Jigging Spoon Evolution

Modern ice spoons, from VMC and Clam, for example, are sophisticated fish-catchers with advanced designs, captivating actions, and multiple layers of stimuli that attract fish and trigger strikes. Here’s a look at several models that epitomize the latest ice-spoon evolutionary phase and give anglers the best advantage for catching fish on the ice.

Although lead remains a relevant material for making ice spoons, using other metals offers advantages. Zinc alloy, for example, allows Clam to make the Pinhead Pro PT with highly detailed features, including realistic scale patterns, gills, and fins.

Also, the different densities of zinc alloy and tungsten, in comparison to lead, also enable the creation of different sizes of spoons, relative to popular weights (e.g., 1/8, 3/16 oz), which go beyond standard lead profiles. The result is the creation of intriguing ice spoons fish can’t resist, like the Pinhead series and VMC Tungsten Torpedo Spoon.

Fast-sinking, speed spoons are critical for quickly getting to a school of fish, staying on top of them, and maximizing bites. The Tungsten Torpedo Spoon is a good example. Its sleek, tungsten body sinks faster than a lead spoon of a similar weight. Its tungsten construction also provides an excellent return on electronics, which enhances jigging precision and helps anglers get more strikes.

Clam’s zinc alloy Pinhead series is another example of sleek spoons. The Jointed Pinhead Pro PT and Jointed Pinhead Pro fill a unique niche. Their articulated body design results in extra action and movement, which can catch anglers more fish.

At the other end of the sink-rate spectrum are flutter spoons. These lures dance unhurried and erratically downward to mimic vulnerable, injured prey.

Take the 5/16-ounce Peg Flutter Spoon, one of Clam’s top sellers. Named after Lake Winnipeg, home to world-famous greenback walleye, this lightweight, zinc alloy spoon’s large profile and ultra-thin cut ensure maximum flash and flutter, making it ideal for attracting big fish from a large radius in shallow water.

VMC’s Tingler Spoon is another potent shallow-water weapon. Its wide wobbling, flutter action exaggerates the movement of dying baitfish that calls in walleye and trophy panfish from far and wide.

Flutter spoons jigged in deep water can also catch giant lake trout, northern pike, walleye, and other gamefish. For this scenario, it’s tough to beat the Super Leech Flutter spoon. Featuring a unique design and highly reflective plated colour finishes that flicker light like fish scales, the fluttering, flashy action of these 3/8 and 1/2-ounce spoons makes gamefish come unglued.

Fish can’t resist the intense fluttering action and captivating sound vibrations of VMC’s ground-breaking Rattling Roach Spoon. A pronounced visual display combined with loud acoustics from an exposed rattle chamber make this hybrid, flutter-rattle spoon very effective at grabbing the attention of gamefish and triggering strikes.

The Clam Rattlin’ PT Spoon is another flashy, noisy hot seller. A unique diamond shape gives it a slicing, fluttering action, and its Pyrex rattle chamber filled with stainless steel BBs produces a loud thumping disturbance fish can’t help but notice.

Attention to small details is another reason VMC and Clam spoons stand out from the competition. Several spoons mentioned above feature small, attractor blades that flap, flicker, and clack to boost their appeal. Feather-dressed trebles on the Rattling Roach Spoon, Hatchet Spoon, and Leech Flutter Spoon also deliver strike-triggering benefits.

Premium finishes also make a difference. On several VMC and Clam spoons, highly reflective metallics maximize flash output to attract fish from far and wide. Realistic, natural baitfish patterns give anglers an advantage in clear water, while bright UV and long-shining glow colours excel in stained water and during low-light conditions.

When it comes to jigging spoons, ice anglers have never had so many options to choose from. Not all are created equal, though, and so by having VMC and Clam ice spoons well represented in your collection, you can fish confidently knowing the best ice fishing lures are at your disposal.