Northern Pike Lures: Spoons

Spoons are a popular pick for Northern Pike fishing because they are a versatile lure. Not only can they be used while trolling, they can also work at the surface, or while using jig or stop-and-go reeling techniques. It’s no surprise, then, that such an adaptable lure is also one of the oldest lures, its use dating back to 11th and 12th Century Europe. Spoons make effective Northern Pike lures because they are always in motion. Their movements mimic those of an injured minnow, which are typically irresistible to a hungry pike.

Since so much of a spoon’s success relies on its movement, it is important, as an angler, to take great care in making sure you are aiding its motion as much as possible. Attaching a spoon to a flexible leader will allow it to wobble the most. The thickness of the spoon will also affect its motion. Thin spoons will produce the most wiggling, but thicker spoons will allow you to cast out farther. If you are going to be fishing in weedy areas, weedless spoons will be beneficial; attaching a pork strip will help to garner a pike’s attention.

Color is also an important consideration when selecting a spoon. Since pike are attracted by sight as well as movement, you will want to appeal to their sense of sight. In clear water, a silver spoon will prove to be effective. Gold is a good pick for murkier waters, and a brightly colored spoon will be best in weed beds. Chartreuse, or lime green, is a good all around color.

One of the most popular spoons is the Eppinger Dardevle (pronounced “daredevil”). These spoons are known for their attractive colors and patterns, which do an excellent job of attracting predatory fish. As the spoons are spinning in the water, they imitate the scales on a baitfish. Two popular Dardevle colors are the red and white striped pattern, and the yellow and red “Five of Diamonds” spoon, which features five red diamonds on a yellow spoon. The Dardevle spoons, like some other spoons, only have one hook; if you are using a one-hook spoon, make sure it is as effective as it can be by making sure it is sharp.