How to Fish Jigging Spoons

Fishing with jigging spoons is a traditional method of catching a wide variety of fish species using a metal spoon-shaped lure. As the spoon is designed to imitate a bait fish, the lure is most effective during times of year when small fish gather and swim in groups or schools. Spoons are made of different metals and are usually silver in color.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Jigging spoon Six-foot medium heavy rod with a fast action tip Matched reel with eight to ten pound test line Split ring
Jigging spoon
Six-foot medium heavy rod with a fast action tip
Matched reel with eight to ten pound test line
Split ring

Step 1

Attach a split ring to the eye of the jigging spoon. This will allow a greater degree of movement by the spoon as it moves through the water and will more closely imitate a swimming bait fish.

Step 2

Tie the line to the split ring using a cling knot. Feed the end of the line through the split ring with three to four inches of line extending through the ring. Twist the free end around the main line for six to seven turns and feed the end through the small loop formed above the split ring. Moisten and pull tight.

Step 3

Locate shallow areas such as sand bars, points in the water and shallow creek channels. These are areas that will typically find gatherings of bait fish and minnows. Game fish will often cruise these areas, as experience has taught that bait fish will gather here. Work the spoon across these areas.

Step 4

Look for schools of bait fish running in deeper open water. Often times, larger game fish will swim underneath schools of bait fish and rise up to feed on the gathered fish. In this situation the spoon should be worked into and through the swimming fish.

Step 5

Cast the lure, allow it to sink somewhat and retrieve. Avoid a straight and constant retrieve. Vary the speed and direction to more closely imitate the movement of a live bait fish.

Tips & Warnings

Another technique is to also allow the spoon to fall and flutter to the bottom and sit. Raise the rod tip to bring the spoon upward and allow it to settle once again.

Many times it is advantageous to replace the hook of a jigging spoon due to wear or preference. Use care when doing this as it is possible for the point and barb to become lodged under the skin.

Article Written By Tara Dooley

Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

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