JIGGING SPOONS FOR COLD BASS

As the air temperatures cool each fall, the jigging spoon becomes a popular lure. As lakes in the north approach ice over, the southern third of Illinois becomes more popular to ground pounders.

Die hard bass fishermen look for open water and more comfortable temperatures. Although not warm, the waters of a power plant lake can be warmer due to the warm water discharge.

Although a number of baits work on such lakes. In winter, the jigging spoon comes into it own to catch bass on the weed beds and off the points. A few bass are picked up along the drop offs. During the day, ground pounders chase schooling bass around the lake as they in turn are pursuing shad. Toward evening, the action seems to drop off.

Jigging spoons fished straight up and down allow one to work structure and schools of shad with pinpoint accuracy. In cold water, a slow lift drop fluttering pattern with a long pause is best. Using a slip bobber rig one can mooch the bait along. The idea is to mimic a troubled baitfish. Predator fish see it as an easy meal. Adding a minnow or some other form of live bait improves the odds. The flash of the spoon draws fish in and the scent of the bait is just too much for the fish to resist.

For bass, a 1/4 to one ounce spoon is best. Crappie and bluegill require a 1/8 ounce or less. Most of the time bright colors such as silver or gold are desirable. Most spoons are long and narrow, resulting in a straight, fast drop and tight wobble. They can be cast into specific structure more accurately.

Anglers using jigging spoons must be able to identify the structure in which they are jigging. Fish tend to hold in and around creek channels. The best locations include shoals on the inside curve of a creek channel, the ends of bluffs associated with the channel, and points dropping into the channel.

Never tie a line directly to a spoon. Use a swivel or split ring. Tying directly to the spoon affects its action. Swivels reduce the line twist. Heavy line also affects the action of a spoon. It tends to inhibit the fluttering action on the fall. Probably the best line is 10 to 14 pound test.

As good as jigging spoons are for vertical jigging they also cast well. They can be used to cast to locations not otherwise accessible. If fish are feeding on the surface, a fast pumping retrieve is recommended as soon as the lure hits the water. It keeps the spoon skipping across the surface or just under it. If the fish are suspended deeper, one can count down the lure before beginning the retrieve. The fast sinking rate of the spoon allows it to get down in swifter current, whereas other lures would be swept off target. By varying the count down, one can fish the lure at various depths until fish are located.

Jigging spoons are an excellent off season lure for the colder months. Why not give them a try?

                                                                Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder