Any advice on using spoons for crappies or sunfish?

  • mrpike1973
    Posts: 1495
    #2081519

    Been using Clam 1/32 flutter spoons and Northland 1/32 forage minnow spoons. Tipped with Euralarvae. When it gets slow the spoons seem to bring them in but nothing commits so I go back to regular lures any tips? better to just stay with jigs not having much luck with them or the very tiny Tikka minnows either.

    monticatgeek
    Monticello, MN
    Posts: 198
    #2081526

    I recommend trying the smallest size pinhead minnow or jointed pinhead minnow. this is what I have had my best luck with this year so far.

    mojo
    Posts: 713
    #2081533

    Sometimes when fish are not actively feeding, it’s tough to convince them to bite. Spoons might be too aggressive for these fish.

    One tactic is to get less aggressive – more moderate action baits, smaller size baits, and a less aggressive presentation.

    I mentioned in another thread that the Acme Tungsten Pendu Jig (AKA Sling Blade) in the smaller 2 or 3 gram sizes has caught me fish when fish were approaching but wouldn’t bite. The VMC Tungsten Mongo jig with a Clam Silkie tipped with a spike or the VMC Tungsten Fly jig with a spike are pretty good at coaxing bites from less aggressive fish also.

    You may find that early morning and late afternoon is a better time than mid day to try catching these same fish.

    mahtofire14
    Mahtomedi, MN
    Posts: 11024
    #2081534

    I will say it again. The Pinhead Mino has out fished any lure I’ve used in the last 5 years for big crappies and gills. I don’t know why, but it does. 1/16 oz is the one you want. Got me my first 10 inch full last season right here in the metro.

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    #2081553

    Make sure you are using a swivel 12-18″ above the spoon. When you are working a spoon very slow and subtle, or when pausing to wait for the bite, the spoon will have a tendency to spin. When fish, especially big fussy bluegills are inspecting the bait up close, if its spinning in place down there, they are far less likely to commit.

    KwickStick
    At the intersection of Pools 6 & 7
    Posts: 595
    #2081558

    I will say it again. The Pinhead Mino has out fished any lure I’ve used in the last 5 years for big crappies and gills. I don’t know why, but it does. 1/16 oz is the one you want. Got me my first 10 inch full last season right here in the metro.

    Mahto, does the jointed version of the Pinhead Minnow works as well as the non-jointed?

    John Rasmussen
    Blaine
    Posts: 6284
    #2081566

    I use the smallest spoon made, I like the forage minnow tipped with a minnow head and it catches lots of crappies. I find most times I will not go to the bottom as those are smaller and not biting fish. Keep the bait in the upper 5-10 ft and wait they will usually show up.

    Huntindave
    Shell Rock Iowa
    Posts: 3082
    #2081605

    Just a few of the spoons in one of my boxes. When the bite slows, time to change up size, color, or body shape.

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    Bearcat89
    North branch, mn
    Posts: 20033
    #2081629

    I still like the frostee spoons for panfish. Tippedwith waxies spikes or minnow head. Depending. They also work great with a lipped hook minnow still kicking alot.

    Bearcat89
    North branch, mn
    Posts: 20033
    #2081631

    I will say it again. The Pinhead Mino has out fished any lure I’ve used in the last 5 years for big crappies and gills. I don’t know why, but it does. 1/16 oz is the one you want. Got me my first 10 inch full last season right here in the metro.

    I’m going to give in and grab a few of these for this winter.

    slipperybob
    Lil'Can, MN
    Posts: 1404
    #2081809

    Sometimes the fish just want something a little different. That’s why I carry a variety even though they have similar profiles. My go to has always been Northland Forage Minnow spoon and ACME Kastmaster spoon. If I think they want a more slim profile, the Swedish Pimple gets chosen or Gapen Flicker spoon. Sometimes I need a little bit more action then Northland Doodlebug spoon or Lindy Rattl’n Flyer spoon. Sometimes I need more fluttering, so Daredelve spoon or ACME Kamlooper spoon. Minnow shaped spoons like ACME Phoebe or Northland Moxie Minnow spoon.

    Still can’t disregard the simple spinning blade, colorado or willow plus a hook and maybe a weight. Attached directly to a split ring and swivel or onto a clevis. Even when a make shift duo lock clip will work.

    usmarine0352
    Posts: 440
    #2081810

    Sometimes when fish are not actively feeding, it’s tough to convince them to bite. Spoons might be too aggressive for these fish.

    One tactic is to get less aggressive – more moderate action baits, smaller size baits, and a less aggressive presentation.

    I mentioned in another thread that the Acme Tungsten Pendu Jig (AKA Sling Blade) in the smaller 2 or 3 gram sizes has caught me fish when fish were approaching but wouldn’t bite. The VMC Tungsten Mongo jig with a Clam Silkie tipped with a spike or the VMC Tungsten Fly jig with a spike are pretty good at coaxing bites from less aggressive fish also.

    You may find that early morning and late afternoon is a better time than mid day to try catching these same fish.

    I’m gonna try some of these.

    usmarine0352
    Posts: 440
    #2081812

    I will say it again. The Pinhead Mino has out fished any lure I’ve used in the last 5 years for big crappies and gills. I don’t know why, but it does. 1/16 oz is the one you want. Got me my first 10 inch full last season right here in the metro.

    Just bought some Pinhead and Jointed Pinhead Mino’s because of your post.

    Have you tried the jointed ones yet?

    usmarine0352
    Posts: 440
    #2081813

    I use the smallest spoon made, I like the forage minnow tipped with a minnow head and it catches lots of crappies. I find most times I will not go to the bottom as those are smaller and not biting fish. Keep the bait in the upper 5-10 ft and wait they will usually show up.

    Single or Treble Forage Minnow?

    mahtofire14
    Mahtomedi, MN
    Posts: 11024
    #2081816

    I’m going to give in and grab a few of these for this winter.

    I’ve had many people who aren’t the biggest Clam fans pick these up and can’t put them down. “Taking off my Clam hat” Full honesty, I really think these lures crush.

    As for the jointed ones, I have a bunch, but the regular pinheads have worked so well, I haven’t taken them off. I even bought a bunch of the new 1/16 oz Tikka minnows this year because the tiny jiggin raps used to be my go to for big crappies, but to be honest the pinhead out fishes them.

    robby
    Quad Cities
    Posts: 2821
    #2081831

    Make sure you are using a swivel 12-18″ above the spoon. When you are working a spoon very slow and subtle, or when pausing to wait for the bite, the spoon will have a tendency to spin. When fish, especially big fussy bluegills are inspecting the bait up close, if its spinning in place down there, they are far less likely to commit.

    I completely agree, and this does not depend on what bait you are using. Aggressive fish may hit a spinning lure some, but not spinning is better. A reason I really like the In-line reels. I am not saying that you cannot get spin with these reels, but it is minimized. Changing line occasionally and using swivels with the appropriate baits will help to minimize line twist as afore mentioned also. Be safe folks and good luck!

    tim hurley
    Posts: 5803
    #2081872

    Nice that Monti has his Clam shirt on when he recommends the Pinhead. Spoons are great because they tend to not spin as much as jigs, when rested. No brand of in line reel will promise less spinning because it does not work. The right angle from the line to jig creates the twist that releases as a spin regardless of the reel design, if you watch, a swivel does not help much either (you think it would right?) the swivel makes a nice connection from main line to leader though.
    Spoons can also create a right angle but that narrow nose of the PH where it connects the the line would reduce this I think, May have to buy one!

    chuck100
    Platteville,Wi.
    Posts: 2609
    #2081879

    mahtofire your gonna cost me more money making statements like that.I ended up with more silkies than most tackle stores have on hand.I hope they work.
    Huntindave i see you got some classics there,rembrandts and rockers.I don’t see to many using the rembrandts or purists anymore.They still work though.

    mahtofire14
    Mahtomedi, MN
    Posts: 11024
    #2081893

    mahtofire your gonna cost me more money making statements like that.I ended up with more silkies than most tackle stores have on hand.I hope they work.
    Huntindave i see you got some classics there,rembrandts and rockers.I don’t see to many using the rembrandts or purists anymore.They still work though.

    Those silkies aren’t impossible to find because they don’t work….. mrgreen I bought a bunch from the local Fleet Farm the other day. They’ve been so understaffed they’re still getting all their ice gear out. Had a whole rack of silkies to choose from. Like hitting the loto!

    John Rasmussen
    Blaine
    Posts: 6284
    #2082002

    <div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>John Rasmussen wrote:</div>
    I use the smallest spoon made, I like the forage minnow tipped with a minnow head and it catches lots of crappies. I find most times I will not go to the bottom as those are smaller and not biting fish. Keep the bait in the upper 5-10 ft and wait they will usually show up.

    Single or Treble Forage Minnow?

    Treble, I have not seen them in a single

    Loren I Duerr
    Posts: 114
    #2082584

    I have been doing very good on the PK tungsten spoons. Gets down fast has flash blade and a slight bend. also most glow. They are the smallest spoon I have found.

    suzuki
    Woodbury, Mn
    Posts: 18537
    #2082603

    I’m still only using tungsten ice flies. I will look into the pinhead though.

    Don Meier
    Butternut Wisconsin
    Posts: 1647
    #2082614

    I will say it again. The Pinhead Mino has out fished any lure I’ve used in the last 5 years for big crappies and gills. I don’t know why, but it does. 1/16 oz is the one you want. Got me my first 10 inch full last season right here in the metro.

    What size hook are you running on the 1/16 ounce ? Just ordered from Eight my Bait , why do i have so much tackle LOL

    Don Meier
    Butternut Wisconsin
    Posts: 1647
    #2082617

    Just picked up some off these.

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    Don Meier
    Butternut Wisconsin
    Posts: 1647
    #2082619

    I can,t help myself lol

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    Lundeyes1
    Posts: 6
    #2082720

    Been using Clam 1/32 flutter spoons and Northland 1/32 forage minnow spoons. Tipped with Euralarvae. When it gets slow the spoons seem to bring them in but nothing commits so I go back to regular lures any tips? better to just stay with jigs not having much luck with them or the very tiny Tikka minnows either.

    Lundeyes1
    Posts: 6
    #2082721

    Don’t forget to try small jigging raps. Sometimes a different action will get them revved up or set a dead stick and watch them come in for the aggressive baits and then hit the the plain hook and bait.

    mrpike1973
    Posts: 1495
    #2082755

    Bought 3 Pin Minnows was pretty impressed way better than the flutter spoons I think the blade is the trick.

    tim hurley
    Posts: 5803
    #2082760

    Small jig raps can be ‘lights out” they tend to destroy them or ignore them. Try them at prime time.

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