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Tricks, Tips, and Tools for Fishing
Trophy Fishing Guide Captain Steve Davis designed the very first Flashy Fish Lure Flutter Spoon—and he’s been catching trophy fish with it ever since. These handcrafted spoons are his go‑to secret weapon for landing big fish with ease.
Below are Captain Steve’s proven trolling tips and techniques to help make your next trip with Flashy Fish Lures a huge success!
Line and Reel for Trolling
When it comes to trolling, Captain Steve relies exclusively on line‑counter trolling reels—because knowing exactly how far back your lure runs makes all the difference. These reels also hold more line, giving you the control and confidence you need when a big fish decides to take off.
For dependable performance, Captain Steve’s top pick is the Shimano Tekota Levelwind. It’s an investment, but built to last through years of hard‑fighting fish. For anglers looking for a more budget‑friendly option, he also recommends the Okuma Cold Water Linecounter, which delivers solid reliability at a lower price point.
After countless hours on the water, Captain Steve prefers 12 lb Izorline XXX in smoke color. It’s stronger than fluorocarbon, far more affordable, and available through Tackle Warehouse.
For best results, he recommends buying the 1100‑yard spool and loading at least 1,000 feet onto each reel. This gives you the distance and durability you need when a big fish decides to run.
Rod Recommendation
For the best balance of control and sensitivity, Captain Steve recommends a 7‑foot, one‑piece, medium‑action bass rod. This length and action give you the perfect blend of backbone for solid hooksets and flexibility for fighting fish. There are plenty of excellent brands out there, so choose one that feels comfortable in your hands and matches your fishing style.
Rigging Your Flashy Fish Lure
Proper rigging is critical for getting the best action out of your lure. Captain Steve recommends tying on a #2 Duo‑Lock snap—without a swivel—using a Palomar knot for maximum strength.
If your lure begins to spin or you notice line twist, that’s a sign you’re trolling too fast. Simply slow down until the lure tracks straight and clean.
The Palomar Knot
Learn how to tie a palomar knot by watching these step-by-step video instructions.
Downrigger Notes
If you’re running a manual downrigger, replace the cable with 150‑lb braided line. It slices through the water more efficiently. Captain Steve uses 6‑lb round lead balls—never the fish‑shaped or pancake styles, which tend to snag on the bottom.
Adjust your transducer angle one click back from straight down. This lets you see exactly where your lead ball is tracking as you troll. For releases, use Offshore downrigger clips—the black ones—and attach your line about three‑quarters of the way back.
Now you’re ready to fish! Run your Flutter Spoon about 100 feet back, then lower it to the bottom as you approach one of your pre‑mapped trolling lines.
People often ask, “You don’t actually drag the bottom, do you?” Captain Steve’s answer: Look at my downrigger balls—they’re dented from hitting rocks."
Recommended Sizes
The size of flashy fish lure you use when fishing can really make a difference, depending on the type of fish you’re trying to catch.
Micro sized lures (1 1/4″) are recommended when ice fishing. They also work well when fishing for trout and bass. There is something about this size lure that entice trout and bass to bite.
Extra-small lures (1 5/8″) work well when fishing for kokanee, trout, and bass.
Small lures (2″) are recommended when fishing for kokanee, trout, lake trout, bass and wiper.
Medium lures (2 1/2″) work well on steelhead, salmon and lake trout.
Large lures (3 1/2″) are an excellent choice when fishing for Silver or Ocean King Salmon. Lake trout will bite large lures too.
EX Large lures (4 1/4″) are an excellent choice when fishing for Ocean King Salmon. Lake trout will bite large lures too.