How to Tie Spoons for Fishing

The spoon, an artificial lure, had its genesis in Vermont more than 150 years ago, according to the New York Times. In what almost seems a story that's too good to be true, Julio T. Buel dropped a household spoon overboard and watched as a fish struck at the shiny, shimmering object. Inspired, he went on to become a successful manufacturer of fishing spoons, modern versions of which come in an astounding variety of colors, types and sizes for all manner of gamefish. Always use a barrel swivel to connect the main line to the leader to preserve the action of the spoon.

Step 1

Tie a barrel swivel to the end of the main fishing line. The knot you use is mostly a matter of personal preference, but either a Palomar knot or improved clinch knot will work well.

Step 2

Tie one end of a 3- to 4-foot leader to the opposite end of the barrel swivel, using a Palomar or improved clinch knot.

Step 3

Tie the other end of the leader to the spoon using a Palomar or improved clinch knot. If you prefer, tie a snap swivel to the end of the line and attach the spoon to the snap swivel.

References

• New York Times: Outdoors: Lures Tell Fishing's History
• Dick Nite Spoons: How to Fish Dick Nite Spoons

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Tips

Using a snap swivel at the end of the leader makes it easy to swap out spoons if you want to try different sizes or colors, or to react to changing lighting or water conditions. Some lure manufacturers advise against the use of the snap swivel, however, for the best lure action.

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