2 minute read
TOURNAMENT MUST HAVES
produce the bite triggering flutter on the drop. They are also highly versatile for spoons allowing anglers to use them at a variety of different depths throughout the water column. Whether they are sitting close to the bottom or suspended on a flat or off a point you can let these sink quickly to the desired depth and work them in or through the schools.
The Koika, Rocker and Trick Metal all have a slightly different profiles and will work better in different scenarios. They all can be worked with multiple hops varying from small hops to long draws and even erratic, vertical style hops. Remember everyday will be different depending on the activity level and reaction of the fish so let them tell you what the preferred action will be.
My most productive retrieve would consist of casting these out as far as possible and letting them sink to the bottom. Make sure you are paying attention to the line on the fall as the flutter action of these spoons will often get bitten on the initial drop so engage the reel if you see any tick in the line or the line speed up.
Once the spoon has hit bottom, I like to start the retrieve with a couple of lifts then go into a slow roll through the school. If you feel like the spoon is above the school let the lure fall back down with an open bail arm and repeat back to the boat. The speed of the retrieve can be a governing factor in getting bites, and at times a burn and kill retrieve can be deadly. Again, every day will be different so mix it up and find out which one gets them fired up to eat these spoons. get bitten on the initial drop.
The other spoon that is landing me some serious bass lately is the Rapala Nauvo Spoon. The Nauvo comes in two sizes an 18g and 37g model. These spoons have a larger surface area and have a wider, slower flutter on the drop which can call those bigger fish from some distance.
This technique is a lot slower to reach the bottom due to the wider flutter holding the spoon in the strike zone longer than other spoons on the market.
The Technique is similar to the Storm spoons, however I add longer draws on the lifts as the fall is when the bites come. The retrieve speed is also a lot slower due to the weight and tendency to swim towards the surface on the wind. Remember with this lure watch the line on the fall as bass will absolutely crush this spoon on the fall.
Throwing spoons can be a very productive technique at times and a must in any tournament angler’s repertoire. There is no better lure for covering open water more efficiently to find those active schools.
Bluefin Boats has been an ABT supporter for over a decade. You may remember the Bluefin Estuary Pro as setting the standard in small tournament boats in this time.
Bluefin are now proud of their AlloyCraft Bass Pro Series that look, ride and fish like a true mid-sized tournament rig.