RED SPRING USHERS IN

pring is one of my favorite seasons for fishing. Fish are warming up and feeding aggressively, especially redfish. Redfish eagerly consume an array of baits this time of year, but there is one artificial that sets itself apart from the others. Have you guessed it?

If you said, “gold spoon,” you were correct. When you look at the spoon it seems unimpressive, to be honest. However, that is the beauty of it all; we, as anglers, overcomplicate fishing. Sometimes all you need is an awkward piece of gold metal to shake the skunk.

WHAT MAKES THE GOLD SPOON UNIQUE?

It combines profile, color and vibration, which play on the three significant senses most game fish use when feeding. The shape might resemble a crab, a small fish or a wounded shrimp, and the unique wobble lets fish know it’s an easy target. Gold spoons are great for beginners and avid anglers alike, they can be rigged weedless, and they are easy to cast. One of my go-to spoons for redfish is the FishLab Bio-Spoon.

Rigging A Spoon

Rigging is simple; attach a 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon or monofilament leader directly to the spoon. I attach a snap swivel directly to the spoon to prevent line twists. A 1/4-ounce spoon is usually an excellent choice, especially when the bait is smaller. Remember to match the hatch in terms of size. Pair the spoon with a 7 or 7 1/2-foot medium fast spinning rod

By Capt. Joshua Taylor

and 15-pound braid. My preferred setup is the Okuma ITX 4000 paired with an Okuma SRT spinning rod.

How To Fish A Spoon

Spoons can produce fish in various conditions, but there are situations when it shines. Along weed lines, mangroves or similar structures should be your first targets, as this is where redfish congregate. Remember, reds travel in groups, so work an area thoroughly for consistent action. Repeated casts to the exact location or the same retrieval path will often produce multiple fish.

Gold spoons are best suited for stained or dark water. In cleaner water, the same techniques can be used with a silver spoon. The shape of the spoon and hook guard combine to allow the lure to bounce off obstructions like weeds, mangroves, oyster beds or rocks where other lures might be lost.

Erratic action is the key to the spoon’s success. Many anglers cast and pause, allowing the spoon to flutter. If you do not get a hit right off the bat, you have two options for the retrieve. A steady retrieve, varyingspeed based on conditions, will often draw fish out and even right to the boat. Others prefer to add a twitch to their retrieve, feeling it increases the motion. Try each or mix it up based on what the fish respond to. Be bold, and try new techniques. Be sure to pick up a Salty Scales Performance fishing shirt, stay protected, and remain comfortable on the water.

Capt. Joshua Taylor is a Tampa guide and founder of Salty Scales Performance Fishing Gear. Check them out at www.saltyscales.com.

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