Spoon Fishing For Bass Tips And Tricks

"There is no spoon."

Today, we got another great question from one of our readers that I wanted to address as I strongly believe that there are others out there that may have the same concerns but are hesitant to voice it. To paraphrase, “Do we do any spoon fishing and why, and, could we give them some recommendations on spoons?”. I’m going to answer this in the order it was asked.

Why Use Spoons For Bass Fishing

Number one, do we do any spoon fishing and why? Yes, in the cold winter months which we’re now headlong into, spoons can be a very effective tool for catching sluggish bass. Usually at this time of year the fish are relating to submerged vegetation differently than in the warmer months.

As opposed to being buried deep in the grass, they generally are positioned either beside it or on top of it using it as an ambush point. The bait is deeper and typically smaller which is why a jigging or casting spoon works so well. They are also usually smaller in profile and match the appearance of baitfish.

Spoon Fishing For Bass How To

Ok, so let’s get down to brass tacks. How does the angler use a spoon in cold conditions? I like to target shallow structure first and if nothing is happening there, move out to points and channels with ledges that have depth changes. Fish will often just kind of wander up and down these underwater throughways looking for prey while using a particular piece of structure as a resting place. Don’t forget though that the fish are relating to the bait so if it’s not there, the bass usually aren’t there either. That’s where the spoons ability to cover a ton of water quickly is really an advantage. You can hit numerous spots quickly to find the fish!

If you really think that you’ve found the right spot, there are a few ways to fish the spoon. I like to make long casts allowing the bait to sink to the bottom. Then just raise my rod tip a few feet before allowing the spoon to sink again. I follow the bait down with my rod so that I don’t break contact with the lure. While I have caught fish by jerking the bait off the bottom, in winter, this more subtle yo-yoing of the spoon seems to work much better. Maintaining contact with your bait as it falls allows you to detect those very subtle bites. Most of our strikes come as the spoon is sinking so being able to feel these bites requires that you’re not just letting the lure fall on slack line.

Typical generic fishing spoons

One of the most appealing attributes of spoons is the fact that they are available in lots of different sizes and weights. Depending on the fishing I’m doing, I choose which spoon to use. For shallower applications, I use a 1/4 version. For deeper probing, I’ll go up to an ounce and a half. Boater’s and shore bound anglers can both use these lures effectively. You just have to keep in mind the topographical features you’re fishing. Depending on whether you are fishing it uphill or downhill, you will want to adjust you’re retrieve accordingly. For downhill, once you raise your rod tip, allow the bait a few more seconds to reach bottom each time. For uphill, allow less time between sweeps.

Our Favorite Spoons For Bass Fishing

As far as specific recommendations, here are the spoons that we like to use. For applications that require larger baits, I like the 4 inch Strike King Sexy Spoon. It weighs .8 ounces and comes in some good patterns. I also use the 3 inch Lake Fork Flutter Spoon. It weighs .6 ounces but is available up to 1.9 ounces and 6 inches in length.

For most of my spoon fish, I prefer the lighter alternatives. The War Eagle Jiggin’ Spoon in the 1/2 ounce version, measuring 1-3/4 inches matches the size of smaller bait very well. A few options for spoons that weigh 1/4 ounce are the Hopkins Shorty Hammered Spoons, the Terminator Pirk Minnow Spoon and the Cotton Cordell Spoon.

Some of these spoons are plain but can be tweaked just by using a water proof magic marker so that they more closely resemble the forage in your local lake. Get as fancy as you want or simply add a streak of color, it’s all up to the individual.

A Few Final Spoon Fishing Tips

Just a little hint before we close. I don’t like to tie my line directly to most spoons. I use snaps for a few reasons, One, some of the line ties just aren’t all that smooth and I don’t want my line damaged which could cost you not only a fish but also you’re lure. Another factor, in my opinion, is that when a fish hits a spoon, they usually mouth the entire lure. I’m not a big fan of having my line run back and forth across a bass’s teeth any more than is necessary.

When you’re fishing a spoon, it’s just standard practice to check your line for nicks after every fish in case you need to retie. With the snaps, you’ll do less of this than without. The other factor for me is that, in my opinion, you get a more consistent action from you’re spoon with snaps.

I hope that this answers you’re questions. Keep the questions coming because we enjoy hearing from you.

See ya’ on the water …