Chuckers if I am going to start chuckin' spoons in southern Wisconsin/ Northern IL what color and sizes and makes do you recomend? I am intrested in the Sweeds and the Foxes.
Here is the color chart for the foxes;
Rattle Flash® Jig'n Spoons Holographic or hammered finish for flash, loud rattles for sound, and glow for sight – “no holds barred” fishing for trout, panfish and walleye.
I believe the 1/16 oz Rattle Flash is discontinued. You might find yours in a discontinued bin at a sports shop. I have a bunch of different colors but ususlly reach for a blue/silver or gold(brass)/orange combo. I would try a glow color under dark water or sky conditions.
The 1/16 oz model has been out of production for 3 years now, and word has it that the 1/8 oz model is also on its way out. On a brighter side, the Swedish Pimple and Kastmaster spoons are still readily available, and will do the job.
When I first started getting into this "Spoonin" thing, I wasn't aware the Blue Fox Rattlin' Spoons were no longer available and got a bunch at several discount lure suppliers that weren't with the rattles on them. After realizing they were no longer available, I got some rattles from Cabelas and Jann's Net Craft and epoxyed the rattles on the plain spoons just like the original Rattlin' Spoons had on them. It was really no big deal and they worked just as well. Just a thought! Bob
Thanks for the information on the spoons. When I started looking for the spoons I noticed that Northland makes a 1/16 rattling spoon, has anyone used them or are they also discontinued?
Attention spoon chuckers......My favorite spoon manufacturer (Bluefox) has now stopped production of the 1/8 oz model.....be sure to check your local tackle supplier for remaining shelf stock before they all evaporate!
Jim, if you are referring to the 1/16 oz buckshot rattle spoon, they are still available but are very pricey @ $5.89 per......the Swedish pimple 1/10 oz would be a good alternative, and half the price.
What would be some good basic colors for them swedes in 1/10 and 1/5 be? Read Musky Mod article in May 2011 INFISHERMAN as Tony theTiger would say,"THAT'S GREAT !!!!!" Jim Ducy
Jim, I like the crushed ice pattern, and the blue ice....however, the brass colored pattern is good during dark and overcast days.....there are still a few 1/8 oz Bluefox spoons available at overstockbait.com
These spoons have build in retrieve and trolling action to fill the demand for a lighter "Swedish Pimple." For casting, trolling or jigging with the same results as our original Swedish Pimples.
The Flute Spoon lure has a wiggling and wobbling action on retrieve or trolling and yet retains the falling back action of our jig. A deadly still fishing jig when baited with minnows or perch eyes for walleye, perch, crappies, bass, trout and northern.
It is available in highly polished or plated finished of solid nickel, gold (buffed brass) or white pearl colors. It is specially coated to retain a high luster and prevent tarnishing. A bonus flipper, single hook and front split ring is included.
#3 1 1/7 oz - 1 ½ in. #4 1 1/7 oz, - 1 ¾ in. #5 1 1/6 oz. - 1 in. #6 1 1/3 oz. - 2 ¼ in.
Mike, Don't know if the chart is from Jim or from Bay de Noc Co. but the #3 is 1", #4 is 1.5", #5 is 1.75", and #6 is 2". Had the opportunity to tour their facilities when fishing Little Bay de Noc open water night fishing with Steve Miljat and staying in Escanaba, Mich. What a wonderful group of people at that organization. I walked away with every color option of #3 Crushed Ice they had to offer and at a really good discount price just for walking in their door to visit them. Not saying the #4-6 won't work. But a guy only has so much money in his check book! The hot pink really works for me! Bob
TO ALL CHUCKERS GREETING! Swede Chart info: I call the plant in the UP. Forget the 1 in front of the fraction. It was Yupper Math. The copywriter though that 1/7 was 1 1/7.
GOOD NEWS we now have 2 new Swede Ice colors, Violet Ice and Magenta Ice! I found them on line at Jax Cat Tackle they offer free shipping on $50 order. Jim Ducy
Bill, the Blue Fox spoons provided the unique single hooks with WIDE hook eye. Not sure if they sell hooks like these any where else. I've looked locally and online, but can't seem to find these hooks that Blue Fox made. Would you provide insight to where they may sale these awesome hooks?
You'll likely need to order from an online store - if you like the Blue Fox type hooks, look for Siwash hooks from Mustad, VMC or Gamakatso. I use Mustad LARGE RING Sproat hooks M3366.
Mustad sproat hooks are the answer as mentioned. Packets of 50 to 100 in the sizes you're after will last a very long time. Most major sport fishing outlets can provide them. Bob
The Sproats are good hooks....Bay de Noc lure co. uses them on the classic Swedish Pimple.
Eagle Claw makes the 210 hook which is also a very good choice when changing out the treble hook......the 210 has an open eye that can slip onto the split ring, and can then be crimped closed.....much easier than this process...
But would it not be better with hooks with wide eye diameter, whether they are opened or closed eye at start, as they are placed into the split ring? The hooks I have, the diameter is so small that the eye get stuck in between the split ring's 2nd coil. I was so happy to see Blue Fox has the single hook that came with it. Can't wait to try those rattling boy out this weekends.
Eagle claw hooks size #4 to #8 border line madness in the finding. Extremely hard to find, and if you find them, even harder to get good deal for a nice quantity. BUT, found two sites that offer remaining supplies from Gamakatsu and VMC for a very exquisite deals:
David, that is some pricey stuff for the double hooks. You sure you want to use it? I always get the "accidental tangle" of the line. But, so far, the cheapest ones I found on the net is here:
I abandoned the hope of using these hooks from size 4 to 8 effectively. If they come out with something in the size 12 to 18, that would be cool. Perfect for all species hunting.
I am thinking about using spooning this summer and have ordered some 1/10 oz. to 1/8oz spoons and looking to replace the existing treble with a single hook. What I think would really work best is an Aberdeen or wire hook of a proper size and eyelet and be able to work it onto the existing split ring.
Then if I get hung up on tree limbs or rocks the hook will bend and release before the line breaks and I lose the hook and spoon.
David, I've cut off one of the trebles on a Kastmaster or similar spoon and pinched the two that remained to accomodate a BG mouth and continued fishing with better success .Bill Modica states with authority though that on a fast bite the single hook is the one for quick and safe release on Bgills.In a situation in the boat without pre setups my method works fine !
I use some light wire aberdeen hooks on my spoons. They have small eyes, but I found that they work fine. When you put the hook on the split ring, the eye is too small for the double thickness of the ring, so I leave the eye where there is only the single thickness. The double thickness stays in the spoon hole. Hook moves freely. Works well for me in submerged wood and rocks.
James -In 2009 I was using this type of spinner /Spoon set up but ran out of clevis' so I didnt use it in 2010 and 11.I used in mainly when the water was muddy from rains as I felt it added more vibration to the presentation as well as flash making it easier for fish to locate . The red float stopper prevents the spinner fron shooting up ahead of the spoon when casting .I used this with the Kastmasters ,Blue Fox and other spoons to good effect and caught Yellow and White Perch ,Bass, Trout Crappie, Bluegill and Pumpkinseeds with it . I used the Modica horizontal presentation from a boat.
James- Sorry for buttin in there ,hope I wasnt taken as being rude to either you or Bill Modica .Its just that I saw this and reacted right away without thinking how I might have come across.
John...... oh no... not at all at least for my point o'view... actually seeing your rig was what prompted me to ask the question.. I use spinners on my Lake Michigan salmon flys all the time as an inhancement.
Thinking it might slow the desent and add to the flash.. several of the lakes I fish are murky and in my opinion would add to the presentation...
John, as much as I enjoy Lake Michigan...NOTHING gets my heart pumping more then a day of bluegill fishing ! (wife excluded, wink) last year she boated a 22# Chinook samon, I AM lucky she enjoys fishing w/me. we both love ALL our time on the water, whether we are sailing (28' Pearson ) or fishing. I live on the banks of the big lake we enjoy sunrises and watching the moon come up out of the lake on those clear nights..
@ Leo - I get most of my general use tackle from ebay in bulk. Swivels, hooks and so on - that kind of stuff. My double hooks came in 100 piece lots, and I don't recall spending more than $7.50. In fact, I'm certain I would have NOT paid more.
"David, I've cut off one of the trebles on a Kastmaster or similar spoon and pinched the two that remained to accomodate a BG mouth and continued fishing with better success. Bill Modica states with authority though that on a fast bite the single hook is the one for quick and safe release on Bgills. In a situation in the boat without pre setups my method works fine !"
Thanks, John. I like to do my own thing, too, and try to keep tackle logistics as simple as possible. But I respect Musky's point of view and have recently ordered some 6 and 8 Sproats and small split rings.
I've cut trebles to good effect, too. But it is reported here and elsewhere that fish actually hook more readily on singles... yet are easier to remove at the same time. Okay, Bill Modica, I'm converted. Ill give it a whirl.
David, you are killing me. Like all of the ones that can't fish due to weathers or just biting conditions, your posts make me just want to jump in the lakes and do some spear fishing when they're refusing to bite. Gears are ready..got all the things recommended by the masters. Modifying the inflatable pontoon right now. Just finished with frame extension calculations to get the raw materials for fabrication..1 more week to do some shoreline fishing..2 more months before full blown spawning...ARRGGGG! You make me just want to hunt for gators instead. They bite regardless.
Patrick I love my plastics and I'm thinking them plastics with the large eyes will be fish killers. I think the eyes play a big part in catching fish and these plastics got it going. Thanks just what I need more plastics to go with my thousands but I don't think I can resist.
Jim Ducy
Chuckers if I am going to start chuckin' spoons in southern Wisconsin/ Northern IL what color and sizes and makes do you recomend? I am intrested in the Sweeds and the Foxes.
Here is the color chart for the foxes;
Holographic or hammered finish for flash, loud rattles for sound, and glow for sight – “no holds barred” fishing for trout, panfish and walleye.
Holographic Shad
Holographic Blue Shad
Holographic Rainbow Trout
Holographic Black Chartreuse
Hammered Chrome/Blue Neon Strip
Hammered Brass/Fluor. Neon Strip
Hammered Brass/Glow Orange
Hammered Chrome/Glow Blue
Glow Perch
Glow Firetiger
Nov 30, 2011
Badgerloader
I believe the 1/16 oz Rattle Flash is discontinued. You might find yours in a discontinued bin at a sports shop. I have a bunch of different colors but ususlly reach for a blue/silver or gold(brass)/orange combo. I would try a glow color under dark water or sky conditions.
Nov 30, 2011
Bill "Musky" Modica
The 1/16 oz model has been out of production for 3 years now, and word has it that the 1/8 oz model is also on its way out. On a brighter side, the Swedish Pimple and Kastmaster spoons are still readily available, and will do the job.
Nov 30, 2011
Bill "Musky" Modica
Jim, the 1/10 and 1/5 oz Swedes are good starters.
Nov 30, 2011
Bob Davis
When I first started getting into this "Spoonin" thing, I wasn't aware the Blue Fox Rattlin' Spoons were no longer available and got a bunch at several discount lure suppliers that weren't with the rattles on them. After realizing they were no longer available, I got some rattles from Cabelas and Jann's Net Craft and epoxyed the rattles on the plain spoons just like the original Rattlin' Spoons had on them. It was really no big deal and they worked just as well. Just a thought! Bob
Nov 30, 2011
Jim Ducy
Thanks for the information on the spoons. When I started looking for the spoons I noticed that Northland makes a 1/16 rattling spoon, has anyone used them or are they also discontinued?
Jim Ducy
Nov 30, 2011
Bill "Musky" Modica
Attention spoon chuckers......My favorite spoon manufacturer (Bluefox) has now stopped production of the 1/8 oz model.....be sure to check your local tackle supplier for remaining shelf stock before they all evaporate!
Dec 2, 2011
Bill "Musky" Modica
Jim, if you are referring to the 1/16 oz buckshot rattle spoon, they are still available but are very pricey @ $5.89 per......the Swedish pimple 1/10 oz would be a good alternative, and half the price.
Dec 2, 2011
Jim Ducy
Musky Mod or anyone in the area of S Wis or N ILL
What would be some good basic colors for them swedes in 1/10 and 1/5 be? Read Musky Mod article in May 2011 INFISHERMAN as Tony theTiger would say,"THAT'S GREAT !!!!!" Jim Ducy
Dec 6, 2011
Bill "Musky" Modica
Jim, I like the crushed ice pattern, and the blue ice....however, the brass colored pattern is good during dark and overcast days.....there are still a few 1/8 oz Bluefox spoons available at overstockbait.com
Dec 6, 2011
Jim Ducy
Musky Mod-Thanks for the information. When looking the color chart on the swede web site I came accross thiis, ever used them? Jim Ducy
Flute Spoon©
The Flute Spoon lure has a wiggling and wobbling action on retrieve or trolling and yet retains the falling back action of our jig. A deadly still fishing jig when baited with minnows or perch eyes for walleye, perch, crappies, bass, trout and northern.
It is available in highly polished or plated finished of solid nickel, gold (buffed brass) or white pearl colors. It is specially coated to retain a high luster and prevent tarnishing. A bonus flipper, single hook and front split ring is included.
#3 1 1/7 oz - 1 ½ in.
#4 1 1/7 oz, - 1 ¾ in.
#5 1 1/6 oz. - 1 in.
#6 1 1/3 oz. - 2 ¼ in.
Bay de Noc Lure Company
Manufacturers of Brass Fishing Lures since 1955
P.O. Box 71 Dept. INT
Gladstone, Michigan 49837
Dealer Inquiries Welcome!
Email: sales@baydenoclure.com
Swedish Pimple® | Vingla | Do-Jigger® | Flute Spoon | Laker Taker
Flutter Laker Taker | Tips & Techniques | Information / Catalog Request
Find A Dealer | Links
Dec 6, 2011
Bill "Musky" Modica
No Jim, I haven't....I am a bit confused with the weight and size chart......
Dec 7, 2011
Bob Davis
Mike, Don't know if the chart is from Jim or from Bay de Noc Co. but the #3 is 1", #4 is 1.5", #5 is 1.75", and #6 is 2". Had the opportunity to tour their facilities when fishing Little Bay de Noc open water night fishing with Steve Miljat and staying in Escanaba, Mich. What a wonderful group of people at that organization. I walked away with every color option of #3 Crushed Ice they had to offer and at a really good discount price just for walking in their door to visit them. Not saying the #4-6 won't work. But a guy only has so much money in his check book! The hot pink really works for me! Bob
Dec 7, 2011
Jim Ducy
TO ALL CHUCKERS GREETING! Swede Chart info: I call the plant in the UP. Forget the 1 in front of the fraction. It was Yupper Math. The copywriter though that 1/7 was 1 1/7.
GOOD NEWS we now have 2 new Swede Ice colors, Violet Ice and Magenta Ice! I found them on line at Jax Cat Tackle they offer free shipping on $50 order. Jim Ducy
Dec 8, 2011
Frank J Harvey
Would i have any luck bank fishing in a pond while using spoons this time of year? Thanks
Dec 14, 2011
Bill "Musky" Modica
Frank, most likely not......spoon fishing drops way off when surface temps drop below 50 deg.
Dec 24, 2011
Dwayne Denison
What is a good rod to use for spoons?
Jan 2, 2012
Bill "Musky" Modica
7-8' light to med light rods....coupled with large spool reels.
This combination allows for long smooth casts, and fast line pick-up.....essential when fishing deep water.
Jan 10, 2012
Leo Nguyen
Bill, the Blue Fox spoons provided the unique single hooks with WIDE hook eye. Not sure if they sell hooks like these any where else. I've looked locally and online, but can't seem to find these hooks that Blue Fox made. Would you provide insight to where they may sale these awesome hooks?
Jan 10, 2012
Badgerloader
You'll likely need to order from an online store - if you like the Blue Fox type hooks, look for Siwash hooks from Mustad, VMC or Gamakatso. I use Mustad LARGE RING Sproat hooks M3366.
Jan 10, 2012
Leo Nguyen
Thanks BL. Will check out.
Jan 10, 2012
Bob Davis
Mustad sproat hooks are the answer as mentioned. Packets of 50 to 100 in the sizes you're after will last a very long time. Most major sport fishing outlets can provide them. Bob
Jan 10, 2012
Bill "Musky" Modica
The Sproats are good hooks....Bay de Noc lure co. uses them on the classic Swedish Pimple.
Eagle Claw makes the 210 hook which is also a very good choice when changing out the treble hook......the 210 has an open eye that can slip onto the split ring, and can then be crimped closed.....much easier than this process...
Jan 10, 2012
Leo Nguyen
But would it not be better with hooks with wide eye diameter, whether they are opened or closed eye at start, as they are placed into the split ring? The hooks I have, the diameter is so small that the eye get stuck in between the split ring's 2nd coil. I was so happy to see Blue Fox has the single hook that came with it. Can't wait to try those rattling boy out this weekends.
Jan 10, 2012
Bill "Musky" Modica
The Sproats, Siwash, and 210's all have the enlarged eye, and move freely around the split ring.
Jan 10, 2012
Leo Nguyen
Awesome. Will order them in various sizes for the variety of species I'm targeting this spring..
Jan 10, 2012
Dwayne Denison
thanks for reply Bill
Jan 10, 2012
Leo Nguyen
Eagle claw hooks size #4 to #8 border line madness in the finding. Extremely hard to find, and if you find them, even harder to get good deal for a nice quantity. BUT, found two sites that offer remaining supplies from Gamakatsu and VMC for a very exquisite deals:
http://www.kitterytradingpost.com/product.php/pid/3/sid/26/tid/157/...
http://www.burnsfishingsupplies.com/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=520...
Stocking up on these while supply last..before I get them all *LOL*
Jan 10, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
So what 'bout double hooks? I use them in sizes 8 and ten, alot.
Jan 10, 2012
Leo Nguyen
David, that is some pricey stuff for the double hooks. You sure you want to use it? I always get the "accidental tangle" of the line. But, so far, the cheapest ones I found on the net is here:
Eagle Claw
http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/double-fish-hooks/820220.aspx
Mustad:
http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/double-fish-hooks/810225.aspx
I abandoned the hope of using these hooks from size 4 to 8 effectively. If they come out with something in the size 12 to 18, that would be cool. Perfect for all species hunting.
Jan 13, 2012
Dwayne Denison
Bill,What is the best length of spoon to use?
Jan 17, 2012
Joe Shallbetter
I am thinking about using spooning this summer and have ordered some 1/10 oz. to 1/8oz spoons and looking to replace the existing treble with a single hook. What I think would really work best is an Aberdeen or wire hook of a proper size and eyelet and be able to work it onto the existing split ring.
Then if I get hung up on tree limbs or rocks the hook will bend and release before the line breaks and I lose the hook and spoon.
Has anyone found such a hook????
Jan 17, 2012
John Sheehan
David, I've cut off one of the trebles on a Kastmaster or similar spoon and pinched the two that remained to accomodate a BG mouth and continued fishing with better success .Bill Modica states with authority though that on a fast bite the single hook is the one for quick and safe release on Bgills.In a situation in the boat without pre setups my method works fine !
Jan 17, 2012
dave schuyler
I use some light wire aberdeen hooks on my spoons. They have small eyes, but I found that they work fine. When you put the hook on the split ring, the eye is too small for the double thickness of the ring, so I leave the eye where there is only the single thickness. The double thickness stays in the spoon hole. Hook moves freely. Works well for me in submerged wood and rocks.
Jan 18, 2012
James Sullivan aka Jimmy/Sully
Bill not that I am trying to complicate a GREAT system.. just wondering if you have ever tried a spinner in front of the spoons?
Perhaps that would just complicate things ??
I am sooooo ready to get the boat out and start "Chuck'n"
Jan 18, 2012
John Sheehan
James -In 2009 I was using this type of spinner /Spoon set up but ran out of clevis' so I didnt use it in 2010 and 11.I used in mainly when the water was muddy from rains as I felt it added more vibration to the presentation as well as flash making it easier for fish to locate . The red float stopper prevents the spinner fron shooting up ahead of the spoon when casting .I used this with the Kastmasters ,Blue Fox and other spoons to good effect and caught Yellow and White Perch ,Bass, Trout Crappie, Bluegill and Pumpkinseeds with it . I used the Modica horizontal presentation from a boat.
Jan 18, 2012
John Sheehan
James- Sorry for buttin in there ,hope I wasnt taken as being rude to either you or Bill Modica .Its just that I saw this and reacted right away without thinking how I might have come across.
Jan 18, 2012
James Sullivan aka Jimmy/Sully
John...... oh no... not at all at least for my point o'view... actually seeing your rig was what prompted me to ask the question.. I use spinners on my Lake Michigan salmon flys all the time as an inhancement.
Thinking it might slow the desent and add to the flash.. several of the lakes I fish are murky and in my opinion would add to the presentation...
Jan 19, 2012
John Sheehan
Boy would I like to fish Lake Michagan!!I've enjoyed good Lake Trout fishing before on Lake Ontario !
Glad we are thinking alike on the spinner /spoon combo for murky water!
Jan 19, 2012
James Sullivan aka Jimmy/Sully
John, as much as I enjoy Lake Michigan...NOTHING gets my heart pumping more then a day of bluegill fishing ! (wife excluded, wink) last year she boated a 22# Chinook samon, I AM lucky she enjoys fishing w/me. we both love ALL our time on the water, whether we are sailing (28' Pearson ) or fishing. I live on the banks of the big lake we enjoy sunrises and watching the moon come up out of the lake on those clear nights..
Jan 20, 2012
John Sheehan
Sounds great!! James .Let me know how the spinner/spoon works on your favorites The Bluegills!!Pumpkinseeds take them too!
Jan 20, 2012
joe savage
From the fishsiffer
I used the spooning methard last summer for the first time
I not only caugth bluegills but also yellow perch/sm/lm bass
lake trout/walleye/rock bass/blue cat fish. Cat fish was 5lb.
When they say spoons do not discriminate on fish I beleive it
Jan 27, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
@ Leo - I get most of my general use tackle from ebay in bulk. Swivels, hooks and so on - that kind of stuff. My double hooks came in 100 piece lots, and I don't recall spending more than $7.50. In fact, I'm certain I would have NOT paid more.
Jan 27, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
@ John - you said:
"David, I've cut off one of the trebles on a Kastmaster or similar spoon and pinched the two that remained to accomodate a BG mouth and continued fishing with better success. Bill Modica states with authority though that on a fast bite the single hook is the one for quick and safe release on Bgills. In a situation in the boat without pre setups my method works fine !"
Thanks, John. I like to do my own thing, too, and try to keep tackle logistics as simple as possible. But I respect Musky's point of view and have recently ordered some 6 and 8 Sproats and small split rings.
I've cut trebles to good effect, too. But it is reported here and elsewhere that fish actually hook more readily on singles... yet are easier to remove at the same time. Okay, Bill Modica, I'm converted. Ill give it a whirl.
Jan 27, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
@ John - I like the spinner lead above the spoon, a la walleye fishing. Im gonna have to try that. Gotta get me some clevises....
Jan 27, 2012
Leo Nguyen
Jan 27, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
Glad to be of assistance, Leo.
Jan 27, 2012
Patrick "Bullworm" Olson
Found a little something for you guys!
Micro Spoons
Feb 6, 2012
dick tabbert
Patrick I love my plastics and I'm thinking them plastics with the large eyes will be fish killers. I think the eyes play a big part in catching fish and these plastics got it going. Thanks just what I need more plastics to go with my thousands but I don't think I can resist.
Feb 6, 2012
John Sheehan
Gonna try these MT Nymphs on Gill spoons this year .We'll see how it goes. http://www.mistertwister.com/information/nymph/592#description
Feb 7, 2012