HATS OFF TO BILL MODICA...SPOON GURU!

[Jim Gronaw]

Hey y'all, I don't know how many have seen it yet, but the latest In Fisherman magazine ( May 2011) has an outstanding feature article by our own Bill Modica on the pleasures and pursuits of using spoons for big gills! This is exciting stuff, as bill has long been advocating the use of these techniques on this site. Detailed rigs and tactics are again focused, as are many of his tutorial videos found on this site.

Like many of you, I was somewhat skeptical when I first read and heard about Bill's spoonin' gig. But after several solid efforts, it payed of with numbers and big fish to boot! I have caught several bluegills and hybrids over 11 inches using his techniques and would encourage all to read this excellent piece.

A big congrats, Bill! Great work!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

@ Bill

Just to add, the doubles leave lots of room for the hooks to swing on the split ring. tThat shouldnt be a problem. I dont know if youve ever used double hooks, but I'm rapidly becoming a convert to them.

As I Iook at themon the spoon, though, I wonder more how they will balance more than anything. I should finish the repairs to my truck tomorrow - and hope to go find out!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

@ Bill

AS you've probably guesed, wasnt able to get ahold of any 210's. I'll keep up the search and in the meantime do the double hook thing. Perhaps I can try em both and compare.

[Bill "Musky" Modica]

Hook modification is the most important part of this technique.....hooks must have a large enough eye to swing freely when attached to the split ring. Eagle claw 210's are the easiest to apply. The double hooks may diminish the effectiveness of this application.....keep in mind that spooning is most effective when surface temps are above 47 deg.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I got the magazine today. Good article.

I'm going to deviate a little from your method, though. Since I have a bagful of #8 double hooks I'll be using those. Somehow Ill work out the tipping angle. I liked the triple 'layering' perspective of the fish trough the years cycle. And I love spoons - the easiest lure to use!

Thanks, Muskie.

[chris naff]

Hail the MAN, "Musky" Modica!!!! The question on my lips these last several years has been"Where are the shellys and sunnies after the spring-early summer period?"Bill's article answers this question in spades!Yes I've seen bulls chasing bait across the lake in summer,but this man has shown us how to find the BIG ONES.Thank You,SIR!!

[chris naff]

Hot Dog! I've got that issue in the car and will check it out on my ferry ride today. That's one awesome 'cracker in the photo up top--big enough to eat a Hopkins Shorty 75.I've got a selection of little spoons I'm hopin' are good enough for such work.Watching the salt chuck and waiting for Saturday when I can hit the river.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Congrats again, Bill.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Very Good, sir! And you are humble too. Awesome! I hope you got paid for it -

 

@ Joe Hinton - Im pretty sure you'll have to buy the magazine to get a current feature article... I looked for it on-line, too, and didnt see it. I almost bought it myself the other day - until my wife piled a bunch of other non-essential crap in our cart, like food. One look at the at that stuff and I felt pinched, so I put the magazine back!

Next time .....

[Joe Hinton]

Big Ups there Bill,

Is there a link where one can read that article ? Is trying to find the mag the only way to read the content?

[Glen Wagley]

Congrats Bill! I am one of many here who found this website from  your excellent youtube videos. I caught my biggest bluegills (and bass!) this past year on spoons using your technique. Way to go!