Jigging spoons are a staple within the ice fishing world. In this article, Dan Galusha offers his favorite methods for fishing with spoons.

There are three Slender Spoons—regular, Pro and Pro-Glow. I prefer the Pro-Glow, but use whatever is working. Fishing the Slender Spoon is not only easy, but also very effective, especially on larger fish. My two main species are crappies and largemouth bass. I’ve also heard of some catching white bass, and most definitely yellow perch.

This is a lure that can be tipped with bait, or fished naked. Most of the time I tip it, but if the fish are in an aggressive mood, then nothing goes on the hook. Wax worms and Power Crappie Nibbles are my favorites for tipping. I always use an application of Kick’n Crappie with or without bait. This scent stays on for a long time, and disperses in the water, which creates an odor zone throughout the column of water below the hole.

Another tipping idea is to put some spikes or Gulp Waxies on all three of the treble hooks. Both the live bait and Gulp have produced results.

The fishing technique is easy. Just lift and let it fall.

Many of the strikes come as the spoon falls, especially with crappies. When a bass hits, it’s usually on the lift, or immediately after the spoon falls to the end of the line.

A couple of other actions work for more aggressive fi sh. First is a rip-and-pause. Quickly jerk the rod tip upward, then let the spoon fall back, keeping the line straight without slack. The second is a hop. Give the spoon three to five quick jerks upward before letting it fall back through where the fish are holding.

To learn more ice  fishing tips and techniques, look for the January issue of MidWest Outdoors magazine, available now on the newsstand or by subscribing on our website.