Spoon fed Steelies

[Eskimo]

]Went back to basics lately with spoons and the skunk is gone!

First day of basics, early morning through the hatchery. First thing I notice... NO one there. The springer crowd is gone. Throw out the gold little cleo and bam Fish on. Good fight strong fish, feels good. Finally got him to give it up and get to the bank and found out it was wild. Quick picture and back to the deep for him.


Then tonight, haul butt to the river after work just before the sun went down 2nd cast bam fish slams my spoon again. Tough battle, lots of current and snaggy spots. Strong fish, all the way to the bank. Got close and oops another native fish, but I'll gladly let him go on his way.

Lesson learned today: Keep it simple.

Anybody know where I can find little cleo style bodys in bulk to make my own instead of 3-4$ a spoon?

 

[Throbbit _Shane]

Nice fish dude!

Go to Big R in White City. They carry spoons that are just like little cleos but are $2.00 instead of 4.00. They're called Pot O' Gold, Lil Lightening's.

 

[mahmichael]

Nice fish Eskimo! Would you tell me what size line were you using? and what size spoon?

 

[Eskimo]

12lb fluoro leader, 2/5th and 1/3 oz sizes

 

[rippin fish lips]

12lb fluoro leader, 2/5th and 1/3 oz sizes

Nice report. Rockin the 12lb fluro. I rocked the 6lb fluoro last year and was lovin it on spoons. This is a great report and the water you are fishing is perfect for a 2/5th oz in the summer time. a lot of good tips in here. Gotta love brush and boulder pockets with spoons!!

 

[Eskimo]

I've been thinkin about going bigger in the leader because it seems when I loose spoons in the river it seems that the knot breaks at the spoon.

Or maybe using a swivel to the spoon is a better idea?

 

[rippin fish lips]

I've been thinkin about going bigger in the leader because it seems when I loose spoons in the river it seems that the knot breaks at the spoon.

Or maybe using a swivel to the spoon is a better idea?

That's the idea! The rough edge on the spoon burrs up the line causing it to break and you get line twist. I use a size 14 barrel snap swivil. No need to go bigger in line. Most people run 8-10lb leader/mainline when fishing hardware. Flouro is really good line, but is a lot more briddle then mono. I now run 6lb suffix mono.

 

[C_Run]

I've been thinkin about going bigger in the leader because it seems when I loose spoons in the river it seems that the knot breaks at the spoon.

Or maybe using a swivel to the spoon is a better idea?

Definitely use a swivel. I started using a River's Inlet knot instead of my usual clinch knot to tie them on. At least when it breaks off, it's the line and not the knot that gives out. It's a pretty strong knot.

 

[ChezJfrey]

Oh yeah, you're spoon fed post really speaks to me! I catch 'em all that way!

I'll also add that a swivel or something else besides tying directly to the spoon is a must. The squared off edges will weaken your line.

Also, I believe it was C_Run that suggested that River's Inlet knot to me as well. I can attest that knot is a beast and I can virtually guarantee you'll never break at the knot with that one. However, I found it harder to get good wraps with 15 lb. that I use in Winter, so I started using a Palomar for thicker line and the River's Inlet for 10 lb or lower.

For the Palomar, I just tie it to the swivel, without the spoon attached, and it's easy to loop over it. After watching some Knot Wars contests on Youtube, the Palomar is simple, yet stronger than most and I never break at the knot with that one either.

 

[leonmckee]

Anyone here ever use spoons on the Lower Deschutes for Steelhead and/or Salmon? If so which ones and what sizes?

After reading the comments on line sizes I would be embarrassed to talk about my rigs. Overkill

Leon McKee

 

[troutdude]

Oh yeah! Little Cleo's rule! Especially the original models, with the "dancing girl" on the back (made by Seneca). They are thicker, and heavier, than their newer cousins (of equal length).

The Acme company, has them made these days in China. They still do the trick; but I prefer the originals. I pick 'em up, at second hand/hock shops every now and then.

I fish mine "low and slow", and have nailed 5 different species with 'em.

Keep up the great work, and thanks for the report!

 

[Troutski]

Spoons, the magic lure...

Spoons, the magic lure...

Spoons are a go to everywhere, my favorite lure by all means. I use a swivel about 18" up from my lure, when you put a joint between your main line and lure it gives the spoon a special wobble only found in Nature; most anglers stick with spinners, lure angling seems to be dying presentation.
Congratulations on your fine fish, great post and great job!!

Chuck

 

[rippin fish lips]

my favorite lure by all means. I use a swivel about 18" up from my lure, when you put a joint between your main line and lure it gives the spoon a special wobble only found in Nature;


Chuck

Sweet! another different thing to try out on my next outing in this low gin glear water. And as Troutdude said, low and slow is the key. Thanks Troutski!