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When you find your honey holes to cast your line, there are a few tools that are sure to make your trip successful. One of those is your choice of bait. Sometimes you may not have access to any live bait or sometimes the fish aren’t interested and want something more. A great tool to bring along when you meet these conditions is a spoon fishing lure.
There’s a wealth of options for this kind of lure out there, so knowing what to choose can be daunting. But fear not! We’re here to break things down for you. In this article, we’ll dive into the basics of fishing spoons, along with the when, where, and how to use them. When you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to add them to your arsenal and head out on a memorable fishing adventure.
What is a spoon fishing lure?
So what exactly is a fishing spoon? Well, spoons are flat, long, oval-shaped lures, usually made of metal or plastic. They broadly resemble the spoons we all use for eating but are flat in order to skim easily through the water. They create all sorts of movements to appear more realistic to predators.
Spoon fishing lures shine, flash, and make noise to further attract nearby fish. They come in plenty of sizes and colors, and are sometimes even painted to look like real bait. Their flashy material is a big help as it reflects sunlight, creating quite the scene underwater. It’s no surprise, then, that these lures attract tons of species!
Different Fishing Spoon Types
That introduction didn’t cover half of what fishing with a spoon lure is all about. First of all, you’ll want to know the main different types. There are a few effective styles of spoon fishing lures, and each has been designed for specific environments, species, and conditions. Let’s take a look at what sets them apart…
Casting Spoons
Your basic spoon fishing lure is one specifically made for casting. Casting spoons sink but you can reel and jerk them under the water to create a natural bait-like appearance, too. The flashy colors and sound often attract smaller fish in shallow regions near flats or docks or even in deeper waters near structure. Casting spoons are great to use when targeting Snook or Jacks in estuaries, or Bass in ponds or lakes.
Topwater Spoons
In contrast to casting spoons that sink, topwater spoons are, well, just that – topwater! You work your bait along the surface, slowly jerking and pausing it to mimic a wounded bait fish. Soon enough, you’ll start to see some wakes forming behind it, followed by some big blow-ups. These are among the most action-packed spoons in the fishing world!
Fishing topwater spoons on a quiet early morning or during an evening sunset is sure to get your heart racing. They’re best used in shallow areas like flats or along mangrove lines where fish such as Snook, Tarpon, and Redfish will lunge at them on the surface.
Trolling Spoons
Another type of spoon is the trolling spoon. These can be used in both shallow and deep waters, but they’re most effective in offshore conditions. You’ll want to troll these lures behind the boat at a steady speed, as game fish such as Tuna and Mahi Mahi will quickly be on the hunt for them.
Weedless Spoons
Weedless spoons are an awesome tool when fishing in areas with a lot of vegetation such as ponds or lakes with lots of lily pads. These baits are excellent when Bass fishing as these fish like to hang around vegetation. The hook is pretty hidden and therefore doesn’t have much of an opportunity to get stuck on anything. Similar to other spoons, you can jerk and pause these, or you can cast far and reel them in to attract fish.
When to Use a Fishing Spoon
There are tons of options out there when it comes to artificial lures, so what makes spoons so special? How should you know when to bust one out? Well, one of the most important factors is the conditions. Spoons are particularly effective on overcast, windy, or dark water days because the fish may struggle to find other bait. The movement, noise, and flashes made by a spoon make it easier for the fish to notice compared to other lures. Spoons also often draw fish closer to the surface to eat.
Now that doesn’t mean you can only use spoons on cloudy days. You can use them during sunny and calm conditions too. On hot days, species like Bass, Pike, and Walleye, as well as saltwater fish like Snook and Redfish, often hide beneath vegetation or around structures in deeper waters. You’ll also find luck when casting spoons into schools of active fish, such as Jacks, Mackerel, Bonito, and Ladyfish.
With their lively action, these lures will help you capture the fish’s attention and entice them to bite. Weedless spoons, in particular, are very useful in areas with many obstacles, allowing for precise casting without snagging.
One more thing to consider is that there are various styles and sizes when it comes to fishing spoons. I suggest you pick a size and color that matches the environment you’re fishing in. Whether you’re targeting pelagic offshore species, inshore game fish, or smaller freshwater fish, there’s a spoon designed to suit your conditions and needs.
How to Rig a Fishing Spoon
Spoons are pretty simple to rig. How you do so is mainly based on your preference. All you really need to do is tie a knot from your spoon to the leader line. Whatever your knot of choice is, whether it’s a uni, loop, Palomar, or another type of knot, it’s the key to rigging your spoon.
For deep, fast-moving, or offshore waters, you have the option to add a sinker to your leader line to help keep it down and have more control. Swivels are also optional for easier tying and fewer tangles. Just make sure all lines are tied together well and then you’re ready to cast!
How to Fish with a Spoon Lure
You can fish with a spoon in various ways depending on the environment and species present. In inshore areas, you can cast your spoon along structure or on the flats. You can work it on the surface as a topwater spoon or let it sink and alternate between reeling, jerking, and pausing it. For offshore conditions, trolling your spoon behind the boat creates an enticing scene for lurking species as it spins and flashes.
In freshwater areas, you can approach as you would inshore. Cast your spoon near fish beds, weeds, lily pads, rocks, and structures, retrieving it with a mix of slow and fast reeling and jerking.
Overall, regardless of where you fish, you’ll want to experiment with different spoon fishing techniques and see what the fish respond best to. Some fish may enjoy fast retrievals, while others might prefer slow twitching and pauses. Be sure to consider some of the other above-mentioned factors to enhance your fishing spoon success.
Fishing Spoons: Another Opportunity for Success
As we wrap up this article, I hope that you’ve either learned something new or further enhanced your knowledge about fishing spoons. As you can see, spoons are a great tool that many anglers swear by. While you prepare for your next fishing trip, be sure to bring along a couple of spoons and give them a try. You never know when they’ll come in handy! Perhaps they might even bring you your next PB…
Are fishing spoons among your favorite lures? How do you utilize them? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Caitlyn Gatrell
Hi! My name is Caitlyn Gatrell and I'm an outdoor writer and inshore saltwater angler based in Naples, Florida. My fishing is typically done in the Ten Thousand Islands region, as well as the Estero, Naples, and Marco Island areas, along with some Florida Keys trips here and there. I typically target game fish such as Tarpon, Snook, and Redfish, as well as some Jack Crevalle, Seatrout, Goliath Grouper, and Sharks. I have been involved in the fishing field since I was a little girl, and my passion has only grown since I’ve gotten older.
