Most importantly, ALWAYS stay in contact with the spoon, i.e., follow it back down with the rod on the drop. Also try varying the speed/distance of the lift/drop to determine what the fish like best; sometimes it's a little, sometimes a lot. Lastly, if you're using something like a Hopkins Shorty or Kastmaster (two of my all-time faves), make sure you change out the stock hook to a larger, high quality treble (Gamakatsu, Owner, VMC, etc.). For LM, I tend to go with a #1 treble for a 3/4-2oz. spoon, but I'll drop down to a #2 for spots and smallies.

As for equipment, I use a 7' MH BPS Crankin' Stick for 90% of my spoon fishing (anything from 1/2-2oz.). The rod has great backbone, but a forgiving tip to help keep that treble hook pegged when fighting a fish. For the reel, I just use my old standby Quantum Accurist PT (6.3:1), spooled with 12# Yo-Zuri Hybrid line.

As for the baits themselves, I like the Hopkins Shorty, Kastmaster, and the Cotton Cordell CC Spoon, but my absolute favorite is the DUH! spoon made by Bladerunner Tackle here in California. The 67mm (1.5oz.) is great for any situation or species, and my favorite color is Morning Dawn (pictured). Check them out at http://www.duhteam.com/duhspoon.html.



Places are pretty simple, and will almost always involve the presence of baitfish. Fall thru winter, look for humps, ledges, channel drops and points, and monitor closely for signs of both baitfish and bass. This technique also works great on suspended bass, again, provided they are relating to some kind of food source.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

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