Spoons are a great lure for anglers who enjoy surf fishing. They are lightweight and durable, and they come in a variety of sizes.
They also snag less often than soft plastics, making them perfect for beach or pier fishing. They can also be used to target large fish such as salmon, muskies, bass and pike.
What do spoon lures mimic?
When fishing with spoon lures you will notice that they mimic the actions of baitfish. This is because spoons use erratic flash and vibration to mimic the movements of minnows. This is why they are effective for catching many different species of fish, including trout.
Spoons come in a variety of sizes and colors and are available in both freshwater and saltwater. Most of them are oval shaped and have one concave side. Some are even flared to produce the erratic flash that imitates baitfish.
In the UK, anglers often use baited spoons to catch flatfish such as flounder and plaice. These are typically used over soft seabed surfaces such as mud and sand and can be fished either by casting out or by jigging. The spoon will kick up the sand, silt and mud as it is retrieved, attracting the attention of inquisitive flatfish that will eventually take the baited spoon.
The baited spoon is usually tied to a hook length that matches the size of the flatfish being targeted. It can be rigged with a variety of different baits, although worms are often favoured. A small strip of mackerel, a sandeel or a cocktail bait are also commonly used with this lure.
Generally, a baited spoon will work best when fished around areas where fish have been spotted feeding, or when there is a strong tide and swell. These types of conditions position bass and other baitfish into modes that make them perfect for a blade bait or a jigging spoon to fish.
Another type of spoon that works well is the baited spinner. These are broad spoon-shaped lures that can be cast out and retrieved in the same way as a standard lure, but can also be trolled or drifted. These are effective for a range of predatory species including mackerel, pollock and coalfish.
When casting out a spoon it is important to use a light touch so that the lure falls through the air and creates a wobbling action as it enters the water. This wobbling action is what triggers the bite and makes the lure irresistible to fish.
What fish do spoon lures catch?
Spoon lures are a great way to catch fish in almost any type of water and weather condition. They work well for a variety of species, including panfish, trout, bass, muskies, walleye and salmon. They are also an excellent choice for anglers on a budget, as they are often available at a low price point.
They are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can find the right spoon for your fishing needs. They can be used in a variety of ways, such as casting, trolling, or jigging.
Jigging spoons are an effective method for catching largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass during summer. They are also useful for targeting saltwater gamefish, such as bluefish, redfish, black drum, flounder, tautog, weakfish and Spanish mackerel. Vertical jigging around bridge pilings, oil rigs or other deep structures is another way to use a spoon to nab saltwater gamefish.
When jigging with a spoon, you need to pay close attention to the line. Upon a strike, set the hook as soon as you feel pressure from the fish. This helps you catch more fish and reduces the chance of letting a fish go.
The best retrieve for a spoon is one that involves bumps and pauses that create a flutter action as the spoon sinks. This can be effective in windy conditions or dirty water, as the movement of the lure can attract fish.
These fluttering movements of the spoon mimic the vortices produced by fleeing prey. These motions also cause the spoon to wiggle, which helps fish identify it as food.
You can also add a variety of colors and materials to your spoon lure to make it more attractive to fish. Silver- or gold-plated finishes can give a lure more shine, which helps it attract more fish.
In addition, mirror finishes may also entice fish because it causes them to flash. This mirror-like appearance can be particularly helpful on days when the sun is at a high angle to the water, which can create a glint of reflective light that imitates the flashes of white-bellied prey fish.
When should I use a spoon fishing?
Spoon fishing lures are a great way to catch fish in a variety of conditions. The unique wobbling action of spoon lures mimics wounded baitfish, and can be irresistible to many species of fish. These lures can be used in a wide range of fishing situations, including casting and retrieving, jigging, and trolling.
When casting a spoon, be sure to use a light touch and cast as far as possible to create the best wobbling action. It’s also important to reel the lure in slowly to give the fish more time to bite.
You can rig a spoon with a single hook or a treble hook. A treble hook is more effective at snagging because it can pierce deeper. However, if you want to avoid snags in thick timber, you can replace the treble hook with a smaller drop-shot hook with a C-shape.
During the summer, bass, pike and muskies will take refuge in thick cover like trees, weed beds and mangroves. Jigging a surface spoon over these areas will produce many strikes from the predatory fish.
If the surface area is muddy or covered in weeds, it’s a good idea to rig your spoon with a braided line. This will help you rip the spoon away from snags and avoid tangles. You can also rig a spoon with a barrel swivel for extra resistance against line twists.
One of the most popular methods for rigging spoons is with a Palomar knot. This knot is easy to tie and works well for most types of fishing lures. You can also tie a clinch knot for more secure connections.
A barrel swivel is also handy for attaching a spoon to your main line. This will prevent the spoon from twisting or snapping your line when it’s struck by a fish.
There are many different techniques for using a spoon, and it’s important to learn them all so that you can maximize your chances of catching fish. It’s also helpful to understand the differences between a metal spoon, a soft plastic spoon, and a surface spoon. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to pick the right lure for your fishing needs.
Do I need a swivel with a spoon lure?
One of the most common questions asked by anglers is whether or not they need to use a swivel with their spoon lure. In reality, a swivel is not necessary for most fishing with spoon lures. However, there are some situations where using a swivel will help you fish more effectively.
For example, if you are trolling with your spoon, using a swivel will prevent line twist from occurring. This is because many fish species tend to wiggle their way through the water and can cause line to twist, which can lead to breakage.
Another reason you might need a swivel is if you are using a live bait. These lures can be extremely heavy and can cause line to twist if not tied to a swivel. This can lead to breakage and make your rig difficult to reel in, which will decrease your success.
In addition, if you are using a spoon to jig in the water, a swivel can help to prevent snags on the hook. A swivel can be placed between the mainline and leader, or you can attach it directly to your spoon.
A swivel can also be used to change lures without tying new knots each time you switch. This can be helpful for anglers who don’t like to tie knots and don’t want to worry about breaking the line.
The most popular type of swivel for spoon lures is the barrel swivel. These are inexpensive and work well for most angling situations, but they can break under heavy pressure.
Alternatively, you can choose a crane or ball bearing swivel. These swivels are much more durable and can withstand greater stress than the barrel swivel. They can be a good choice for more advanced anglers or those who fish in very rough conditions.
You can also attach a swivel to your spoon to prevent it from snagging on grass while you are reeling in your bait. This can happen if you are using braided or monofilament line, so it is important to use a swivel to prevent this from happening.