SPOON TALK-NOT ARE ALL CREATED EQUAL!

Let's talk about lure selection as we load up our tackle boxes for another foray into the outdoors. Lets start with some top producers like the spoon. There are a number of manufacturers on the market and when you look at them on the tackle shelves many lures are mistakenly referred to as silver or gold when they are not. Nickel, chrome and brass simply do not have the reflective qualities of silver and/or gold. There is a big difference and it boils down to visibility. Silver and gold will reflect available light farther and deeper. A nickel or chrome finish will have a dark cast to its reflection whereas silver will reflect white. There is simply no comparison, especially in low light and/or deep-water conditions. One Canadian lure manufacturer, Williams has been producing the famous Wabler with a genuine silver and/or 24k gold plate since it was first produced in 1920.

I have used Williams Wablers for years on a wide variety of species with a ton of success. This spoon has been designed with a patented stabilizing ridge that prevents the lure from rotating over, giving it a unique action. It's this change of direction and speed that triggers strikes from fish like trout that are notorious followers. Combine that with the fact that pure gold and silver reflect whatever light is available deeper, farther and brighter regardless of water clarity and you have a winner. I fish a lot in Northwestern Ontario for lake trout and the number one producer is the Williams Wabler in a half gold and half silver finish.

Unlike many other lures, Williams Wablers work equally well at a wide range of trolling speeds. Fish such as lake trout and walleye prefer slow moving bait. Other game fish such as speckled trout, bass, musky and pike react best to lures presented at slow to medium speeds. Choosing the size and colour of lures for the species of fish you are after is important. Trying to match the size of the baitfish your quarry normally feeds on should be the determining factor in selecting size but a lot of times this is quess work. That's why it is important to have a decent selection of sizes when out on the water as well as colour. This allows for some experimenting until the "hot" lure is found for that particular day.

When lake trout and other species are following spoons and hitting and missing a lot, it means they are not in an aggressive mood. That means it's time to switch tactics a little bit. Here is a trick that has put a lot of fish in the boat for me. Use a spoon like a Williams Wabler or Whitefish as an attractor by removing the treble and tie on 18" to 30" of line with a fly, smaller spoon such as a #1 Dartee. The flash of the spoon will bring them in and the smaller offering darting behind the larger spoon is too good an opportunity to pass up.

PATTERNS FOR FINDING FISH

It is always a challenge keying in on numbers of fish in the spring of the year, but one of the most consistent patterns is one most anglers don't consider. Lake trout are usually scattered all over after ice out, looking for whatever food is the most easily available and many times this moves the fish to shallow water flats looking for minnows, perch or whatever other forage is around.

Current is also a great attractor of spring lake trout. This can be created by wind on shorelines or between narrowed down sections of the lake. This can school up trout in very defined area, allowing the angler to cast to the fish. Again the lake trout will aggressively chase the bait so make sure you watch your lure as you retrieve it to the boat.

The Wabler, Bully, Trophy and Whitefish are all good casting choices. Whether you are casting from shore, a boat or break wall, work the water column by counting down as your lure hits the water. A short count prior to retrieve will not allow your lure to sink as far and will work the upper portion. On your next cast add to your count to allow your lure to get down further until you find the depth the fish are holding. Vary your retrieve speeds and pump your rod occasionally. This will in many cases trigger an undecided following fish.