Fishing With Spoons: Everything You Need To Know For Fall and Winter

Spoons are one of the most universal lures in fishing but are often overlooked. Today we're taking an in-depth look at jigging spoons. We start with a look inside Matt's spoon box to see exactly what he's using, then we cover how to modify them, the retrieves, and how to use your electronics for this fishing style. Come along as we explore the world of spooning. 

In the Fall and Winter the vast majority of big bass school in deeper water. Many lures can't reach these depths effectively. Amongst those that can, the spoon is the easiest to fish and arguably the most consistent producer. Once you know how to adapt the baits and retrieves to changing conditions, you'll be able to consistently spoon for bass throughout the cold water months. Don't miss the details on how Matt modifies these spoons, including how he's bending them to create different actions. 

Matt only uses a few baits for this technique but he uses a variety of colors and sizes for different situations. He also modifies his spoons with different hooks, swivels, and bends. Below you'll find links to all the different gear discussed in the video. In addition to the baits Matt has included his favorite spooning rod and reel combos along with the budget combo he has caught so many fish on. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Small Profile Spoons... 

-War Eagle Jiggin' Spoon (both sizes): https://bit.ly/2H9dJV1

Colors: Blue Herring, Nickel, Purple Shad

-Acme Tackle Kastmaster (1/4, 3/8, 1/2): http://bit.ly/2PtUwi3

Colors: Chrome, Chrome Neon Blue

Panfish Shaped Spoon... 

-Duh Spoon 1.25 oz: http://bit.ly/2zXfwGa

Colors: Black Shad, UV Black Crappie, UV Bluegill

Matt's Primary Spoons... 

-Duh Spoon 3/4 and 1 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn, UV Fried Chicken

-Duh Spoon 2 oz: https://bit.ly/2TdgJ52

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn, UV Fried Chicken

Matt’s Spoon Box…

Box- Plano Edge 3700 STD Box: http://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

Swivels- Spro Power (Size 2, 4): http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

1X Hooks- Owner ST-36 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

3X Hooks- Owner ST-56 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Feather- Owner Feather Trebles: http://bit.ly/2m7XrAx

Treble Sizes... 

Size 6: Small Profile Spoons

Size 4: 3/4 Duh

Size 2: 1.25 oz Duh, 1 3/4 oz Duh

Size 1: 2 oz Duh

Matt's Small Spoon Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt's Zodias Spoon Combo...

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

**Available For Pre-Order**

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Spoon Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Fury 704 (7' Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Related Videos... 

Tim's Flutter Spoon Video: https://youtu.be/OH46tQAT634

How To Catch More Bass With Spoons: https://youtu.be/ldW7yW4Fum8

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Catching GIANT Striped Bass in a NEW Lake!

Come along as Matt and Tim chase big striper! They're exploring new water in search of these big predatory fish and it doesn't take long to find them! The guys start out with swimbaits and A-rigs but quickly realize the fish have gone deep. A quick switch to a spoon is all it takes to get the big ones biting!

The key tonight was finding lures that could be fished effectively in deep water. Tim put time into the A-Rig (A proven producer for big striped bass) but the combination of deep water (30-45 feet) and strong current was too much for the rig. A heavy spoon (1 3/4 oz) in bold colors proved to be the best option. Even in the current we were able to hop the spoons as we back drifted. We had a very short bite window before the river currents slowed but we connected with two beautiful Striper before it was over. 

We've done quite a few videos on spoon for bass and striper in the past. Matt typically leans toward a jigging spoon while Tim prefers a flutter spoon. Both styles are a must-have in an angler's arsenal and worth learning how to fish effectively. If you've missed our previous videos on the subject you can see them here... 

-Fall Spoon Fishing: https://youtu.be/ldW7yW4Fum8

-Flutter Spoons: https://youtu.be/OH46tQAT634

-Jigging Spoons: https://youtu.be/sCBKJaOj3ss

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment the guys were using this evening. We've even included a link to the NET they SHOULD HAVE brought with them to land these big fish with ease. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

The spoons... 

Bait- Blade Runner 1 3/4 oz DUH Spoon: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Colors: UV Fried Chicken, UV Citrus

Hook- Owner ST-56 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Swivel- Sampo Welded Ring Black Size 4: https://bit.ly/3kflHd2

The A-Rig... 

Rig- G Funk Baits Cali Rig: http://bit.ly/2nD76fw

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/8 and 1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Dummy Baits- Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

The Net... 

Frabill Knotless Conservation Net 9522: https://bit.ly/33vYRaq

Matt's Spoon Combo... 

Rod- Poison Adrena 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3diigiT

Reel- Shimano Metanium  MGL 150 B HG: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Alternative Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon**: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

** Note: If this was a dedicated spoon rod Matt said he would remove the braid/leader and fish this rig with 20 lb Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon. He feels the Fluoro is a better option for deep spooning around finicky fish but the braid is a better line for fishing a variety of baits with this rod.

"Bang For The Buck" Spoon Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Spoon Combo...

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Daiwa CA 80 High Speed: https://bit.ly/3hprTgv

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Flutter Spoon Tricks You Need To Try This Fall! (Everything You Need To Know)

A flutter spoon is an incredible tool during the Fall transition. As bass ambush baitfish, the true potential of the spoon begins to shine. Its slow, tantalizing fall mimics a wounded baitfish better than any other bait. When smaller fish are busting baitfish near the surface, the giant bass you're searching for are down below waiting to gobble up a flutter spoon. 

Technique is key with the flutter spoon. There is a reason some anglers swear by these spoons and others curse them. Pay close attention to how Tim pumps the rod and works the bait. Every detail matters when presenting these big spoons. As you go up in size, technique will matter more and more. Stinger hooks also become critical. 

Tim shows his method for adding a sliding stinger to the nose of the spoon toward the beginning of the video. Stingers increase you hookup ratio dramatically and when you use a sliding setup your hookup to land ratio will sky rocket. As an added bonus, you can hook multiple fish at once with this modification as well. 

Below are a breakdown of the baits and equipment Tim discussed in the video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've included our favorite gear as well as some lower cost options for the budget-minded angler. 

Matt's Mapping Video: https://youtu.be/aMUZUY2KWpw

Spoons... 

Lake Fork Flutter Spoon: http://bit.ly/2kMPIrG

Nichols Lake Fork Flutter Spoon: http://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Ben Parker Magnum Flutter Spoon: http://bit.ly/2ImXDlW

Strike King Sexy Spoon: http://bit.ly/2uYUjsC

River2Sea WorldWide Spoon: https://bit.ly/3if0grP

Favorite Colors... Bar Fish, Magic Shad, Blueback HD, Purple Threadfin, Blueback Herring

Hook Upgrades... 

Ultra Sharp- Owner ST-36 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Extra Strong- Owner ST-56 3X Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Feathers- Owner ST-36 Feathered Treble: http://bit.ly/2m7XrAx

Stinger Rigging... 

Stopper- Peg X Bobber Stoppers: https://bit.ly/32aJG6J

Swivel- Spro Power Swivel Size 4 or 6: http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

Split Ring- Owner Hyperwire Size 4: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hook- Owner ST-36 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Stinger Hook and Split Ring sizes for different size spoons... 

4" Spoon- Split Ring- Size 4, Hook- Size 2

6" Spoon- Split Ring Size 5, Hook- Size 1

8" Spoon- Split Ring Size 6 or 7, Hook- Size 1/0 or 2/0

Crankbait Rods That Double As Spoon Rods... 

Shimano- Zodias 7'6" Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Dobyns- Champion XP 805 CB: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

G Loomis- IMX Pro 906 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Best "Bang For the Buck" All-Around/Spoon Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'6" MH: http://bit.ly/2czPlZl

Reel- Shimano Curado DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Spoon Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Power Pro Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

We caught them deep! Swimbait and Spoon Tips For Fall Bass

Big bass love deep water, don’t be afraid to catch them! In late Fall bass congregate offshore, forming schools that are much larger than anything found in the shallows. Most anglers ignore these fish because they’re not used to fishing deeper structure with electronics, or don’t have confidence targeting suspended fish. Come along with Matt and CC to find out just how easy it is to catch quality bass in deep, open water. 

At the start of the day Matt and CC planned to locate feeding fish around offshore schools of baitfish. Upon arriving at the lake they were greeted by heavy winds and cold air temperatures. While this required some adaptation, they stuck to their plan and successfully located schooling bass. This style of fishing is a commitment and often requires time spent on your electronics searching for fish. Matt used his Humminbird Solix units to scan flats and located an old house foundation in the process. While it didn’t produce today, a few waypoints were dropped around the foundation’s perimeter for future trips. This goes to show once again that time spent on your electronics is never wasted time. 

After a few stops the bass were located around baitfish in 35-40 feet of water. Matt and CC made short work of them using a jigging spoon, finesse swimbait, and a tail spin. This 3-part approach allowed them to cover water by fan casting but also provided an option for dropping down in an instant on fish that appeared below the boat. The key to schooling fish is speed. Once the bass are fired up you must get the bait to them as quickly as possible or the school will calm down and the feeding frenzy will end. The combination of spooning for a quick reaction and casting to relocate the school as it moved around the area was a deadly combination. 

Below is a breakdown of the gear and equipment that was used in today’s video. 

The baits… 

-TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

(Blue Shad, Tennessee Shad)

-ZXone Lures 4” Swammer Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

(309, Bream, Tennessee Shad)

-Keitech 4.3” Fat Swing Impact Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

(Electric Shad, Ghost Rainbow)

-Damiki Axe Blade 1 oz Underspin: http://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

(Holo Real Shad, Black Holo)

-Blade Runner 1 3/4 oz Spoon: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

(Morning Dawn UV, UV Fried Chicken)

Matt’s Spoon Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’2” MH: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Daiwa Tatula CT 7:1 Reel: http://bit.ly/2zT6tDZ

Line- 20 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

CC’s Swimbait Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 6’10” MH: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- 20 lb Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Spooning Combo… 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7’ MH: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX HG Casting: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- 20 lb Seaguar Red Label: http://bit.ly/2LOVEwA