FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We've put together a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions. Just click on the questions to view the answer. Have more questions? Email us!

1. You claim Len Thompson outperforms other spoons. Why?
2. What's the deal with Len Thompson patterns and colours?
3. What’s the best colour?
4. What can you catch on a Len Thompson spoon?
5. Can you use Len Thompson’s Ice fishing?
6. What is the different between the Brass and Silver backs?
7. What should you use in muddy water?
8. Is there any truth to the axiom: large lures = large fish?
9. Len Thompson's are famous for catching Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Arctic Grayling. Do they only work in Canada?
10. How should you "rig" a Len Thompson lure... do you tie it to the line?
11. Should I use a steel leader when rigging my lure?
12. The Lake/Province/State we are fishing has barbless regulations in place. Do you manufacture lures with barbless hooks?
13. Do you manufacture with single hooks?
14. What's the theory behind the dimpled spoons?
15. What is the explanation for your confusing numbering system?
16. Where are you located?
17. Who takes care of your product research and development?
18. I bought some Len Thompson last year in Ontario and your factory prices are a lot more than I paid. Why don't I get a deal buying directly from the factory?
19. What else does Len Thompson make?
20. I notice that the Platinum Series has a ring and swivel on the front of the spoon and the Original Series doesn't. Should I add a swivel to the front of my Original Series spoons?
21. Do you manufacture a weedless version of your incredible spoons?
22. What size of lure should I use to catch Lake Trout?
23. What's the difference between the large trolling spoons (No. 4 and No. 16)?
24. Do you give tours of your facility?
25. Are there plans to make a spoon bigger than the No. 4?
26. Do you make the new hammered patterns in the largest size No. 4?

1. You claim Len Thompson outperforms other spoons. Why?

Yes, we claim Len Thompson spoons are the best. Granted, we are biased. Len Thompson was our grandfather so our opinions were formed at an early age. However, it's not only we who make that claim. We've been told countless times by lodge owners, guides, and experienced anglers that Len Thompson lures consistently outperform all other brands. Troll a Len Thompson on one side and an "x" (insert the name of any other brand name spoon) on the other and the Len Thompson side will catch more fish. The reason is because of action.

Our grandfather carried a file and ball peen hammer in his tackle box until his last fishing trip. He continually tweaked his product until he ultimately settled on a shape that allowed the spoon to give a strike-enticing wobble through the greatest range of speeds. We haven't significantly changed that shape since the 1950's. Sure, you can catch fish with other spoons, but Len Thompsons are the best. Click to go to the top of the page.

2. What's the deal with Len Thompson patterns and colours?

Yellow and Red five-of-diamonds is our best selling pattern. We aren't exactly sure why it is so productive, but it's our opinion that the high contrast paint job triggers aggressive, territorial behavior in almost all game fish. All Len Thompson paint jobs are high contrast. Subtle isn't in our nature, nor generally in the nature of the fish hooked on our product. We believe patterns like Nickel, Brass, or Nickel Blue could possibly be perceived as prey, but if anyone can explain how a stream trout sipping only size 18 mayflies can confuse that food source with a No. 00 YR spoon, we'd like to hear the answer.

Our Colour Theory?

There are many theories, but it is best to have a decent selection of Len Thompson lures and experiment until you find the colour (and size) that is working that day. Click to go to the top of the page.

Contrast in colour patterns often seems to help.

3. What’s the best colour?

Yellow and Red five-of-diamonds is our best selling pattern for a reason. It's an extremely productive pattern for almost all game fish, but especially well thought of in the North where Lake Trout, Pike and Walleye are the most sought after fish.

It is Richard's opinion that Nickel Blue is the best pattern. Greg also prefers Nickel Blue, but he'll also use 50/50 Brass/Flame (BF) and Reverse Black (P BK). However, experience and your correspondence has taught us that Yellow & Red, Red & White, and Fire Tiger are great colours to start with in any situation.

Color is secondary in importance to a Len Thompson's ability to catch fish. Obviously, the most important aspect of a Len Thompson lure is the action. This is why, regardless of the colour pattern chosen, a Len Thompson will perform time and time again. Click to go to the top of the page.

4. What can you catch on a Len Thompson spoon?

Walleye?

Yes, you most assuredly can. Try yellows and more muted finishes like Nickel Blue. It's certainly fair to say more walleye are taken with leeches on rigs or jigs, but spoons work very well at certain times.

Trout?

Nothing is better. Len Thompson spoons consistently outperform other more familiar methods of trout fishing. In our opinion, certain spinners work well on small trout, but our spoons tend to catch larger trout. We know of addicted fly fishermen who resort to using small Len Thompson spoons at certain times of the year. Try Flame & White and Green Frog for Rainbows, Cutthroat and Brookies...Yellows for Browns... Orange & Black for Lake Trout... and any colour of Len Thompson for Bull Trout. Remember, Yellow & Red and Nickel Blue will work on all species of trout and pretty much any other species of game fish as well.

Muskie?

The closest Muskie to our factory probably resides in Manitoba (over 1000 miles away). However, we know many experienced Muskie hunters like using large spoons in certain conditions... and who makes a better spoon than Len Thompson?

Bass?

We don't have any bass nearby. They're an aggressive game fish, and we're surprised that more bass pros don't use spoons.

Salmon and Steelhead?

We've often used Len Thompsons successfully in BC's famous fresh and saltwater fisheries. One of our customers just returned from Northern B.C. and reported great success salmon fishing with a No. 0 Brass (B) Len Thompson. Vancouver Island steelhead anglers also have a soft spot for No. 00 Brass (B) Len Thompsons. Southern Ontario steelheaders love to fish local rivers with the No. 8 Green Frog (GF). Click to go to the top of the page.

5. Can you use Len Thompsons’s Ice fishing?

Absolutely, Whitefish and Perch love our smaller spoons. Bang the lure on the rocks or stir up the mud to attract the fish's attention. Then lift it up slightly and jig it quickly so it dances in one spot. Our larger spoons take Pike and Burbot, but they must be jigged; they won't do much on a tip up. Click to go to the top of the page.

6. What is the different between the Brass and Silver backs?

Both the Original Series (brass back) and Platinum Series (nickel back) are successful in a variety of fishing situations. However, there is some merit to the theory that brass/copper should be fished in tainted (unclear) water and silver/nickel should be fished in clear water. A nickel plated spoon like Rainbow Trout may fish a little better than a spoon with a brass back in the cold clear waters found in the North. On the other hand, a brass backed spoon may outperform in the discolored waters closer to home. Remember, colour is secondary in importance to the action of a Len Thompson lure. Click to go to the top of the page.

7. What should you use in muddy water?

Fish muddy water with the brightest and flashiest colour combinations. However, if the water is too muddy you may want to grab the cards and begin planning your next fishing trip.... Click to go to the top of the page.

8. Is there any truth to the axiom: large lures = large fish?

We think so. Especially in the North. However, we just spoke with a knowledgeable angler from Illinois who said that the smaller No. 0 spoons are perfect for the 25 to 38lb pike caught at Cree Lake during past visits. We also have a picture in our scrap book of a 28lb Northern caught on a No. 7 Len Thompson (1/5 oz). So, be careful to not overdo it.... a large bait may spook the fish you are after. Again, experimentation is the key to success. Click to go to the top of the page.

9. Len Thompsons are famous for catching Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Arctic Grayling. Do they only work in Canada?

Len Thompson lures have worked their magic on many game fish throughout the world, including Alaskan Salmon, Scandinavian Pike, Venezuelan Peacock Bass, New Zealand Browns, Indian Ocean Bonita, and the list goes on. If you've landed an exotic fish using a Len Thompson, please send us a photo or note. Click to go to the top of the page.

10. How should you "rig" a Len Thompson lure... do you tie it to the line?

We rarely tie a spoon directly to the line, but you certainly may if you wish. We generally use snap swivels because they ease the task of changing lures to find the particular size and colour working that day. The snap swivel must be roomy enough to allow the spoon to work freely and the appropriate size (not too big) for the type of lure you are using and fish you are targeting. Click to go to the top of the page.

11. Should I use a steel leader when rigging my lure?

Not very often. We try to avoid using leaders with our spoons. We believe leaders may spook fish. However, certain situations require leaders, such as a lake full of aggressive Northern Pike. Start with shorter leaders and, if black leaders are unavailable, colour them with a black felt marker to reduce the visibility. Click to go to the top of the page.

12. The Lake/Province/State we are fishing has barbless regulations in place. Do you manufacture lures with barbless hooks?

We do occasionally assemble lures headed North with barbless trebles; however, to meet most regulations all one has to do is pinch the barbs down with a set of pliers. Make sure the barbs are completely pinched down. As far as fishability is concerned, as long as you keep tension on the line by holding the rod tip up, you should be able to continue on with a similar hook-to-catch ratio as with a barbed lure. Click to go to the top of the page.

13. Do you manufacture with single hooks?

It is difficult to find single hooks with large enough eyes to fit our split rings. The single hooks that we use are Eagle Claw 085M (offset) or VMC 9170NI (siwash) in the following sizes:

* No. 6, 7, 10 - Size 8 hook
* No. 8 - Size 4 hook
* No. 00, 11, 11X - Size 1/0 hook
* No. 0, 13, 13X - Size 2/0 hook
* No. 1 - Size 3/0 hook
* No. 2 - Size 6/0
* No. 4 - Size 7/0

The offset single seems to be more productive when casting. Any single siwash is a decent alternative... particularly when trolling. Ask your favorite tackle store to source these hooks for your Len Thompsons if you are heading to a fishery that only allows single hooks.

It is our opinion that while single hooks make releasing fish a lot easier, they do tend to get taken in more deeply than trebles. When releasing fish, please handle them with respect. Try to stay away from using single hooks on our smaller trout-sized lures, unless regulations state otherwise... they fish better with trebles. Click to go to the top of the page.

14. What's the theory behind the dimpled spoons?

Our dimpled spoons perform impressively. The flatter shape encourages a wide, consistent wobble through a large range of speeds and in heavy currents. The dimples create extra turbulence and a unique light reflection in the water. Richard loves to fish a No. 10 on a small trout stream and Cecil will pull a No. 13 out of the box every time when we are fishing for Northern Pike. Hammered out of extra heavy solid nickel, the 11X and 13X spoons were initially designed for the fast salmon and steelhead waters of British Columbia; however, they work well in any fast water or setting where extra weight is helpful.

Although around since the 1950's, dimpled spoons have only rarely caught the fancy of the consumer and are tough to locate in a typical retail setting. Retailers have a limited amount of shelf space, so they tend to carry the traditional smooth-model Len Thompsons that anglers demand. Trust us: if you take the opportunity to try one of our dimpled spoons, you will be impressed. Click to go to the top of the page.

15. What is the explanation for Len Thompson's confusing numbering system?

There is no system to it. Len Thompson designated his first production spoon the No. 2 thinking that he would someday manufacture a smaller lure and call it a No. 1. The success of his larger lures lead to the development of other popular sizes like the No. 0, No. 00, and the even larger No. 4. Realizing that he was running out of reasonable numbers, he then began a new sequence of numbers (6, 7, 8) for his smaller "trout-sized" lures and finally the dimpled spoons (10, 11, 13, 16) were added to the product line.

Note: His numbering "system" left room for a No. 3, but we have yet to produce this size. Many people who fish for the large Lakers in the North ask us to produce a much larger spoon than the No. 4.... maybe someday.

Len Thompson was prepared to renumber all the spoons in the late '40s. However, Cecil Pallister convinced Len that most Len Thompson fans were familiar with our numbering "system" and there was no need to change. Click to go to the top of the page.

16. Where are you located?

Lacombe is a town situated between Calgary and Edmonton in the province of Alberta (straight north of Montana). We're near decent Pike and Walleye fishing in some local lakes and excellent trout fishing on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains. Click to go to the top of the page.

17. Who takes care of your product research and development?

Nothing works better than a Len Thompson lure so there is no need to alter the existing designs. We do, however, continually experiment with various colour patterns. Click to go to the top of the page.

18. I bought some Len Thompson last year in Ontario and your factory prices are a lot more than I paid. Why don't I get a deal buying directly from the factory?

By selling directly to consumers from the factory, we are risking eighty years of goodwill with our retailers. The Internet allows us access to consumers that our retailers wouldn't normally reach. We trust our retailers understand that we must fill the gaps and ensure that avid fans of Len Thompson have all the spoons they need. Selling direct from the factory is a service only - we want to make sure that retailers of Len Thompson have every reasonable opportunity to make the sale to the consumer. By setting our internet prices at full retail, we encourage Canadian consumers to buy our spoons from a local retailer if they can. Click to go to the top of the page.

19. What else does Len Thompson make?

* True North Electric Food Smokers and Accessories.

Priced right and optimally sized, True North electric food smokers, wood, and cure are available across Canada through Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart, Home Hardware, True Value, and leading outdoor retailers. Check our retailer links for purchasing information.

* Gibbs/Delta Fishing Tackle

Our brother, Syd Pallister, manufactures Gibbs/Delta fishing tackle in Delta, BC. His products include salt and freshwater lures, nets, lead weights, and accessories (flashers, dodgers, lake trolls). Gibbs, Canada's oldest tackle manufacturer (established in 1908), sells well known products like the Minnow, Crocodile, Gator Spoon, Toronto Wobbler, Kitamat, Koho, Ruby Eye & One Eye Wiggler, Wedding Band, Willowleaf Troll, Mudraker, Highliner, Farr Better Flasher, etc., throughout Canada and the United States. Visit www.gibbsfishing.com for more info. Click to go to the top of the page.

20. I notice that the Platinum Series has a ring and swivel on the front of the spoon and the Original Series doesn't. Should I add a swivel to the front of my Original Series spoons?

Good observation. Don't worry, we didn't forget to put the swivel on the No. 2 YR. With the exception of our large No. 4 spoons, all "Original Series" lures are assembled without swivels. The swivel is an added touch (for the more expensive Platinum Series and No. 4 spoons) for those anglers who prefer to tie "directly" on to the lure. The swivel, however, is not necessary... particularly if you use snap swivels or leaders. I personally find the swivel on the "Platinum" spoons bothersome. (I rarely tie line directly to the spoon unless I have run out of snap swivels.) We generally fish with snap swivels or leaders as they make changing colours and sizes easier. Click to go to the top of the page.

21. Do you manufacture a weedless version of your incredible spoons?

No. However, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the amount of weeds you catch. First you can purchase after-market hooks with weed guards. You can also replace our treble hook with a single if you wish. Lastly, an angler suggested one could tie a rubber band on to the front of the lure and attach it to the barb on a single hook. The hook then rides under the belly of the spoon and is almost totally weedless. We haven't tried this but it sounds like it has potential. Click to go to the top of the page.

22. What size of lure should I use to catch Lake Trout?

No. 2 is a good sized spoon for both trolling and casting. We only make one size larger (No. 4) and it is more of a trolling spoon and requires heavy gear to fish. However, many lake trout anglers and guides would recommend you carry a few of the larger No. 4 spoons as well. Click to go to the top of the page.

23. What's the difference between the large trolling spoons (No. 4 and No. 16)?

The No. 4 is a traditional, smooth spoon and accounts for 95% (+) of our large spoon sales. The No. 4 is perhaps one of the most famous lures for lake trout and large pike. (We are also told it is a great muskie spoon... we don't have any muskie in these parts to test this theory.) The unique shape and dimples of a No. 16 differentiates it from our No. 4 spoon. It is also a very good spoon, however, it is fished best with a downrigger or some type of weight to keep it down. For what it's worth... whenever I fish in waters where large spoons make sense, my first choice is a No. 4P NB. Click to go to the top of the page.

24. Do you give tours of your facility?

Yes, Monday through Friday during typical working hours... just check to see if someone is available by calling us at 403-782-3528. Click to go to the top of the page.

25. Are there plans to make a spoon bigger than the No. 4?

We often get asked if we plan on building a bigger Len Thompson and we fully understand there is a market and a use for the larger spoon. I can only assume that Len Thompson spent countless hours modifying and testing his lures until he came up with the best combination of size, weight, and shape. The key is producing a mega spoon that is worthy of the Len Thompson brand name. Hopefully, we'll get around to it someday. Until then, please be satisfied with dragging the No. 4 spoons... they work exceptionally well. Click to go to the top of the page.

26. Do you make the new hammered patterns in the largest size No. 4?

Sorry, not at this time. Click to go to the top of the page.