*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: You got one a dem rig seein machines??
I think big rubber shads beat spoons on the bay but yes the secret spoon is a known big fish killer. I think Tony 19 and 21's match the bait in the bay better with spoons too.
wait to lose a couple snagging some old lobster pot...lost two in one week once. They do catch stripers though. Ask the wifey to buy you a couple for Christmas.
Tony 21's catch a lot of fish...I have not caught any really "big" fish on them though (most 42" or less) but yes, they work very, very well.
13/0 Crippled Alwive spoons will catch bigger fish...
Reliable Bunker spoons (the biggest ones they sell) will catch big fish too...but you really need a bunker rod and monel trolling wire to fish them most effectively.
Bottom line, if I know the Bunker, trout or Croakers are 10" or larger, I put on the 13/0 CA spoons and the reliable bunker spoon. I will also fish 12" shad bodies off my mojo baits looking for a bigger fish.
"ALL FISHING STUFF IS A LOT OF MONEY!!! Get used to it kidd-o!"
No truer words have been spoken!!!!
"How about you gotta love it more then your money!"
Two years or so ago I bought one of those beautiful, expensive Chesapeake spoons, you know the ones with what looks to be a holographic photo. I have yet to catch a fish on it, drag it deep every Fall. Seem to be the hot ticket for our VA brethren though.
If you fish them off a 3-way, make the spoon leader about 20' long so the spoon can develop some action and put a stinger hook on the back. We catch stripers off them all the time, both the big bunker spoons and the smaller holographic Chesapeake brand. You've got to troll them at the right speed, the rod tip will pump hard when the spoon is running right.
__________________ 2004 Trophy 2902 WA with Merc 225 EFIs
Sucks gas and hauls ass!
One step ahead and you are a genius, two steps ahead and you are a misfit.
I use to put a silver spoon off the back of a 6-pack schoolie and that worked really good too. You can use an inline weight to get it down to the right level.
Tony 21's catch a lot of fish...I have not caught any really "big" fish on them though (most 42" or less) but yes, they work very, very well.
13/0 Crippled Alwive spoons will catch bigger fish...
Reliable Bunker spoons (the biggest ones they sell) will catch big fish too...but you really need a bunker rod and monel trolling wire to fish them most effectively.
Bottom line, if I know the Bunker, trout or Croakers are 10" or larger, I put on the 13/0 CA spoons and the reliable bunker spoon. I will also fish 12" shad bodies off my mojo baits looking for a bigger fish.
Good luck
Glenn
Maryland state record was caught on a tony 21 I run two bunker spoons in my spread and unlike your experience only big fish...However, my biggest last season (53lbs) was caught on a 9oz smiling jack single bait 150' off the planer, same for my second biggest of 47lbs...so size of bait, depth of bait, and luck all come into play for big fish. Another great way to target big fish is to eel off the concrete ships...folks are only pulling cows(30-50 plus lbers) doing so...
Glenn-where are you fishing out of? Ill be doing a ton of fishing over the next few months from md/va bay to va-nc ocean...love to keep in touch...
I'm out just about every weekend. Either one of ya shoot me a PM and let me know when you get to the lower bay. I'll be glad to share info and maybe see you on the water!
In my area, Raritan Bay, secret spoons catch big fish in the spring. I have found rubber shads to work better in the fall, they work in the spring too but the bluefish tear them up. Don't forget the Stretch Mann 25s, they work great and I often troll them on one rod and a spoon or niner rig on the other.
bunker spoons 
I run two bunker spoons in my spread and unlike your experience only big fish...However, my biggest last season (53lbs) was caught on a 9oz smiling jack single bait 150' off the planer, same for my second biggest of 47lbs...so size of bait, depth of bait, and luck all come into play for big fish. Another great way to target big fish is to eel off the concrete ships...folks are only pulling cows(30-50 plus lbers) doing so... 
