Trolling King Salmon with Mack’s UV Scent Flash Paddle and Triangler Flashers
Key Takeaway: Combine UV-enhanced scent with high-visibility flash and vibration—tailor Paddle vs. Triangle to water conditions—to trigger aggressive King salmon strikes.
Understanding the Gear
Mack’s UV Scent Technology
Ultra-violet–activated scent formula clings to flashers and lasts longer in cold water.
Stimulates salmon olfactory senses and complements visual attractors.
Mack's Paddle Flasher vs. Triangle Flasher
UV Scent Flash Paddle Flasher
Shape: Long, narrow paddle.
Action: Tight, rapid vibration at moderate trolling speeds.
Best for: Clear water and wary fish.
UV Scent Flash Triangler Flasher
Shape: Triangular wing.
Action: Broad-pulse “boomerang” flash.
Best for: Stained or rough water.
Rigging Your Trolling Rig
Leader & Hook
12–15 lb fluorocarbon leader, 24–30 in long.
Size 2–4 salmon hook or size 3 herring rig.
Attaching the Flasher
Tie flasher’s swivel eye to mainline with a Uni or Palomar knot.
Apply 1–2 drops of UV scent on the blade and body.
Connect leader to the flasher’s lower swivel.
Additional Attractors
Add bead chains or reflective beads above the flasher.
Optional: 6–8 in crystal dodger ahead for extra flash.
Trolling Setup & Boat Configuration
Downriggers vs. Lead Core
Downriggers: Precise depth control (60–100 ft).
Lead core/flat line: Covers 0–50 ft.
Line Counters & Speed
Speed: 1.8–2.5 knots—maintain steady vibration.
Line counter reel for distance/depth estimation.
Spread Pattern
Two rods per side: inside (30–50 ft) with Paddle, outside (60–80 ft) with Triangler.
Offset rods vertically (~2 ft) to avoid tangles and cover depths.
Depth & Speed Strategies
Target Depth: 20–80 ft mid-column.
Speed Tuning:
Paddle: 2.0–2.3 knots.
Triangler: 1.8–2.0 knots.
Windy: slow by ~0.1 knot.
Optimizing Scent and Flash
Scent Application
Reapply every 30–45 min or after strikes.
Rub onto blade edges and swivel area.
UV Benefits
UV paint glows deeper in clear water.
Add UV-reflective tape on leader.
Colors
Clear water: Pearl, UV-white, silver.
Stained water: Chartreuse, UV-pink, fire-tiger.
When to Use Paddle vs. Triangler
Condition
Paddle
Triangler
Clear water
✓ subtle flash/vibe
Stained water
✓ broad flash
Faster speed
✓ tight vibe ≥2.3 kt
Slower speed
✓ strong thump ≤2 kt
Lazy fish
✓ gentle vibe
Aggressive fish
✓ intense flash
Advanced Tips & Troubleshooting
Line Angle
Flashes collapse: shorten leader or raise tip.
Over-spin: lengthen leader or lower tip.
Wind & Current
Strong current: use Triangler.
Glass calm: switch to Paddle.
Record depth, speed, and color for each strike to refine your setup.
Seasonal & Locational Adjustments
Early Season
60–100 ft; Triangle flasher with chartreuse blades.
Mid-Season
30–60 ft; rotate Paddle & Triangle Flashers.
Late Season
20–40 ft; Paddle with lighter scent.
By matching flasher type, blade color, scent, and trolling parameters to conditions, you’ll land more sockeyes every trip.
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