Using a small spoon for Blue Gills

[Phil Fors]

I had a chance to get out to ice fish yesterday and I was catching small Blue Gills until I switched to a Prism Chartreuse Swedish Pimple.   While the largest was only 9 inches and others on the spoon were all over 8 inches it was a vast improvement from the 7 1/2 inch and under earlier.   I missed a chance to see a program that Bill Modica did last year but I have read all that I can on his methods.  I am now a convert and look forward to getting out for the big ones.  I hope to get on Delavan this year and catch a few.

Phil

[dick tabbert]

Bill is our spoon guru on this site. If you do go on you tube he does have quit a few fishing videos all on them worth seeing.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

One of the best artificials I've used for gills is a Johnson Silver Minnow in the micro size.
I've started tying a spoon fly version for this season

[felix mccalman]

David:

  How do you fish the small silver minnow, steady retrieve or do you allow it to flutter down?

[carl hendrix]

FELIX;; WHEN I USE SPOONS ; ( IVE MADE SEVERAL OUT OF VERY SMALL WILLOW LEAF SPINNER BLADES ) ;;  I WILL TIP THEM WITH A PIECE OF NITE CRAWLER;;   CAST THEM AS FAR AS POSSIBLE;; AND ON THE RETREIVE; LET IT DO A DYING FLUTTER DOWN; THEN RIP IT BACK UP ;; TO LET IT DIE AGAIN;;   IT WORKS GREAT !  ONE OF THE BEST TIMES I KNOW OF TO USE THE SPOON; IS A VERY CLOUDY DAY.. 

[carl hendrix]

Phil;; check Bill;s spoon fishing on you tube;;  he has several there... I made a few spoons; out of willow leaf blades last year;; worked terrific;; very small and light weight

[Jeff Soto]

You still cannot beat a Dardevle "Skeeter" spoon.  It's the smallest one that Eppinger makes.  Comes in two gauges, but the same tiny size with a double hook.  Comes in many colors, too many to decide on!  I love this spoon.  Fish SLAM it when used on very light line and on a slow steady retrieve.  Don't use a swivel, just a loose loop knot.

[Phil Fors]

Thanks for the replies,  Looks like I am going to have to visit Bass Pro,Gander Mountain and Cabelas to find some more small spoons. I have watched some of Bill's videos and that is where I got started.  It just took me a while to try the method out.  I am going to work on it this year tho.

Phil