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mastertangler
distinguished member(4432)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
05/27/2018 05:59AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hat tip to Kerry who caused my intrigue a few years ago when he settled on Sutton Spoons and snap weights. He later reported his success with Lake trout on same. After a bit of online investigation I was mildly surprised at the legion of dedicated anglers, mostly trout trollers, who are devoted to the family run business.

I kept them in the back of my mind. We use small flutter type spoons on Lake Erie during the summer with good results and I used large flutter spoons with Dypsy Divers on Basswood with decent success howbeit with limited usage. Towing a full size dypsy will kick your tail while in a canoe (whew!).

I put together a decent order on the Suttons and got quite a variety.......pretty much 2 of most every style of the flutter type spoons they offer. The smaller ones I will try on Erie, the bigger ones will go to WCPP.

Kerry put a Trokar Siwash salmon style hook on his so I did the same. I like the idea of hooking up with something which can offer a bit more "bite" than a winky little treble. Problem was that after I put the Trokar on I noticed the action had changed. A bit less wobble..........which is actually not a horrible thing since I will be able to run that particular spoon a bit faster.......but still, they have quite a side to side swing and I don't want to ruin that.

So I have some differing hooks coming which may be a bit thinner wire and perhaps not as heavy as the Trokars which are rather beefy.

I am wondering if I should add some threading? Maybe a few strands of glo?

And I should safely assume that a round bend cross lock ball bearing swivel will allow the spoons to do their thing?

You don't know what you don't know.............not even sure what questions to ask. But I will be giving them an extensive try this summer as they will be a main focus for walleye and Lake trout this summer in canoe country. I will be getting them down via snap weights and Tadpollys (diving planer) and gaining accuracy via a depth finder and Line Counter reel.

Any comments, suggestions?
 
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05/27/2018 06:35AM  
Sutton spoons are nice and light so they have good action for slow speed trolling. My routine set up is inline with a keel sinker, 2oz or 4oz. Usually pulling a Williams Wabler Lite.
 
05/29/2018 11:18AM  
Hmmm... I see I am not the only one who's posts don't fly. Guess there are not many Sutton Spoon Users out there.?... Well, let's just keep that lure a secret.
 
Forrest75
member (31)member
  
05/29/2018 12:11PM  
Sutton spoons are my go to for laker fishing. However, I don't do much laker fishing out of a canoe anymore though. When I do troll it is usually out of a boat with downriggers, pulling Sutton spoons.

I'm afraid I can't be of much help discussing long lining though.
 
Lotw
distinguished member (307)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/29/2018 12:15PM  
I haven't seen or heard anything about suttons in years. I have a few older ones.
 
Forrest75
member (31)member
  
05/29/2018 12:48PM  
They are very much still in business, but you have to call them direct to order now. Just placed an order through them about two months ago.
 
05/29/2018 01:32PM  
My other "go-to" laker spoon is the Laker Taker made by Bay de Noc Lure Company Gladstone, MI (my current town!). You don't often see them for sale, but they work great. They are long and narrow, light metal like a Sutton Spoon, and an exaggerated bend in the hook end for action.
 
mastertangler
distinguished member(4432)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
05/29/2018 01:41PM  
bobbernumber3: "My other "go-to" laker spoon is the Laker Taker made by Bay de Noc Lure Company Gladstone, MI (my current town!). You don't often see them for sale, but they work great. They are long and narrow, light metal like a Sutton Spoon, and an exaggerated bend in the hook end for action."


Gladstone.........pretty sure I go through Gladstone on my way back. We should probably get a burger if your around. Laker Taker? Do they have a "hump" of sorts in the rear of the spoon? I think might have one or two.

I have always liked fishing spoons and believe they are underutilized in lots of situations particularly in the north. I was sort of impressed with the Suttons and how they sashay ("sashay" > is that even a word? > who talks like that ;-) That wide dart comes at a price however and I noticed that I am going to have to be very cognizant about how fast I paddle. They look to be a fairly slow running type lure before they start spinning.

The Gamakatsu hooks came in yesterday and I am very pleased at how the spoons perform with the slightly smaller size hook and thinner wire. I also sort of like the red color.

It might be very interesting to see how the smallmouths (should I end up in the Quetico) eat them. Several years ago I was catching smallies on Basswood in a 50ft basin on a crank bait that might of been running 25ft tops. I could see the fish scattered on the bottom. I should of dropped a jigging spoon on them (idiot!) but I had places to go. That situation would of been custom made for a Sutton and a snap weight.

 
MackinawTrout
senior member (81)senior membersenior member
  
05/29/2018 02:37PM  
I would rather not divulge the Sutton Spoon secrets but if you’re asking, I have to oblige.
1. The fatter/wider the lure per length = the slower the optimal speed trolled.
I like 6’s and hate 8’s ;)
2. 44’s have a legion of dedicated followers and is most people’s top pick but they need to be run faster around +- 2 mph.
Springing/Bending the lure a touch adds action but be careful or don’t do it if in doubt .
3. Look at the lure run along side the canoe -take note of that speed which looks best. I like slow.
4. Keep the lure just off the bottom
5 fish structure -long easy runs tend to not produce.
Williams Warbler Lites are a close second but Sutton’s are legendary and have always produced for me.

Good luck!
 
05/29/2018 03:38PM  
mastertangler: "
Gladstone.........pretty sure I go through Gladstone on my way back. We should probably get a burger if your around.
"


Check your route... Gladstone is not on the way to anywhere. But suppose it depends on where you are headed.

Otherwise, YES. I would be great to get together for a burger!! Leaving for Quetico Friday and heading back to Ely for 2 weeks after that so June is out.

Where are you in FL? I spend all of March and April in Tampa.
 
rpike
distinguished member (181)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/29/2018 05:41PM  
Suttons worked really well last week. I lost my beloved silver-copper Frisby. Dang it! I also lost a 72. I prefer the hammered ones. Silver and gold hammered is tough to beat.

Snap weights are great, but I prefer a jet diver if it will run the depth I want. The jet diver is more forgiving on snags and acts sort of like a flasher in front of the spoon.

I was mostly trolling 15-20' down over 20-120'. No need to be near the bottom!

Does the Sutton Facebook page have a size chart for all their models?
 
rpike
distinguished member (181)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/29/2018 05:49PM  
I got a rogue walleye on a Sutton last week, which helped me fill out my same-lake Grand Slam!
 
rpike
distinguished member (181)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/29/2018 09:08PM  
MT, Sutton spoons are to me what the FG knot and Ram 2000 are to you! Laker takers, Stingers, and Little Cleos also make the cut.
 
mastertangler
distinguished member(4432)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
05/30/2018 07:25AM  
bobbernumber3: "
mastertangler: "
Gladstone.........pretty sure I go through Gladstone on my way back. We should probably get a burger if your around.
"



Check your route... Gladstone is not on the way to anywhere. But suppose it depends on where you are headed.


Otherwise, YES. I would be great to get together for a burger!! Leaving for Quetico Friday and heading back to Ely for 2 weeks after that so June is out.


Where are you in FL? I spend all of March and April in Tampa."


Gladstone is on US 2 correct? Not far from Escanaba (eh)? Yes I drive I-75 from Detroit and take US 2 across the U.P. Whole lots better than driving through Chicago. I am 3 hours south of you down by Ft Myers and then inland on the Big 'O'. I will get your number and in late August if your around we can do the whole meet and greet gig.
 
mastertangler
distinguished member(4432)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
05/30/2018 07:35AM  
MackinawTrout: "I would rather not divulge the Sutton Spoon secrets but if you’re asking, I have to oblige.
1. The fatter/wider the lure per length = the slower the optimal speed trolled.
I like 6’s and hate 8’s ;)
2. 44’s have a legion of dedicated followers and is most people’s top pick but they need to be run faster around +- 2 mph.
Springing/Bending the lure a touch adds action but be careful or don’t do it if in doubt .
3. Look at the lure run along side the canoe -take note of that speed which looks best. I like slow.
4. Keep the lure just off the bottom
5 fish structure -long easy runs tend to not produce.
Williams Warbler Lites are a close second but Sutton’s are legendary and have always produced for me.


Good luck!"


Thanks for weighing in Mackinaw Trout (hey wouldn't that make you a "MT" as well?)

Rpike I appreciate the encouragement. Do you run wire? I am considering tying up some 24" Knot2Kinky wire leaders for use with them. Yup, the very long wire leaders I just got done dissing in another thread. The difference is I wouldn't be casting them. I can see pike taking these erratic spoons away from a guy in a steady stream. We will see.........I will have the wire if the losses start to mount.

I am eager to try these for walleye and yes, fishing close to the bottom will be my preferred method. I find precision trolling near bottom much more interesting and engaging style of fishing as well as successful than just out for a paddle which can get dull rather quickly IMO.
 
rpike
distinguished member (181)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/30/2018 08:07AM  
mastertangler: "
MackinawTrout: "I would rather not divulge the Sutton Spoon secrets but if you’re asking, I have to oblige.
1. The fatter/wider the lure per length = the slower the optimal speed trolled.
I like 6’s and hate 8’s ;)
2. 44’s have a legion of dedicated followers and is most people’s top pick but they need to be run faster around +- 2 mph.
Springing/Bending the lure a touch adds action but be careful or don’t do it if in doubt .
3. Look at the lure run along side the canoe -take note of that speed which looks best. I like slow.
4. Keep the lure just off the bottom
5 fish structure -long easy runs tend to not produce.
Williams Warbler Lites are a close second but Sutton’s are legendary and have always produced for me.



Good luck!"



Thanks for weighing in Mackinaw Trout (hey wouldn't that make you a "MT" as well?)


Rpike I appreciate the encouragement. Do you run wire? I am considering tying up some 24" Knot2Kinky wire leaders for use with them. Yup, the very long wire leaders I just got done dissing in another thread. The difference is I wouldn't be casting them. I can see pike taking these erratic spoons away from a guy in a steady stream. We will see.........I will have the wire if the losses start to mount.


I am eager to try these for walleye and yes, fishing close to the bottom will be my preferred method. I find precision trolling near bottom much more interesting and engaging style of fishing as well as successful than just out for a paddle which can get dull rather quickly IMO. "


I don't use wire with Sutton spoons, but I would if pike were frequent. I'm pretty sure a pike got one of mine on Darky. I used knot2kinky wire for the first time this spring. Good stuff!

Different strokes for different folks. I like the puzzle of finding suspended fish. When I can find them, the cisco-eating trout, muskies, pike, or walleyes tend to be bigger. Certainly they are less pressured.
 
Forrest75
member (31)member
  
05/30/2018 09:34AM  
rpike:


Does the Sutton Facebook page have a size chart for all their models?"


Yes

 
mastertangler
distinguished member(4432)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
05/30/2018 10:29AM  
rpike: "
mastertangler: "
MackinawTrout: "I would rather not divulge the Sutton Spoon secrets but if you’re asking, I have to oblige.
1. The fatter/wider the lure per length = the slower the optimal speed trolled.
I like 6’s and hate 8’s ;)
2. 44’s have a legion of dedicated followers and is most people’s top pick but they need to be run faster around +- 2 mph.
Springing/Bending the lure a touch adds action but be careful or don’t do it if in doubt .
3. Look at the lure run along side the canoe -take note of that speed which looks best. I like slow.
4. Keep the lure just off the bottom
5 fish structure -long easy runs tend to not produce.
Williams Warbler Lites are a close second but Sutton’s are legendary and have always produced for me.



Good luck!"




Thanks for weighing in Mackinaw Trout (hey wouldn't that make you a "MT" as well?)



Rpike I appreciate the encouragement. Do you run wire? I am considering tying up some 24" Knot2Kinky wire leaders for use with them. Yup, the very long wire leaders I just got done dissing in another thread. The difference is I wouldn't be casting them. I can see pike taking these erratic spoons away from a guy in a steady stream. We will see.........I will have the wire if the losses start to mount.



I am eager to try these for walleye and yes, fishing close to the bottom will be my preferred method. I find precision trolling near bottom much more interesting and engaging style of fishing as well as successful than just out for a paddle which can get dull rather quickly IMO. "



I don't use wire with Sutton spoons, but I would if pike were frequent. I'm pretty sure a pike got one of mine on Darky. I used knot2kinky wire for the first time this spring. Good stuff!


Different strokes for different folks. I like the puzzle of finding suspended fish. When I can find them, the cisco-eating trout, muskies, pike, or walleyes tend to be bigger. Certainly they are less pressured. "


Actually we probably think alike...........I like to look for suspended fish as well and also believe they tend to be of the larger size generally speaking. But get this, I was trolling a Ben Parker flutter spoon which is probably at least 8" long and was also trolling shadzillas offshore over 75ft of water and catching 13" suspended walleye who were barely bigger than the lure in Musclow at WCPP a few summers ago. Weird right? I have also popped several winky pike out in the middle of nowhere in 65ft of water while lake trout trolling. So go figure.
 
05/30/2018 02:51PM  
mastertangler: "Gladstone is on US 2 correct? Not far from Escanaba (eh)? Yes I drive I-75 from Detroit and take US 2 across the U.P. Whole lots better than driving through Chicago. I am 3 hours south of you down by Ft Myers and then inland on the Big 'O'. I will get your number and in late August if your around we can do the whole meet and greet gig. "



Late August might work as long as it's not a weekend! E-mail me when it gets closer.
 
rpike
distinguished member (181)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/30/2018 05:09PM  
Forrest75: "
rpike:



Does the Sutton Facebook page have a size chart for all their models?"



Yes


"

Thanks!
 
mastertangler
distinguished member(4432)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
05/31/2018 06:38AM  
bobbernumber3: "
mastertangler: "Gladstone is on US 2 correct? Not far from Escanaba (eh)? Yes I drive I-75 from Detroit and take US 2 across the U.P. Whole lots better than driving through Chicago. I am 3 hours south of you down by Ft Myers and then inland on the Big 'O'. I will get your number and in late August if your around we can do the whole meet and greet gig. "




Late August might work as long as it's not a weekend! E-mail me when it gets closer.
"


That would be an affirmative. Seems like all I do is eat the entire way home anyways I will probably be hungry when I hit Gladstone ;-)
 
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