A wide variety of metallic concoctions have metamorphosed out of the original basic rig-jig format, broadening the scope of heavy-metal walleye lures. Some incorporate livebait or plastic tippers-trailers, while others are best fished unfettered by clutter or bait. Most, by their heavyweight nature, excel in deep cold-water jigging conditions. Others are year ‘round winners in inches of water to the depths.
Jigging Spoons—Unlike traditional wide wobbling spoons like Dardevles, which are designed for shallow swimming retrieves, most jigging spoons are narrow, thick, and heavy, designed primarily to sink quickly and be vertically jigged in deep water. A thin, wide spoon for vertical jigging will sink slowly, wobble dramatically, swing wide to the side as it descends, and offer much more water resistance. Traditional spoons are difficult to fish deep, as the slightest drift or current makes them begin to plane behind the boat and rise off the bottom.
Open-water jigging spoons for walleyes usually weigh between 1/2 and 1 ounce, with 3/4 ounce a popular choice. Lead bodies predominate, though slower-falling tin (Hildebrandt Bun-G-Blade) and zinc models are available. Silver, gold, and fluorescent are the most popular colors, though a wealth of shades and realistic finishes (Luhr-Jensen Crippled Minnow) are available. Adding colorful Witchcraft reflective tape also enhances attraction.
Drop speed and action, two of the most important characteristics of jigging spoons, are primarily determined by shape and weight. Flatter, wider spoons like the Hopkins, Bass Pro Shops Strata Spoon, Cordell C C Spoon, Acme Kastmaster, and Bullet Spoon (zinc, for a comparatively slower drop speed) provide the most wobble and descend the slowest. Narrower lures with a distinct bend, like the Bay de Noc Swedish Pimple, sink a bit quicker, vibrating more than wobbling. Bomber’s Slab Spoon and Bait Rigs’ Deep Willospoon are nearly oval in shape, but quite heavy, combining a quick drop with a flutter. Slender minnow-shaped spoons like the Luhr-Jensen Crippled Herring, Horizon Pirk Minnow, and Bull Dog Feather Jigging Spoon tend to drop quickly with less side-to-side action. Match these aspects to the aggressiveness of the fish—faster and prominent for active fish, slower and subtle for inactive fish.
Drop a spoon to the bottom, then engage the reel, taking up slack until the line is tight with the spoon touching the bottom. Beginning with your rod tip pointed down at an angle (about 8 o’clock) toward the water, lift your forearm slightly while modestly snapping your wrist upward to about 11 o’clock. The combination flexes the rod tip and pops it upward about 18 to 24 inches, transmitting a bit less lift to the spoon, due to line stretch. The lure scoots upward with little vibration, eventually coming to a momentary rest at the top of the arc.
As the lure begins to descend, follow it down with the rod tip. Maintain slight tension to feel strikes. You’ll simultaneously feel the wobble and vibration of the spoon as it flutters to the bottom. It’ll either hit bottom or be stopped by a fish. Any doubt, set the hook.
While the hook rattling against a spoon’s body and the natural throb of displaced water create sound, recent success with additional sound suggests new modifications in the near future. Bass ‘N Bait’s Rattle Snakie features enclosed rattles. Alron’s Fergie Special—a flat spoon with a rattling bead-and-brass combo on a wire leader at the head—produced phenomenal deep-water reservoir catches in the plains states last season.
