I'm using 10lb mono for trolling spoons on laker lakes with very few northern. I'm not planning to use a steel/titanium leader.

How do you typically rig your spoons to allow for the adequate movement of the spoon and prevent line twist becoming an issue after hours of trolling? I've been thinking of a barrel swivel 8" up the line and tying directly onto the spoon if there's a split ring and another small swivel if there's not a split ring.

This is the ultimate in my opinion, but kinda overkill honestly. You can downsize and eliminate certain elements if you're going straight mono and not fishing GIANTS like they are. Should sStill should give you an idea of what works. I know this video has been shared here before but it's relevant.

How to Troll Spoons for Lake Trout

Great video. Thank you for that. Looks like I'll make my leader longer and give that "directional change" method a try.

Your approach is bang on. No leaders for lakers. Not needed and they have very good eyesight. They often follow for a long time so get a good chance to eyeball your offering. Direction or speed change is critical to triggering strikes. They will of course hit at anytime, but I can tell you for sure they do often react to a speed or direction change. The only thing I would consider is using braid with a fluoro leader. You will definitely hook up on more of your hits that way, but mono has caught tons of fish and will continue to do so, so it’s not a deal breaker.

Moonman.

moonman, I've lost fish on just mono when there's enough line out there to make it a little springy feeling. I might just do as you suggest this year. I can always make all kinds of leaders for different applications. Thanks

Regular mono and a quality snap swivel has worked for me. I do crush the swivel together with plyers when in Large Laker territory.

If line twist is a concern I would definitely go with a good ball bearing swivel over a barrel swivel.