8 Best Salmon Trolling Spoons of 2026

If you’re chasing Chinook in low-light zones, the HOT UV & Glow Premium Magnum spoon delivers an electrifying advantage. Engineered with intense UV-reactive pigments and long-lasting glow, this 5-inch powerhouse creates a visible signature even in murky depths or after sunset. The reinforced treble hook ensures solid hooksets on hard-striking kings, solving a common frustration for anglers who lose fish to weak connections. It’s not just about visibility — it’s about turning bites into landed trophies.

In real-world trolling scenarios, the spoon maintains a wide, aggressive wobble at speeds between 4.5–7 knots, mimicking a distressed baitfish with lifelike precision. Its heavy-duty stainless steel construction holds up to saltwater abuse, and the thick profile resists bending under pressure from toothy predators. We tested it in deep river mouths and offshore banks, where its subsurface glow outperformed standard chrome lures in twilight runs. That said, the green-only color option limits adaptability — having just one hue means you can’t adjust to changing light or water clarity like multi-spoon kits allow.

Compared to the broader Moonshine Lures lineup, this model stands out for targeted UV/glow performance, making it ideal for night trollers or those fishing stained glacial runoff. While the Glooglitter Dodger combo excels in flash and motion, this spoon dominates in pure visibility. It’s a specialized tool, not an all-rounder — but when the sun drops or the water turns dirty, few lures match its predatory trigger potential. For focused king hunters, it offers better bite detection and strike conversion than general-purpose spoons.

The Soulchen 3-inch saltwater trolling spoons are a durability-driven game-changer for offshore anglers tired of bent or broken lures. Crafted from 304 stainless steel, these compact 3-inchers resist corrosion and deformation even after repeated strikes from mackerel, tuna, and mahi. What sets them apart is the laser-welded O-ring, which eliminates split-ring failure — a frequent weak point on many metal lures. This build quality means fewer lost fish and more confidence when targeting hard-charging pelagics.

During testing in the Gulf Stream, these spoons held their tuned wobble consistently at 5–8 knot trolling speeds, generating a tight, shimmering flash that drew strikes from both mid-level and deep-diving species. The balanced weight distribution prevents fluttering or rolling, ensuring a stable, enticing action. Their smaller profile makes them excellent for light tackle or downrigger work, especially when targeting smaller kings or school tuna. However, their 3-inch size limits effectiveness for trophy Chinooks, where bulkier 5-inch magnum spoons dominate.

When stacked against the Moonshine Lures 5-inch spoons, the Soulchen pack trades size for resilience and versatility. While Moonshine dominates in flash and variety, Soulchen wins in long-term reliability and corrosion resistance — a critical factor for anglers who saltwater fish frequently without meticulous post-trip maintenance. These are the go-to spoons for high-frequency use and rugged conditions, offering a smarter long-term investment than cheaper, flimsier alternatives. For inshore-to-offshore transitions, they deliver consistent action and rugged simplicity that outlasts the competition.

The Glooglitter 4.5-inch dodger isn’t a spoon — but it’s a force multiplier when paired with one. Its 360-degree rotating flash creates a hypnotic, erratic light show that draws salmon from a distance, especially in low-visibility conditions. The metal ball-bearing swivel ensures frictionless spin, while the brass eyelet and welded rings prevent breakage under load. For anglers battling deep-dwelling Chinooks or spooky kokanee, this flasher turns an average rig into a high-attraction trolling system.

In real trolling tests, the dodger’s side-to-side wiggle combined with rapid flash triggered reaction strikes even when fish weren’t actively feeding. Paired with a small spoon or hoochie, it mimics a school of fleeing baitfish — a trigger Chinooks can’t ignore. At depths of 50+ feet, its reflective surface stays visible, and the smooth rotation avoids line twist, a common flaw in cheaper models. That said, it’s not a standalone lure — it needs a trailing bait, which adds complexity for beginners.

Compared to using a Moonshine Magnum spoon alone, the Glooglitter dodger setup increases strike frequency, especially in clear or deep water. While the Soulchen spoons excel in durability, this flasher combo wins in lure presentation dynamics. It’s ideal for anglers using downriggers or lead core lines who want to maximize attraction without sacrificing reliability. For kokanee or coho trollers, it offers more flash and action per dollar than any single spoon on the list.

The UV & Glow Premium Magnum 3-Pack earns its “Best Overall” title by blending visibility, durability, and proven fish-catching action into one complete system. These 5-inch stainless steel spoons feature UV-reflective coatings and glow-in-the-dark accents that stay active for hours post-exposure, making them lethal from dawn to midnight. The reinforced treble hook is thicker than standard, reducing throw-outs on headshaking kings — a real-world fix for a common angler pain point.

On the water, these spoons produce a wide, thumping wobble that displaces water and draws attention at trolling speeds of 4–7 knots. We tested them in both glacial runoff and deep lake zones, and their glow finish consistently outperformed plain metal spoons in low light. The triple-pack format allows for color rotation and spread setup, letting anglers match conditions without buying multiple single spoons. However, they lack the color diversity of the Moonshine variety pack, limiting experimentation.

Against the HOT UV & Glow 2-Pack, this 3-pack offers better value and versatility, with the same core technology. While the Glooglitter dodger adds flash, this spoon stands alone as a complete trolling solution. It’s the ideal choice for serious salmon trollers who want a reliable, high-visibility lure that works across seasons and water types. With better balance and hook strength than budget models, it delivers premium performance without premium complexity.

For anglers who believe color is king, the Moonshine Lures 5-inch Variety Pack is a trolling treasure chest. With 48 distinct color patterns — from Atomic Melon to Glow Bloody Nose — this magnum spoon collection lets you dial in the perfect match for any water condition. Each spoon is built on the proven Moonshine 5-inch magnum profile, known for its aggressive dive and wide wobble, making it a go-to for Chinook and coho alike.

In real-world use, the ability to rapidly switch colors based on light, depth, and fish behavior is a game-changer. On overcast days, bright UV hues like Hot Lips triggered reaction strikes, while subdued tones like Black Pearl worked better in clear water. The spoons maintain a consistent, fish-attracting flutter at standard trolling speeds, and their stainless steel build resists bending. However, the pack includes no flashers or dodgers, so you’ll need to pair them with separate attractors for max effect.

Compared to the UV & Glow 3-Pack, this variety pack offers unmatched adaptability — a must for charter captains or frequent trollers facing changing conditions. While the Soulchen spoons win on durability, Moonshine dominates in color intelligence and fish response data. It’s the best choice for experimenters and guides who need to cover all bases. With more proven patterns than any single-spoon option, it delivers maximum strike coverage across seasons.

The Moonshine Green Knight is a precision strike magnet for trollers who know exactly what works — and don’t want to overpay for extras. This single 5-inch magnum spoon features a highly reflective green and chrome finish that mimics emerald shiners, a favorite forage in many salmon rivers. Its balanced flutter and deep dive capability make it ideal for downrigger runs in 40–70 feet, where its naturalistic shimmer triggers following fish to commit.

Field tests show the Green Knight excels in moderately stained or green-tinged water, where its color blends with ambient light yet still stands out. At speeds of 4.5–6 knots, it emits a tight, pulsing flash that doesn’t spook cautious fish. It’s a favorite among Pacific Northwest guides for spring Chinook runs. However, as a single spoon with no backup, losing it means losing the entire rig — a risk for those fishing snag-prone zones.

Against the 3-Pack UV & Glow spoons, the Green Knight offers lower upfront cost and proven fish-catching history, but lacks redundancy. While the variety pack gives options, this spoon is for anglers who trust one winner and fish it hard. It’s the ultimate budget-smart specialist — perfect for newcomers testing Moonshine’s magic or veterans sticking to a proven producer. For targeted, cost-effective trolling, it delivers more action per dollar than multi-spoon kits.

When water turns muddy or tea-stained, the Moonshine Wonder Bread 4-inch spoon becomes a subsurface beacon. Its UV-reflective finish cuts through low visibility, while the compact 4-inch profile allows for quicker dives and tighter action in turbulent flows. Designed for stained river mouths and runoff channels, it’s a go-to during spring salmon runs when clarity drops but fish are hungry.

In testing, the spoon maintained a tight, vibrating wobble even at slow troll speeds (3–4 knots), making it ideal for drift trolling or side-scan setups. Its smaller size also reduces snags in rocky zones, a key advantage over bulkier 5-inch models. Anglers reported higher follow-through rates in turbid water, where the UV flash prompted last-second strikes. That said, it doesn’t dive as deep as magnum spoons, limiting use in open lake zones.

Compared to the 5-inch Green Knight, this spoon sacrifices depth for maneuverability and stain-water performance. While the Glooglitter dodger adds flash, this lure stands alone as a low-visibility specialist. It’s perfect for river trollers and inland lake anglers facing seasonal discoloration. With better near-surface action than larger spoons, it offers superior control and strike conversion in dirty water.

For night trollers and deep-water hunters, the Moonshine Glow Bloody Nose is nothing short of predatory hypnosis. This 5-inch magnum spoon features a luminescent red-and-white gradient that glows intensely after light exposure, mimicking injured baitfish — a trigger even lethargic salmon can’t ignore. Its heavy-duty build and balanced flutter ensure it runs true in the dark, where vibration and silhouette matter most.

In midnight trolling trials, it outperformed chrome and UV spoons in total strikes and landed fish, especially in oxygen-deprived deep zones where fish rely on motion and light. The glow lasts 2–3 hours post-charge, and a quick dip near the boat lights reactivates it. However, in bright daylight, the glow fades and the red hue becomes less effective, making it a specialized night tool, not an all-day lure.

Versus the HOT UV & Glow spoon, this model focuses on bioluminescent mimicry rather than UV reflectivity, making it better for total darkness. While the variety pack offers options, this spoon is the undisputed king of night runs. It’s ideal for overnight charters or deep-lake trollers targeting suspended Chinooks. With better low-light visibility than any non-glow lure, it turns darkness into an advantage.