Mastering the Art of Fishing with Spoons: A Comprehensive Guide
Fishing with spoons is a classic and effective technique that has been used for decades to catch a wide variety of fish species. Their simplicity, versatility, and enticing wobbling action make them a staple in any angler’s tackle box. Whether you’re targeting bass, trout, salmon, pike, or even saltwater species, spoons can be a highly productive lure. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master the art of fishing with spoons, from understanding different types of spoons to selecting the right gear and mastering various retrieval techniques.
## What are Fishing Spoons?
Fishing spoons are concave, oblong-shaped metal lures that are designed to imitate injured or fleeing baitfish. Their shape causes them to wobble erratically as they are retrieved through the water, creating flash and vibration that attract predatory fish. The erratic movement mimics a struggling fish, triggering the predatory instincts of game fish and enticing them to strike.
## Types of Fishing Spoons
Spoons come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and weights, each designed for specific fishing conditions and target species. Understanding the different types of spoons is crucial for selecting the right lure for your fishing situation.
* **Casting Spoons:** These are the most common type of spoon, designed for casting and retrieving. They are typically heavier than other types of spoons, allowing for long casts and deep presentations. Casting spoons come in various sizes and weights to target different species and depths. Examples include the classic Dardevle and the Little Cleo.
* **Trolling Spoons:** Trolling spoons are designed to be trolled behind a boat at slow speeds. They are often longer and thinner than casting spoons and have a more pronounced wobble. Trolling spoons are popular for targeting salmon, trout, and lake trout in deeper waters. The Sutton spoon is a classic example.
* **Weedless Spoons:** These spoons are designed with a weed guard or hook that is protected by a wire or plastic weed guard, allowing them to be fished through heavy cover without snagging. Weedless spoons are ideal for fishing in weed beds, lily pads, and other areas with dense vegetation. Johnson Silver Minnow is a very popular choice.
* **Jigging Spoons:** Jigging spoons are heavy, compact spoons designed for vertical jigging. They are typically used in deep water or around structure to target fish that are holding near the bottom. Jigging spoons often have a treble hook attached to the bottom and can be very effective for catching bass, walleye, and other bottom-dwelling species. Examples include the Hopkins Shorty and the Crippled Herring.
* **Flutter Spoons:** These are large, lightweight spoons that flutter enticingly as they fall through the water column. They are typically used for targeting suspended fish or fish holding near the surface. Flutter spoons are especially effective for bass fishing and can trigger aggressive strikes.
## Choosing the Right Spoon
Selecting the right spoon for your fishing situation involves considering several factors, including the target species, water clarity, depth, and cover.
* **Target Species:** The size and shape of the spoon should match the size of the baitfish that the target species typically feeds on. For example, smaller spoons are ideal for trout and panfish, while larger spoons are better for bass, pike, and salmon.
* **Water Clarity:** In clear water, use spoons with natural colors and finishes that mimic the appearance of baitfish. In murky or stained water, use brighter colors and finishes that will be more visible to fish. Gold, silver, and copper spoons are good choices for clear water, while chartreuse, orange, and red spoons are effective in stained water.
* **Depth:** Use heavier spoons for deeper water and lighter spoons for shallower water. The weight of the spoon will determine how quickly it sinks and how easily it can be retrieved at the desired depth.
* **Cover:** If you are fishing in heavy cover, use weedless spoons to avoid snagging. Weedless spoons are also a good choice for fishing around rocks, logs, and other underwater structure.
## Essential Gear for Spoon Fishing
To effectively fish with spoons, you’ll need the right gear. Here’s a breakdown of the essential equipment:
* **Rod:** A medium-action spinning or casting rod is a good all-around choice for spoon fishing. The rod should be long enough to cast spoons accurately and have enough backbone to handle larger fish. A 6-7 foot rod is a good starting point.
* **Reel:** A spinning or baitcasting reel with a smooth drag system is essential for spoon fishing. The reel should have enough line capacity to handle the type of fish you are targeting. Choose a reel size appropriate for your rod.
* **Line:** Monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided line can be used for spoon fishing. Monofilament is a good all-around choice and is relatively inexpensive. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater and is a good choice for clear water. Braided line is very strong and sensitive and is a good choice for fishing in heavy cover or for targeting large fish. Consider the line’s pound test based on the fish you are trying to catch. For example, for trout, 4-6 pound test might be sufficient, whereas for pike, 15-20 pound test might be more appropriate.
* **Swivels and Snaps:** Use swivels to prevent line twist, especially when using spoons that tend to spin. Snaps allow you to quickly change spoons without having to retie your line. Use high-quality swivels and snaps that are strong enough to handle the fish you are targeting.
* **Tackle Box:** A tackle box is essential for organizing and storing your spoons, swivels, snaps, and other fishing gear. Choose a tackle box that is large enough to hold all of your gear and that is easy to carry.
* **Pliers or Hook Remover:** Pliers or a hook remover are essential for removing hooks from fish safely and efficiently. Choose a pair of pliers or a hook remover that is comfortable to use and that has a good grip.
## Spoon Fishing Techniques
Mastering different retrieval techniques is crucial for effectively fishing with spoons. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for the conditions and the fish you are targeting.
* **Straight Retrieve:** A straight retrieve is the simplest and most common technique for fishing with spoons. Simply cast the spoon and retrieve it at a steady pace. Vary the speed of the retrieve to find what the fish are responding to. Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve is effective, while other times a faster retrieve with pauses can trigger strikes.
* **Stop-and-Go Retrieve:** This technique involves retrieving the spoon with a series of stops and starts. Cast the spoon and retrieve it for a few seconds, then stop reeling and let the spoon sink for a few seconds. Repeat this process throughout the retrieve. The stop-and-go retrieve can be very effective for triggering strikes from fish that are hesitant to chase a fast-moving lure.
* **Twitch Retrieve:** The twitch retrieve involves imparting erratic action to the spoon by twitching the rod tip. Cast the spoon and retrieve it with a series of short, sharp twitches of the rod tip. This technique can be very effective for attracting fish in clear water or when they are feeding on smaller baitfish.
* **Jigging:** Jigging is a vertical presentation technique that involves dropping the spoon to the bottom and then jigging it up and down. This technique is particularly effective for targeting fish that are holding near the bottom or around structure. Use short, sharp jigging motions to impart action to the spoon. Let the spoon fall back to the bottom on a slack line, as many strikes occur on the fall.
* **Trolling:** Trolling involves dragging the spoon behind a boat at a slow speed. This technique is often used for targeting salmon, trout, and lake trout in deeper waters. Vary the speed and depth of the troll to find where the fish are holding.
## Tips for Successful Spoon Fishing
Here are some additional tips to help you become a more successful spoon angler:
* **Experiment with different spoons:** Don’t be afraid to try different sizes, shapes, and colors of spoons to find what the fish are responding to. Carry a variety of spoons in your tackle box so you can adapt to changing conditions.
* **Pay attention to the water:** Observe the water conditions, such as clarity, temperature, and current, and adjust your spoon selection and retrieval technique accordingly. Look for signs of fish activity, such as baitfish schools or surface disturbances.
* **Use a quality swivel:** A quality swivel will prevent line twist and allow the spoon to wobble freely. Use a swivel that is strong enough to handle the fish you are targeting.
* **Sharpen your hooks:** Sharp hooks are essential for ensuring good hooksets. Use a hook sharpener to keep your hooks razor-sharp.
* **Vary your retrieve:** Don’t just stick to one retrieval technique. Experiment with different speeds, pauses, and twitches to find what the fish are responding to. Varying the retrieve can trigger strikes from fish that are not interested in a steady retrieve.
* **Fish around structure:** Fish often congregate around structure, such as rocks, logs, and weed beds. Target these areas with your spoons to increase your chances of catching fish.
* **Use a leader:** When fishing for species with sharp teeth, such as pike or muskie, use a wire or fluorocarbon leader to prevent them from biting through your line.
* **Practice makes perfect:** The more you fish with spoons, the better you will become at selecting the right spoons and mastering different retrieval techniques. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch fish right away. Keep practicing and experimenting, and you will eventually start to see results.
## Advanced Spoon Fishing Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics of spoon fishing, you can explore some advanced techniques to further enhance your success.
* **Adding a Trailer Hook:** Adding a trailer hook to your spoon can increase your hook-up ratio, especially when fish are short-striking. A trailer hook is a small hook attached to the eye of the main hook with a short piece of line or a split ring. This gives the fish another target to hit and can result in more solid hooksets.
* **Using Scent:** Applying scent to your spoon can attract fish and make them hold onto the lure longer. Use a scent that is appropriate for the target species and the type of water you are fishing in. Scent can be especially effective in murky water or when fish are pressured.
* **Fishing Spoons at Night:** Spoons can be effective for fishing at night, especially for predatory fish like bass and walleye. Use spoons with glow-in-the-dark finishes or add a small light to the spoon to make it more visible in the dark. Fish spoons slowly and deliberately at night, as fish are often more cautious in the dark.
* **Modifying Spoons:** Don’t be afraid to customize your spoons to make them more appealing to fish. You can add colored tape, feathers, or beads to your spoons to create different looks and actions. You can also bend the spoon to alter its wobble and flash.
* **Using a Fish Finder:** A fish finder can be a valuable tool for spoon fishing, especially in deeper water. A fish finder can help you locate fish, identify structure, and determine the depth at which the fish are holding. Use a fish finder to target specific areas with your spoons and to adjust your retrieval technique accordingly.
## Spoon Fishing for Different Species
Spoons are versatile lures that can be used to target a wide variety of fish species. Here are some tips for spoon fishing for some popular game fish:
* **Bass:** Spoons are a great choice for bass fishing, especially in clear water or around structure. Use casting spoons, weedless spoons, or flutter spoons to target bass. Experiment with different retrieval techniques to find what the bass are responding to. Jerkbaits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also viable options when spoon fishing isn’t working.
* **Trout:** Spoons are a classic lure for trout fishing. Use small casting spoons or trolling spoons to target trout. Fish spoons in streams, rivers, and lakes. Use a slow, steady retrieve or a twitch retrieve to entice trout to strike. Remember that smaller spoons that resemble the trout’s natural forage are generally the best approach.
* **Salmon:** Spoons are a popular lure for salmon fishing, especially in rivers and lakes. Use trolling spoons or casting spoons to target salmon. Troll spoons behind a boat or cast them from shore. Use a fast retrieve with pauses to trigger strikes from salmon. Bright colors are also a good choice when fishing for salmon.
* **Pike:** Spoons are an effective lure for pike fishing, especially in weed beds and around structure. Use weedless spoons or casting spoons to target pike. Fish spoons with a fast retrieve and erratic action. Use a wire leader to prevent pike from biting through your line. Larger spoons may be required for pike as they feed on larger prey.
* **Walleye:** Spoons can be used to target walleye, especially when jigging in deeper water or around structure. Use jigging spoons or casting spoons to target walleye. Fish spoons with a vertical jigging motion or a slow, steady retrieve. In low-light situations, glow in the dark spoons can be particularly effective.
## Conclusion
Fishing with spoons is a rewarding and effective technique that can be used to catch a wide variety of fish species. By understanding the different types of spoons, selecting the right gear, and mastering various retrieval techniques, you can increase your chances of success on the water. So, grab your spoons, head out to your favorite fishing spot, and start experimenting. With practice and persistence, you’ll be catching fish with spoons in no time!