James RickardEasy spoon modification
December 20th 2011 00:58
Since the last post focused on spoons, it may be a good idea to look at some of the easy alterations you can attempt when you’re stuck inside.
Anglers are often an industrious lot so, it’s hard not to give into temptation and alter a lure. For many, the first alteration takes place on a spoon. As said in this blog so many times, there are so many spoons out there that it’s almost impossible not to have more than you need and they have a way of collecting in the bottom of your tackle box. Further more, since spoons are often so abundant, perfection is often the goal when tinkering. If an experiment leads to tangling or poor hook ups, you can trash it in favor of something more efficient.
One of the first things you can do with a spoon is change the hook location. Most spoons have a fat end and a narrow end. This difference may be more pronounced on some than others. Although this variation may work because it looks different to fish, you may run into problems on a deep drop because you have the heavy end pushing on the lighter end possible resulting in a somersaulting effect and tangled line. On the other hand, I have to admit I have a spoon like this but I only use in shallower water. Be warned!
Anglers are often an industrious lot so, it’s hard not to give into temptation and alter a lure. For many, the first alteration takes place on a spoon. As said in this blog so many times, there are so many spoons out there that it’s almost impossible not to have more than you need and they have a way of collecting in the bottom of your tackle box. Further more, since spoons are often so abundant, perfection is often the goal when tinkering. If an experiment leads to tangling or poor hook ups, you can trash it in favor of something more efficient.
One of the first things you can do with a spoon is change the hook location. Most spoons have a fat end and a narrow end. This difference may be more pronounced on some than others. Although this variation may work because it looks different to fish, you may run into problems on a deep drop because you have the heavy end pushing on the lighter end possible resulting in a somersaulting effect and tangled line. On the other hand, I have to admit I have a spoon like this but I only use in shallower water. Be warned!
Two casting spoons--a well worn Kastmaster copy and the real thing.
On the other hand, it maybe better not to tinker with a good thing. A classic casting spoon, the Acme Kastmaster, is an excellent example. The Kastmaster is packaged with the hook on the heavy end of spoon. Raising it or trolling creates a vibration and when the spoon falls, it does so very quickly without a lot of movement because of the heavy butt end.
Since predators often focus on the eyes, painted or stick-on eyes can add a distinctive touch to spoons. You can do this yourself or purchase the “eyes” from any most outfits selling lure crafts. A word of caution—as with any modification, don’t go overboard!. The eye might attract and trigger strikes but it may do just the opposite. Go easy and just do this to one or two spoons.
Another easy yet important modification is color. Panfish and even bass see greens and oranges well, while walleyes are more sensitive to shades of orange and yellow. Larger flashy spoons with shades of green or pale blue seem to be good for musky or pike and can double when surf fishing. If ciscoes are your quarry, various blues often work well.
Another easy modification is to add a bit of colored tubing over the shank of the hook. Simply remove the treble hook from the lure and slide the tube over the hook shank. Then replace the hook back on the lure using a split ring.
Another easy yet important modification is color. Panfish and even bass see greens and oranges well, while walleyes are more sensitive to shades of orange and yellow. Larger flashy spoons with shades of green or pale blue seem to be good for musky or pike and can double when surf fishing. If ciscoes are your quarry, various blues often work well.
Another easy modification is to add a bit of colored tubing over the shank of the hook. Simply remove the treble hook from the lure and slide the tube over the hook shank. Then replace the hook back on the lure using a split ring.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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