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Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Jigging Spoons
7-18-2010
A jigging spoon is a slender slab of metal with a single or triple hook on one end and an eye or swivel on the other that connects to the fishing line. This lure is available in a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from a quarter ounce to several ounces. Jigging spoons are best fished vertically over concentrations of fish in deep water.
Originally, the jigging spoon was used primarily in saltwater where it caught a variety of fish. Now it has found a home in the tackle boxes of many inland fishermen. On Lake Norman, the jig is used to tempt everything from white perch to stripers. Surprisingly, they also take a fair share of spotted bass. blue and flathead catfish.
When fish are deep and bait is difficult to keep alive (as during the summer), jigging spoons are an excellent alternative to shiners, shad and herring. The lure can be fished in a variety of ways, but is best worked vertically through a school with a yo-yo motion. The up and down motion duplicates the look of a struggling baitfish as it settles toward the bottom.
As a rule, fish look upwards in search of food, so keep the lure just above the school. Likewise, most of the strikes will come on the fall, so allow the lure to sink slowly. Maintain a tight line so the slightest bite can be detected. When a bite occurs, a twitch of the rod is all that’s needed to set the hook.
A piece of strip bait or a whole baitfish can be added to the hook. This addition will give it more action and will add a scent to the metal jig. Another popular add-on is a string of Sabiki flies strung above the jigging spoon. The Sabiki rig simulates the appearance of a school of baitfish under attack from a bigger fish (the jig). Sabikis are sold pre-tied and can be purchased at most fishing tackle outlets.
The Sabiki rig has become very popular with white perch fishermen. Most use a string of three to six sabiki flies above a half, three quarter or one-ounce jigging spoon. While lots of perch are taken on this rig, other game fish, including bass and stripers, are attracted to it as well.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
Since most jigging spoons are made of lead, they can be bent to allow them to flutter as they fall through the water column. Best colors are chartreuse, white, silver and gold.
Upcoming Events:
Free Fishing Seminar: “Bank and Dock Fishing for Sunfish, White Perch, Catfish and Bass” will be discussed at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Bring the entire family to this free event. I will cover everything from fishing with cane poles, hooks and bobbers, to using live and cut baits. Suggestions will be given about the best places to fish from shore. Contact 704-658-0822 for additional information.
Thursday, July 29, 2010, Light House Marine Services is offering an instructional course entitled, “How to Safely Navigate Lake Norman.” Topics to be discussed will include “Understanding Lake Norman’s Marker and Buoy System,” “Identifying and Learning how to avoid Dangerous Shoals” and “How to Use and Interpret Lake Maps.” Registration fee is $25.00 for the two hour course conducted by Capt. Gus. The class begins at 6:30 p.m. at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 Mooresville, NC. To register, or for more information, call Lt. Scott Spivey – 704 587 0325 or visit www.lmservice.org.
Hot Spots of the Week:The heat has most anglers staying home. Those who do venture out will find stripers in the river channel from marker 11, south to the dam. White perch are along the edges of creeks and in the river channel in water to fifty feet deep. Flatheads often lurk below schools of perch and can be caught on live perch or cut bait.
The lake level is about 3.0’ below full pond and the water surface temperature is in the nineties.
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, and is an outdoor columnist and a full time professional fishing guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin' With Gus! at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704.617.6812.
For additional information e-mail Gus at Gus@LakeNorman.com
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