Some anglers think it’s unusual to run a flasher in line with a spoon. While many prefer a dummy flasher at the cannonball, a proper flasher and spoon setup can be the most effective way to trigger a strike. The flasher provides the “dinner bell” vibration, while the spoon imitates wounded bait.

1. In-Line Flasher and Spoon Setup

An in-line flasher and spoon setup attracts fish via reflected light and vibration. If you want the flasher to attract without affecting the spoon’s natural action, a 72-inch leader is a great starting point.

Spoon and Flasher Combination for BC Salmon

Alternatively, an agitator flasher is an excellent choice for this rig. Because it spins like a prop, it won’t kick the spoon around, allowing you to use shorter 48-inch leaders for a compact flasher and spoon setup. This is particularly useful in the winter and spring when bait is sparse and you need a subtle but visible presentation.

Dialing in the Trolling Speed

The success of a flasher and spoon setup depends heavily on your trolling speed. Most modern spoons are designed to work best between 2.0 and 3.0 knots. If you are trolling too slowly, the flasher will simply “drag” and the spoon will lose its flutter. If you go too fast, the spoon may begin to spin wildly, which looks unnatural to a salmon.

A good rule of thumb is to watch your downrigger cable angle. Aim for a 30 to 45-degree angle. At this speed, a rectangular flasher will provide a wide, rhythmic kick that transfers a “skip” to the spoon, making it look like a frantic baitfish trying to escape a predator.

Salmon Fishing Agitator

Dialing in the Trolling Speed

The success of a flasher and spoon setup depends heavily on your trolling speed. Most modern spoons are designed to work best between 2.0 and 3.0 knots. However, remember that your speed over ground isn’t always your speed through the water.

On Vancouver Island, heavy tidal currents can drastically change how your gear swims. We recommend checking the
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Tide Tables
before heading out. Adjusting your speed to account for these currents ensures your flasher and spoon setup maintains a 30 to 45-degree cable angle, providing that wide, rhythmic kick that attracts big Chinook.

2. Dummy Flasher and Spoon Setup

This is for the angler who wants to fight the fish without the drag of a flasher. In this flasher and spoon setup, you run the flasher off the cannonball and your spoon off a downrigger clip. This allows for a much more sporting feel once the fish is hooked.

Agitator on Cannonball

Color Coordination for Success

When building your flasher and spoon setup, consider the water clarity and depth. In the murky waters of early spring or near river mouths, high-visibility “glow” flashers paired with chartreuse or orange spoons are essential. As you move into the clear, deep waters of the summer, “UV” or chrome flashers paired with blue, green, or silver spoons (like the Herring Aid or Kitchen Sink patterns) tend to perform better.

Dummy Flasher Setup when fishing with spoons

Troubleshooting Your Rig

If you are seeing fish on the sonar but not getting hits on your flasher and spoon setup, try these three adjustments:

• Increase Leader Length: If the fish are “flasher-shy,” moving the spoon further back (up to 15 feet in a dummy setup) can make them more comfortable striking.
• Change Leader Test: Stiffer leader line (40lb+) transfers more “kick” from the flasher to the spoon. If the spoon looks dead, go heavier. If it’s too aggressive, drop to 25lb or 30lb test.
• Check for Fouling: Spoons can occasionally tangle with the leader during the drop. Always ensure the rig is “swimming” properly at the surface before sending the cannonball down.

This article originally appeared in Island Fisherman Magazine. Join the fleet and never miss an issue! Subscribe Today