Rockhopper:

I am no where near as experienced as most of the guys here, but as far as brass vs. gold, silver vs. nickel, etc. I don't know of too many manufacturers that are making gold and silver plated spoons.

Mor Tac is one of the more common spoons that does come in gold or silver plating. From what my notes from the Herzog's seminar show the reflective index's at 5' depth are:

Plated (real) silver and gold will reflect 90% of the available light.

Plated brass and copper will reflect 60% of the available light.

Nickel reflects only 10% of the available light, and shows as black to the fish at 5' depth.

In water that is like "air" Zog suggested the nickel finish...and as more color is introduced go to the more reflective finishes.

Silver/gold silver/blue combinations work well also.

Get a nickel plated Little Cleo and compare the color/shine to the silver plated Mor Tac...the difference seems clear when they are side by side.

On Coho this year in the Skagit I hooked more fish on the brass and nickel spoons than on the silver or gold finishes. Why? Beats me...water clarity was "iffy" at times, but the chrome/nickel and red or blue combo's seemed to get the fish when others wouldn't.

IMO, any spoon that has actual gold or silver plating will be marked (stamped) as such. I have only found the Mor Tac's that are the "real deal", but I am sure there are more.

Hope that helps!

Mike B