As a seasoned fisherman who has spent countless hours on the water in pursuit of the perfect catch, I can attest to the importance of using the right gear to get the job done. When it comes to salmon fishing, one of the most effective methods is trolling from a kayak. But what are the best lures to use for this technique? In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best kayak trolling lures for salmon.
6. Flashers
Flashers are a staple in any salmon angler’s arsenal. These brightly colored, spinning discs create an attractive flash that draws salmon in from a distance. Attach a hoochie or bait to the end of the flasher and you’ve got a winning combination. When trolling from a kayak, I prefer using a shorter leader (around 24-30 inches) to keep the bait close to the flasher.
Here are the most popular flashers for trolling for salmon:
Green/Glow Flashers: These are the most commonly used flashers and can be seen in the tackle boxes of many anglers. They emit a bright green flash that can be seen from a distance, and the glow feature makes them particularly effective in low-light conditions.
UV Purple flashers are a popular choice for targeting coho salmon. They emit a unique, eye-catching flash that can be very effective in attracting salmon.
Chrome flashers are a classic choice that have been used for years to catch salmon. They create a subtle flash that can be very effective in clear water or when fish are being finicky.
UV Green Flashers: These flashers emit a bright, noticeable flash in the water that is hard for salmon to resist. They are particularly effective in murky water or low-light conditions.
Red/Glow flashers are a popular choice for targeting aggressive salmon, particularly chinook. They emit a bright, glowing light that can be seen by salmon from far away.
5. Jigs
Jigs are a versatile lure that can be effective when trolling for salmon. These lures come in a variety of sizes and colors, and they can mimic the movement of a variety of prey species. Jigs are best used in areas with a lot of structure or when targeting bottom-dwelling salmon.
Here are popular jigs for trolling for salmon:
P-Line Laser Minnow Jig – This jig is designed to mimic a baitfish and features a holographic finish that reflects light and attracts fish. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors and is effective when targeting bottom-dwelling salmon.
Kalin’s Ultimate Saltwater Bullet Jig – This jig features a streamlined design that allows it to move through the water with ease. It is available in a variety of sizes and colors and is effective when targeting salmon in areas with a lot of structure.
Hogy Epoxy Jig – This jig features a durable epoxy coating that can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors and is effective when targeting salmon in deep water.
Savage Gear Sandeel Jig – This jig is designed to mimic a sandeel and features a realistic body shape and color pattern. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors and is effective when targeting salmon in areas with a lot of structure.
Strike King Saltwater Flats Jig – This jig features a flat design that allows it to glide through the water with ease. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors and is effective when targeting salmon in shallow water.
4. Hoochies
Hoochies are another must-have when it comes to trolling for salmon. These soft plastic lures mimic squid and come in a variety of colors and sizes. I like using pink, green, or white hoochies, and I’ll often add scent to increase their effectiveness. Hoochies work well when fished behind a flasher, but they can also be fished on their own with a slow, steady retrieve.
Here are the most popular hoochies for trolling for salmon:
Squid Skirts: These hoochies are designed to mimic the movement of a live squid in the water. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and can be rigged with a single hook or a double hook setup.
Octopus Skirts: Octopus hoochies are designed to mimic the movement of an octopus in the water. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and can be rigged with a single hook or a double hook setup.
3. Spoons
Spoons are another effective trolling lure for salmon. These lures come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they mimic the movement of injured baitfish. When trolling with spoons, it is important to vary your speed and depth to find the most effective presentation.
Here are five popular spoons for trolling for salmon:
Acme Kastmaster Spoon – This spoon is designed to imitate a wounded baitfish and is available in a range of sizes and colors. It has a distinctive wobble action that attracts salmon and can be used at a variety of depths.
Luhr Jensen Krocodile Spoon – This spoon has a unique shape that creates a side-to-side swimming action that can be very effective at triggering strikes from salmon. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be used in both saltwater and freshwater environments.
Gibbs Delta Tackle Crocodile Spoon – This spoon is designed to mimic a baitfish and has a lifelike appearance that can fool even the most wary salmon. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be used at a variety of depths.
Blue Fox Pixee Spoon – This spoon is designed to imitate a baitfish and has a realistic swimming action that can be very effective at attracting salmon. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Mepps Aglia Spinner – While not technically a spoon, this spinner is often used as a trolling lure for salmon. It has a classic design that creates a vibration and flash that can be very effective at attracting salmon. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
2. Spinners:
Spinners are a versatile lure that can be trolled at a variety of depths and speeds. They come in a range of colors and sizes, but I find that smaller spinners (around 1/2 ounce) work best for salmon. Gold, silver, and chartreuse are all effective colors. When trolling with spinners, it’s important to vary your speed and depth until you find what the fish are biting on.
Here are the most popular spinners for trolling for salmon:
Blue Fox Vibrax: The Blue Fox Vibrax is a classic spinner that has been a favorite among salmon anglers for many years. It features a unique blade design that produces a lot of vibration and flash in the water, making it a great attractor for salmon.
Mepps Aglia: The Mepps Aglia is another popular spinner that is effective for salmon. Its simple design allows for a lot of customization, as anglers can swap out blades and hooks to find the right combination for the fish they are targeting.
Panther Martin: The Panther Martin spinner is known for its ability to produce a lot of flash and vibration in the water, making it a great choice for attracting salmon. It also has a unique blade design that spins at a slow speed, which can be particularly effective in colder water.
Worden’s Rooster Tail: The Worden’s Rooster Tail spinner is a popular choice for salmon anglers because of its versatility. It can be trolled at a variety of speeds and depths, and it comes in a range of colors and sizes to match the conditions you are fishing in.
Luhr Jensen Super Duper: The Luhr Jensen Super Duper spinner is a popular choice for anglers targeting smaller salmon, such as pink and coho. It has a small profile and a unique design that produces a lot of flash and vibration in the water, making it a great attractor for these species.
1. Plugs
Plugs are another effective lure for trolling from a kayak. These hard-bodied lures come in a range of shapes and sizes and can be trolled at a variety of depths. I like using diving plugs (also called crankbaits) that dive down to 15-20 feet. Colors like silver, gold, and chartreuse are effective for salmon. When trolling with plugs, make sure to match the speed of your kayak with the diving depth of the plug.
Here are the most popular plugs for trolling for salmon:
Rapala Original Floater: The Rapala Original Floater is a classic plug that has been used by anglers for decades to catch salmon. Its realistic swimming action and wide range of colors make it a versatile and effective lure.
Yakima Bait Mag Lip: The Yakima Bait Mag Lip is a popular plug that is designed to dive deep and stay there. Its unique shape and lip design allow it to dive down to 15-20 feet, making it a great choice for targeting salmon in deeper water.
Storm Original Wiggle Wart: The Storm Original Wiggle Wart is a plug that has been around for over 50 years and is still popular among salmon anglers today. Its tight wobbling action and range of colors make it a versatile and effective lure for targeting salmon.
Luhr Jensen Kwikfish: The Luhr Jensen Kwikfish is a popular plug that has been used by salmon anglers for many years. Its unique shape and action make it a great choice for trolling at slower speeds, and it can be effective in a range of water conditions.
Rebel Tracdown Minnow: The Rebel Tracdown Minnow is a diving plug that is designed to sink quickly and stay down. Its realistic swimming action and range of colors make it a versatile and effective lure for targeting salmon at a range of depths.
In conclusion, when it comes to trolling for salmon from a kayak, the right lure can make all the difference. Flashers, hoochies, spinners, plugs, spoons and jigs are all effective options that should be in every salmon angler’s tackle box. Experiment with different colors, sizes, and depths until you find what works best for you. With a little patience and persistence, you’re sure to hook into some trophy salmon on your next kayak fishing trip.
FAQ
What speed should I troll for salmon?
The ideal trolling speed for salmon can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the lure used, water temperature, and the behavior of the fish. A good starting point is to troll at a speed of around 2-3 miles per hour, but it’s always a good idea to experiment with different speeds until you find what works best.