Fundamentals for Spoon Users

Why do spoons work?

Spoons are most effective because of their wiggling, vibrating movement in the water and the flashes of light that reflect off their metal surfaces.

How can a spoon be used?

Spoons are generally used with a casting and retrieve routine or are trolled, but they are versatile enough to use as jigs for Smallmouth bass or Walleye. When retrieved quickly you can use them as a sub surface or surface bait.

How do I choose the right spoon?

Spoons come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but a good fundamental choice is a spoon of about 3 to 6 inches in length that target numerous species. The color to use varies with water clarity.

In selecting certain Len Thompson spoon colors or choices in clear or slightly stained water my choice would be in the Original Series - Black & White or Yellow & Red, in the Platinum Series - Reverse Red and in the Dimpled Series - Brown Trout.

In stained water or darker water I would use in our Platinum Series- Fire Tiger. In our Dimpled Series - Traffic Light and Sun Set.

Original Series - Black & White (BW)

Original Series - Yellow & Red (YR)

Platinum Series - Reverse Red (RR)

Platinum Series - Fire Tiger (FT)

Dimpled Series - Brown Trout

Dimpled Series - Traffic Light (TL)

Dimpled Series - Sun Set (SS)

The weight of the spoon determines the depth at which it runs. Heavier, thicker spoons sink faster and run deeper. They are also the best choice for trolling.

How does action vary by shape and weight?

Fat, wide spoons have a lot of surface area and won't sink as quickly as a thinner spoon of the same weight. The rounder the spoon, the shallower it will run. A lighter brass spoon however can be fished a lot shallower when the fish are relating to shallow structure like rock piles and stumps in 4' or less.

Why choose a spoon made of brass versus steel?

Brass is heavier than steel. Heavy spoons cast like bullets and sink quicker. In wind or current, they are the order of the day. You can fish a heavier spoon more quickly without sacrificing depth.

By Larry Davidson