Are you new to fishing? If so, you'll want to get acquainted with fishing spoons. They are a staple lure for most anglers because they can be used in a multitude of situations. Personally, I like having an assortment of them in my tackle box for that very reason. Fishing spoons can basically be broken down into four main categories. With that said, here's a quick rundown on some of what you need to know about each one:
Casting Spoons
Casting spoons are often used with a snap swivel and a steady retrieve. They range in size and tend to quiver naturally in the water thanks to their design. As such, they are a good choice for anglers that have trouble imitating a prey's movement with manual maneuvers. I'd suggest using the lighter and thinner casting spoons with a slow retrieve in the shallows. The trick is to retrieve it fast enough to create some movement but not so fast that it starts to spin wildly.
Jigging Spoons
In my opinion, jigging spoons can be a summer angler's best buddy because they tend to work well around deep structure. What I also like about jigging spoons is that they can be cast outward or dropped straight down into the water. They also tend to be wider and heavier than their counterparts. I like to use them around submerged timber, in deep channels or when fishing from a bridge. One of my favorite jigging spoons to use is the XPS Tungsten. I'll often use one with a bouncy, erratic retrieve. I have found that the fish tend to strike at the jigging spoon the most during its descent towards the river or lake bottom.
Trolling Spoons
Trolling spoons, also known as flutter spoons, also prove productive during the summer months, especially when paired with a diving crankbait. They tend to be productive in deep waters when paired with a lead-core line. Based on my experience, they are more diminutive than other varieties of spoons and work best with a slow retrieve. If you are fishing in tannic waters, I'd recommend going with a bright colored, trolling spoon with a lot of flash. In those situations, I like to use a trolling spoon with a hammered design. I find that they tend to attract a lot of attention from many different species of fish.
Topwater Spoons
Topwater spoons are often referred to as weedless spoons because they are typically used around vegetation mats. They come in different sizes and some make noise. The weight of the spoon will help determine how fast the retrieve needs to be. Traditionally, the lighter the spoon is, the slower the retrieve. Personally, I like using a Johnson Silver Minnow spoon around the vegetation mats. I'll often pair it with a monofilament line, a trailer and a heavy action rod. I prefer using it without a snap swivel or split ring. In my experience, that type of set-up allows for better retrieve control and a larger strike zone for the fish.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys fishing with her family. She has also traveled extensively.
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