How to Fish a Spoon

Are you a beginner fisherman looking to expand your fishing techniques? Or maybe you’re an experienced angler interested in trying out different types of fishing? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of spoon fishing and explore the various ways you can use spoons to catch fish. Whether you’re casting, trolling, fishing topwater, or jigging, spoons can be a versatile and effective tool in your fishing arsenal. So, grab your gear and get ready to learn how to fish a spoon!

Before we delve into the different types of spoon fishing, let’s start with the basics. A spoon is a lure that mimics the appearance of a small swimming fish. It typically has a concave shape with a shiny, metallic finish. The curved shape and reflective surface create a flash and wobbling action in the water, attracting the attention of predatory fish.

When fishing with a spoon, it’s important to remember that the action of the lure is what triggers the fish to strike. Therefore, it’s crucial to impart the right action to the spoon to entice the fish. This can be achieved by using a combination of rod movements, reel retrieves, and even occasional pauses to mimic the movements of injured baitfish or prey.

When it comes to selecting a spoon, consider the size and color based on the target species and the conditions you’re fishing in. Larger spoons are suitable for bigger fish, while smaller spoons are more effective for panfish or trout. As for colors, silver and gold are classic choices that imitate baitfish, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors to find what works best in your fishing spot.

Casting spoons are designed to be thrown out into the water and retrieved back to the angler. They are versatile lures that can be used in a variety of fishing environments, from rivers and lakes to saltwater flats. Casting spoons are usually on the heavier side and have a thicker profile, allowing for long and accurate casts.

When fishing with a casting spoon, start by casting it out to your desired spot. Once it hits the water, let it sink for a few seconds to the desired depth. Then, begin the retrieve by reeling in the line at a steady pace, making sure to impart some action to the spoon by twitching your rod tip or adding occasional pauses. This erratic movement will mimic a wounded fish, attracting the attention of nearby predators.

Keep in mind that you can vary the speed and depth of your retrieve to find what works best on any given day. Sometimes, a faster retrieve will trigger aggressive strikes, while other times a slower, more subtle approach might be necessary to entice finicky fish.

Trolling spoons are specifically designed for use while trolling, which is the act of dragging lures behind a moving boat. This technique is commonly used in larger bodies of water, such as lakes or the ocean, where you can cover a larger area and search for actively feeding fish.

When trolling with spoons, it’s important to use a downrigger or planer board to control the depth at which the spoon is fishing. This allows you to target specific depths where the fish are holding. Adjusting the speed of your boat can also help vary the depth and action of the spoon.

One effective way to troll with spoons is by using a spoon with a diving lip or a weighted spoon. These spoons will dive deeper and create a more pronounced wobbling action, increasing their visibility and attractiveness to fish. Experiment with different sizes and colors until you find the winning combination that triggers strikes.

Topwater or surface spoons are designed to be fished on or just below the water’s surface. They are perfect for targeting fish that are actively feeding near the surface, such as bass or trout, and can create explosive strikes that make for an exhilarating fishing experience.

When fishing with topwater spoons, cast them out and allow them to land on the water’s surface. Then, use a combination of rod movements and reel retrieves to create a popping or darting action. This imitates a wounded or struggling baitfish, enticing fish to strike from below.

Be prepared for heart-stopping moments when a fish explodes on your topwater spoon. It’s important to resist the urge to immediately set the hook. Instead, wait for a split second until you feel the weight of the fish, then give a firm hookset to ensure a solid connection.

Weedless spoons are an excellent choice when fishing in areas with heavy vegetation or structure. They are designed with a weed guard or a single hook that is positioned to reduce snagging on underwater obstacles. This makes them ideal for fishing in areas where other lures might get easily tangled.

When fishing with a weedless spoon, cast it near weed beds, lily pads, or submerged structure. Let it sink to the desired depth and then begin a slow and steady retrieve. The weed guard will help prevent the spoon from getting caught in the vegetation, allowing you to fish confidently in areas where fish are likely to be hiding.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a bite on your first few casts. Sometimes, the fish are buried deep within the vegetation, so keep trying different spots and varying your retrieve until you find the sweet spot.

Jigging spoons are designed to be vertically jigged in deeper water or around structures such as drop-offs, ledges, or submerged trees. They have a thicker profile and are usually on the heavier side to allow for a controlled vertical presentation.

When jigging with a spoon, start by locating the desired fishing spot using a fishfinder or your knowledge of the area. Once you’ve found a promising location, drop your spoon straight down into the water and let it sink to the desired depth. Then, use your wrist or rod to give short and sharp upward jerks, followed by a controlled descent. This action imitates a wounded baitfish and can trigger strikes from fish that are holding near the bottom or suspended in the water column.

Experiment with different cadences and lengths of pauses to find what works best. Sometimes, a more aggressive jigging action will attract fish, while other times a slower and subtler approach might be more effective.

Now that you’ve learned the basics and explored the various ways to fish a spoon, it’s time to hit the water and put your newfound knowledge to the test. Remember to experiment with different sizes, colors, and techniques until you find what works best for you and the fish you’re targeting. Fishing with spoons can be incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to catch a wide range of species and create unforgettable fishing memories. So, grab a spoon, cast it out, and get ready to reel in some fish!