective method, which inspired Rufus Gibbs to experiment with, and manufacture a variety of proven trolling spoons starting back in 1908. Many of the spoons that were developed between 1908 and 1945 were the mainstay of the commercial troll fishery for Salmon, and a number of these original spoons are still some of today’s top producers. There are many manufactures all over North America that focus on the development of spoons in various colors, shapes and sizes, attempting their best replicas of local bait fish species. In British Columbia we are fortunate to have companies like Gibbs-Nortac, Oki Tackle, Tomic Lures and others that have successfully created very effective spoons that mimic our local bait fish species.

Regardless of location, and time of the year that you are focusing your angling efforts along British Columbia’s coastline, there will be some type of bait fish species that is helping sustain localized populations of maturing Salmon. By accurately matching the size, shape and characteristics of this food source as close as possible, the right spoon can definitely increase your chances of success.

Spoon fishermen often come to realize that an exact representation is not always necessary, especially when you consider the wide array of colors available on the market. Bright color combinations have been known to trigger aggression from fish species for many years, with Pacific Salmon also being susceptible to this tactic. Another important consideration when choosing the right spoon is water clarity and light filtration through the water column. This can be the time where various spoons which utilize glow materials are most prominent. For fishing the west coast of Vancouver Island, I personally fish more spoons that glow than those that do not. Most often, while fishing the offshore areas in the early season, I choose my spoon size according to which bait fish species are most prevalent. If the tide is running, I will often troll a Needlefish pattern 4 feet behind a flasher very near the bottom. If larger bait fish such as Herring or Pilchards are present and the tide is not running too hard, I will often fish larger spoons rigged directly on main line, sometimes with an attractor flasher off of my cannon ball. Patterns in the 6-7 inch size, like the Oki Titan or the Gibbs Gator and Wonder Spoons are my top producers by far. Anglers should seriously consider keeping an assortment of these larger spoons on hand for when they experience the large offshore schools of Pilchards, which have continued to increase in numbers over the last few years. I have seen times offshore when nearly every guide boat has abandoned other tackle methods in favor of trolling just 6-7 inch spoons, with astounding success.

After trying various speeds, depths and patterns, and matching with metal isn't working — and sometimes it won't —you should still feel confident that you have applied a method that has probably produced more troll caught salmon than any gear type in history.

Advantages of Spoon Fishing;

• When the bite is on, you can reset your gear much faster when using spoons as opposed to bait.
• The repeated use of spoons will help you avoid the increasing costs of bait.
• The repeated use of spoons will help you avoid the increasing costs of bait. Large spoons will often entice the larger fish to strike, and can also deter smaller fish from being a “nuisance”.
• Spoons provide a great opportunity to fight powerful salmon without the drag of a flasher.

• Always rig your spoons with the hook point towards the concave side of the spoon
• Try coating your painted/Glow spoons with clear nail polish hardener before fishing, for a longer life span and shiny appearance.
• Apply a couple drops of scent (Anchovy, Herring or Anise) on your spoon each gear check.
• Always fish a swivel between your main line and spoon, and don’t forget to rinse your spoons with fresh water after fishing.