The flashy, wobbling motion of a spoon imitates that of a fleeing or crippled baitfish, triggering strikes from most species of gamefish. Spoons work best for large predators like northern pike, muskies, largemouth bass, salmon and trout. Because spoons appeal mainly to the sense of sight, they work best in relatively clear waters.
The long-standing popularity of spoons results not only from their nearly universal appeal to gamefish, but also from the relative ease of using them. Anglers normally fish spoons far enough above bottom so that snags are not a problem. And a fish usually hooks itself when it grabs a spoon.
Spoons are generally made of hard metal, either steel or brass. A few are made of tough plastic. Because one side is concave, a spoon catches water when retrieved and wobbles from side to side.
How a spoon wobbles depends on its shape and thickness. A long spoon usually has a wider side-to-side action than a short spoon. A deeply concave spoon catches more water and thus wobbles more widely than a flatter spoon. Thin spoons tend to wobble more than thick ones.
But thick spoons have some advantages. The extra weight makes them cast better, sink faster and run deeper than thin spoons.
Most spoons have a polished metal surface on at least one side. Sunlight reflecting off this surface makes the spoon visible for a long distance, especially in clear water. Some spoons have a hammered surface that scatters light in all directions, much the way the scales of a baitfish scatter light. High-quality spoons sometimes have a plated surface that reflects more light than the duller surface of cheaper spoons.
Spoons fall into three basic categories. Standard spoons include any non-weedless spoon heavy enough to cast. Trolling spoons are so thin that they are not practical for casting. Most standard and trolling spoons have a single or treble hook attached to one end with a split-ring. Weedless spoons usually have some type of weed-guard to prevent the fixed single hook from fouling in weeds, brush or debris.
The main consideration in fishing a spoon is how fast you work it. A spoon will not wobble properly if fished too slowly or too fast. You must experiment to find the precise speed at which each spoon performs best.
Most anglers prefer light- to medium-power spinning or bait-casting tackle when fishing with spoons. Ultrasensitive rods are not necessary. Because fish tend to hook themselves on spoons, you need not be concerned about detecting strikes.
Spoons work best when fished with light monofilament. Heavy line restricts the wobble and is more visible to fish in clear water.