Michigan Stinger Spoons have dominated Great Lakes trolling for over 40 years, earning their reputation as the go-to lure for serious anglers pursuing walleye, salmon, trout, and other gamefish. These precision-crafted trolling spoons feature a thin, curved design that creates an irresistible flutter action, triggering strikes from even the most finicky fish. Available in over 300 color patterns across four sizes and six plating finishes, Michigan Stinger offers unmatched versatility for every fishing situation.
Whether you're working the waters of Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, or any Great Lakes tributary, this comprehensive guide covers everything from selecting the right Michigan Stinger spoons color chart combinations to mastering proven trolling techniques that consistently produce results.
What Are Michigan Stinger Spoons?
Michigan Stinger Spoons are premium trolling lures manufactured by Advance Tackle in Michigan, USA. These lightweight spoons revolutionized Great Lakes fishing with their unique design and superior materials.
The spoons feature a distinctive thin profile and subtle curve that generates exceptional flutter action at various trolling speeds. This speed-forgiving design maintains effectiveness whether you're crawling along at 1.5 mph for walleye or pushing 3+ mph for aggressive salmon.
Available plating finishes include:
- Copper - Excellent for deep water and low-light conditions
- Silver/Nickel - Maximum flash in clear water
- Gold - Ideal for stained water and overcast days
- Hammered - Extra light reflection and vibration
- UV - Enhanced visibility at depth
- Painted backs - Specialized colors for specific conditions
Each spoon comes equipped with premium hardware including needle-sharp treble hooks and heavy-duty split rings designed to withstand battles with trophy fish.
The Complete Michigan Stinger Catalog: Sizes and Applications
Michigan Stinger produces four distinct spoon sizes, each targeting specific fishing scenarios:
Scorpion Spoons (2¼ inches)
Michigan stinger scorpion spoons excel when matching small baitfish. Originally designed for walleye, these compact lures have become favorites among salmon and steelhead anglers during spring when young-of-year alewives dominate the forage base.
Key applications:
- Spring walleye on Lake Erie
- Early season coho and browns
- Steelhead throughout the season
- Suspended crappie and white perch
Standard Spoons (3¾ inches)
The workhorse of the lineup, Standard spoons hit the sweet spot for versatility. These proven producers work effectively behind planer boards, as downrigger sliders, or on weighted lines.
Target species:
- Mature walleye
- King salmon
- Brown trout
- Lake trout
- Striped bass
Stingray Spoons (4¼ inches)
The newest addition to the Michigan Stinger catalog, Stingray spoons bridge the gap between Standard and Magnum sizes. These spoons excel in situations requiring extra drawing power without overwhelming finicky fish.
Perfect for:
- Deep water presentations
- Aggressive salmon
- Trophy walleye
- Northern pike
Magnum Spoons (4¾ inches)
When targeting the biggest predators or fishing fast currents, Magnum spoons deliver maximum attraction. Their larger profile creates more vibration and flash, calling fish from greater distances.
Best uses:
- Mature king salmon
- Musky trolling
- Deep lake trout
- Fast trolling applications
Understanding the Michigan Stinger Spoons Color Chart
With over 300 patterns available, selecting colors can seem overwhelming. Understanding proven color combinations helps narrow your choices.
Top Producer Patterns
Sodus Buckeye - The legendary Michigan stinger spoon sodus buckeye pattern combines orange, yellow, and black in a distinctive design that consistently produces across all species. Available in silver, gold, and copper backs.
Chicken Wing - Features a red/orange base with black spots mimicking injured baitfish. Particularly effective during low-light conditions.
Purple Demon - Unique purple/pink combination with contrasting back. Exceptional for suspended fish and deep presentations.
Monkey Puke - Despite the unusual name, this green/chartreuse pattern excels in stained water conditions.
Watermelon - Natural green tones with black accents perfectly imitate emerald shiners and other common forage.
Color Selection Guidelines
Morning and evening periods: Choose darker patterns with contrasting colors like Black Friday, Dirty White Boy, or Blue Mongoose.
Bright sunny conditions: Natural patterns including Alewife, Perch, and various shiner imitations work best.
Overcast days: Bright patterns like Chartreuse Pooh, Yellow Jacket, and Nuclear Green increase visibility.
Deep water (30+ feet): UV patterns including UV Green Alewife, UV Dirty Broom Stick, and UV Black Wiggler maintain visibility at depth.
Stained water: High-contrast patterns such as Orange Gator, Jager Bomb, and Fire Tiger cut through murky conditions.
Original Michigan Stinger Spoons vs. Imitations
The popularity of Michigan Stinger spoons has spawned numerous imitations, but original Michigan stinger spoons maintain several advantages:
Superior Materials - Genuine Stingers use premium brass blanks and quality plating that resists corrosion and maintains shine longer than cheaper alternatives.
Precise Action - The exact curve and weight distribution of authentic spoons creates the signature flutter that triggers strikes. Even slight variations affect performance.
Consistent Quality - Each spoon undergoes quality control ensuring proper balance and finish. Inconsistent knockoffs often run erratically or fail prematurely.
Tournament Proven - Professional anglers trust original Stingers in competition where reliability matters most. The track record speaks for itself through decades of tournament wins.
Warranty Protection - Advance Tackle stands behind their products, replacing defective spoons. Imitations offer no such protection.
While saving money seems appealing, investing in authentic Michigan Stinger spoons pays dividends through increased catches and longevity.
Michigan Stinger Spoons Official Website Resources
The Michigan stinger spoons official website (themichiganstinger.com) serves as the primary resource for anglers seeking authentic products and expert information. The site features comprehensive product listings, allowing you to browse the complete catalog by size, color, and finish.
Key website features include:
- Complete color chart displays
- New product announcements
- Authorized dealer locator
- Expert fishing tips and techniques
- Seasonal pattern recommendations
- Trophy catch photo gallery
Regular visitors gain access to exclusive color releases and limited-edition patterns before they hit retail shelves. The site also provides valuable insights into which patterns are producing in specific regions through field reports from pro staff members.
Where to Buy: Advance Tackle Michigan Stinger Spoons
Advance tackle Michigan stinger spoons are available through multiple channels:
Authorized Retailers - Major tackle shops including FishUSA, Fat Nancy's Tackle Shop, and Lake Michigan Angler stock extensive selections. These established dealers offer competitive pricing and knowledgeable staff.
Local Bait Shops - Great Lakes region tackle shops often carry region-specific color selections based on local preferences and proven patterns.
Online Marketplaces - While convenient, exercise caution when purchasing from third-party sellers. Verify authenticity to avoid counterfeit products.
Boat Shows and Expos - Winter fishing shows provide opportunities to purchase directly from Advance Tackle representatives, often featuring show specials and exclusive colors.
Tournament Vendors - Major fishing tournaments feature vendor areas where you can purchase spoons and receive expert color selection advice.
When purchasing, look for proper packaging and consistent quality indicators including smooth plating, sharp hooks, and precise paint application.
Proven Trolling Techniques for Michigan Stinger Spoons
Success with Michigan Stinger spoons requires understanding proper presentation techniques for different situations.
Speed Control
Michigan Stinger spoons exhibit excellent speed tolerance, maintaining action from 1.5 to 3.5 mph. Start with these baseline speeds:
- Walleye: 1.5-2.2 mph
- Brown trout: 2.0-2.8 mph
- King salmon: 2.5-3.5 mph
- Steelhead: 2.2-3.0 mph
Adjust speed based on water temperature, with slower presentations in cold water and faster speeds as temperatures rise.
Depth Presentation
Planer Boards - Run spoons 50-150 feet behind inline planers to cover water away from boat traffic. Adjust leader length based on water clarity.
Downriggers - Set spoons 20-50 feet behind the ball, using longer leads in clear water. Running spoons as sliders above your main lines often triggers bonus fish.
Dipsy Divers - Settings of 1-3 work best with 50-100 foot leaders. The diving action adds erratic movement that triggers reaction strikes.
Lead Core - Full cores (10 colors) reach 50-60 feet, perfect for suspended fish. Let out additional backing to fine-tune depth.
Jet Divers - Sizes 20-40 effectively present spoons at mid-depths while maintaining the ability to run multiple lines without tangles.
Advanced Techniques
Turns and S-Curves - Speed changes during turns cause spoons to rise and fall, triggering following fish. Inside spoons slow and drop while outside spoons accelerate and climb.
Pumping the Rod - Occasional rod pumps add erratic action, especially effective for neutral fish. This technique works particularly well with walleye fishing techniques.
Mixed Spreads - Running different sizes and colors helps identify preferences. Start with proven patterns and adjust based on results.
Seasonal Patterns and Color Selection
Understanding seasonal baitfish movements and water conditions improves color selection success.
Spring (March-May)
Water temperatures 38-55°F bring concentrated baitfish near shore. Small spoons in natural patterns excel.
Top colors:
- Alewife patterns
- Blue/Silver combinations
- Purple Demon
- Chicken Wing
Focus areas: Warm water discharges, shallow bays, river mouths
Summer (June-August)
Scattered baitfish require covering water with varied presentations. Bright colors help in thermocline depths.
Productive patterns:
- UV enhanced colors
- Watermelon variations
- Monkey Puke
- Yellow Jacket
Target zones: Thermocline edges, deep structure, temperature breaks
Fall (September-November)
Aggressive feeding before winter makes this prime time. Larger spoons matching mature baitfish produce best.
Hot colors:
- Orange/Gold combinations
- Sodus Buckeye
- Natural Born Killer
- Green patterns
Key locations: River mouths, shallow reefs, near-shore waters
Winter (December-February)
Limited open-water opportunities require precise presentations. Slow speeds with subtle colors work best.
Effective choices:
- Silver patterns
- Blue variations
- White/Pearl
- Glow colors for low light
Prime spots: Power plant discharges, deep basins, ice edges
Expert Tips for Maximum Success
Professional guides and tournament anglers share these proven strategies:
Scent Application - Pro-Cure scents, especially garlic or emerald shiner, add attraction without affecting action. Apply sparingly to avoid buildup.
Hook Upgrades - While factory hooks work well, upgrading to premium trebles like Owner ST-36 or Mustad Triple Grips improves hookup ratios.
Storage Solutions - Organize spoons in clear tackle trays by color family. This speeds selection and protects finishes from scratching.
Maintenance - Clean spoons with mild soap after use, especially in saltwater. Polish tarnished finishes with metal cleaner to restore flash.
Documentation - Record successful color/location/condition combinations in a fishing log. Patterns emerge over time, improving future success.
Temperature Monitoring - Fish finders with temperature gauges help locate optimal zones. Even 2-degree differences concentrate fish.
Leader Selection - Fluorocarbon leaders 8-12 feet long reduce visibility while maintaining abrasion resistance. Match pound test to target species.
Rigging Michigan Stinger Spoons for Different Species
Proper rigging maximizes spoon performance while ensuring reliable hooksets.
Walleye Setup
- 10-12 lb fluorocarbon leader
- Small barrel swivel to prevent line twist
- Optional: Add small colored bead above spoon
- Run 50-100 feet behind planer boards
Salmon Configuration
- 15-20 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament
- Quality ball bearing swivel
- Consider adding small dodger 24" ahead
- Downrigger presentations 25-50 feet back
Trout Presentation
- 8-10 lb fluorocarbon leader
- Micro swivel for finesse
- Light action prevents torn mouths
- Vary retrieve speed to trigger strikes
Pike/Musky Rigging
- 30-40 lb fluorocarbon or wire leader
- Heavy-duty hardware throughout
- Upgrade to 4X strong hooks
- Fast trolling speeds increase strikes
Caring for Your Michigan Stinger Spoon Collection
Protecting your investment ensures years of productive fishing.
Proper Storage - Individual slots prevent spoons from scratching each other. Tackle boxes with adjustable dividers work perfectly. Avoid mixing wet and dry spoons to prevent corrosion.
Cleaning Protocol - Rinse with freshwater immediately after use. For stubborn residue, use mild dish soap and soft cloth. Dry completely before storage.
Finish Restoration - Tarnished spoons regain shine with metal polish. Apply small amounts with cotton swabs, avoiding painted areas. Buff to brilliant finish.
Hook Maintenance - Sharpen hooks regularly with quality file. Replace damaged or rusted hooks promptly. Keep spare hooks in common sizes.
Paint Touch-ups - Minor chips can be repaired with model paint or nail polish. Match colors closely for best results. Clear coat protects repairs.
Organization Systems - Group spoons by:
- Size categories
- Color families
- Seasonal patterns
- Water conditions
This systematic approach speeds selection while protecting your collection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' errors to improve your success rate:
Running Identical Spreads - Vary colors, sizes, and depths until finding active patterns. Fish preferences change throughout the day.
Ignoring Speed Changes - Even small speed variations trigger strikes. Use GPS for precise speed control rather than relying on feelalone.
Overcrowding Lines - Too many lines create tangles and spook fish. Quality presentations outperform quantity.
Neglecting Sharp Hooks - Dull hooks cause missed fish. Check sharpness frequently, especially after catching fish or contacting structure.
Wrong Leader Length - Too short reduces action, too long decreases hookup ratios. Start with 6-8 feet and adjust based on conditions.
Forcing Favorite Colors - Yesterday's hot pattern might not work today. Let fish tell you their preferences through experimentation.
Tournament Success Stories
Michigan Stinger spoons consistently produce in competitive environments:
Lake Erie Walleye Trail - Multiple tournament wins using Scorpion spoons in Purple Demon and Chicken Wing patterns during spring events.
Salmon-A-Rama - Record-setting kings caught on Magnum Stingers in UV Green Alewife and Natural Born Killer patterns.
Fall Brawl Tournaments - Standard size spoons in Sodus Buckeye and Watermelon dominate autumn brown trout competitions.
These victories demonstrate the effectiveness of quality spoons when presented properly. Northern pike anglers report similar tournament success using larger Stinger patterns.
Regional Preferences and Proven Patterns
Different Great Lakes regions show distinct color preferences based on local forage and water conditions:
Lake Erie
- Purple patterns for central basin walleye
- Chartreuse combinations in western basin
- Natural colors for eastern clear water
Lake Michigan
- Alewife imitations year-round
- Green patterns for brown trout
- Bright colors for coho salmon
Lake Ontario
- Silver/Blue for deep water kings
- UV patterns for steelhead
- Glow colors for night fishing
Lake Superior
- Copper backs for deep presentations
- Natural patterns matching local forage
- Smaller sizes for abundant coasters
Lake Huron
- Mixed presentations covering all depths
- Orange patterns for fall salmon
- Pearl colors for suspended fish
Understanding regional preferences provides starting points, but always experiment to find current patterns.
Advanced Color Theory and Selection
Successful anglers understand how water conditions affect color visibility:
Water Clarity Impact - Clear water requires natural, subtle patterns while stained water demands bright, contrasting colors. Measure clarity with Secchi disk for consistency.
Light Penetration - Red disappears first at depth, followed by orange, yellow, green, and blue. Choose colors that maintain visibility at target depths.
UV Enhancement - Ultraviolet coatings remain visible deeper than standard paints. Critical for fishing below 30 feet or in low-light conditions.
Flash vs. Color - Sometimes flash triggers strikes more than specific colors. Hammered finishes and metallic backs provide extra attraction.
Contrast Principles - High contrast between spoon body and back creates visible silhouette. Dark backs against light bodies excel in many conditions.
Water Temperature Effects - Cold water often requires subtle presentations while warm water fish respond to aggressive colors. Adjust accordingly.
Building Your Michigan Stinger Arsenal
Start with these proven producers for comprehensive coverage:
Essential Dozen Patterns
- Sodus Buckeye (silver back)
- Purple Demon
- Chicken Wing
- Monkey Puke
- Watermelon (copper back)
- UV Green Alewife
- Natural Born Killer
- Yellow Jacket
- Blue Mongoose
- Dirty White Boy
- Orange Gator
- Chartreuse Pooh
Size Selection
- 6 Scorpion spoons for spring/finesse
- 8 Standard spoons for versatility
- 4 Stingray spoons for specific situations
- 2 Magnum spoons for large predators
Plating Distribution
- 40% Silver/Nickel for clear water
- 30% Copper for depth and stain
- 20% Gold for overcast conditions
- 10% Specialty (UV, Glow, Hammered)
This foundation covers most Great Lakes situations while leaving room for regional favorites and experimental patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Michigan Stinger spoons different from other trolling spoons?
Michigan Stinger spoons feature a unique thin profile and precise curve that creates exceptional flutter action at various speeds. The premium materials, quality plating, and over 300 available patterns set them apart from generic trolling spoons.
How do I prevent my Michigan Stinger spoons paint from chipping?
Apply clear nail polish over high-wear areas before first use. Store spoons individually to prevent contact scratching. Handle with care when removing from fish or untangling lines.
Which Michigan Stinger size works best for Lake Erie walleye?
The Scorpion size (2¼") excels for Lake Erie walleye, especially during spring and early summer. Standard size (3¾") produces better during late summer when walleye target larger baitfish.
Can I use Michigan Stinger spoons for ice fishing?
While designed for trolling, Stinger spoons work vertically jigged through ice. The flutter on the drop triggers strikes. Scorpion and Standard sizes work best for vertical presentations.
How long do Michigan Stinger spoons last?
With proper care, quality Michigan Stinger spoons last many seasons. Replace when hooks rust, paint wears significantly, or plating shows excessive wear affecting action.
Do I need different spoons for salmon vs. trout?
While overlap exists, salmon generally prefer larger spoons (Standard and Magnum) in brighter colors. Trout often respond better to smaller sizes (Scorpion and Standard) in natural patterns. Trout fishing success often depends on matching local forage size.
What's the best way to store Michigan Stinger spoons?
Individual compartments in tackle boxes prevent damage. Group by size and color family for quick selection. Ensure complete drying before storage to prevent corrosion.
Should I add attractant scents to my spoons?
Light scent application can increase strikes without affecting action. Apply gel scents sparingly to the hook only. Avoid oil-based scents that can damage paint.
How do I choose between copper, silver, or gold backs?
Copper excels in deep or stained water, silver maximizes flash in clear conditions, and gold provides middle-ground visibility. Let water conditions guide your selection.
Are UV patterns worth the extra cost?
UV patterns significantly outperform standard colors when fishing below 30 feet or in low-light conditions. The added visibility justifies the investment for serious anglers.
Conclusion
Michigan Stinger spoons have earned their reputation through decades of consistent performance on the Great Lakes and beyond. From the compact Scorpion to the commanding Magnum, each size fills a specific niche in your trolling spread. Understanding the complete Michigan stinger catalog, mastering color selection through proven charts, and applying proper techniques transforms these simple metal spoons into devastatingly effective fish-catching tools.
Success comes from combining quality original Michigan stinger spoons from advance tackle with knowledge of seasonal patterns, regional preferences, and proper presentation techniques. Whether you're targeting New Mexico's trophy lakes or your local reservoir, these time-tested lures deliver results.
Start building your collection with proven patterns like the Michigan stinger spoon sodus buckeye, expand into specialized colors for your target species, and maintain detailed logs of successful combinations. Visit the Michigan stinger spoons official website for the latest releases and expert tips. Most importantly, spend time on the water experimenting with different presentations until you unlock the patterns that consistently produce in your favorite waters.
Tight lines and screaming drags await those who master the art of fishing Michigan Stinger spoons. The next trophy catch might be just one color change away.
