Fishing with spoons can be a fun and effective way to catch more fish. Today we’ll discuss how to use spoons for surf fishing. Plus we’ll list our favorite spoons. So if you’re looking to add some excitement to your surf fishing trips, give spoon fishing a try!
Continue reading about spoons, or scroll down to our list of the best spoons for surf fishing.
What are spoons?
Spoons are a type of lure that is shaped somewhat like a spoon you’d use to eat. They have been around for centuries and continue to be popular among anglers. Spoons come in different colors and sizes, but they all have one thing in common – they wobble through the water. This action mimics baitfish, which makes spoons a highly effective lure.
Spoons are great for surf fishing at night.
Why use spoons for surf fishing?
Spoons are great because they can cast a long distance. This makes them ideal for surf fishing, where you may need to cast far out into the water in order to reach the fish.
Plus spoons are pretty cheap and easy to use.
Using spoons requires constant casting and really, which makes spoon fishing more exciting than fishing with live or cut bait.
Most importantly, spoons are extremely effective. I won’t say they work better than live bait, but you’ll definitely get a ton of bites with spoons.
Choosing the right spoon
There are many different types of spoons, but they all have the same basic shape. The main distinguishing factor between spoons are size, color, and hook type.
Spoon size
The size of the spoon will depend on what type of fish you’re trying to catch. Bigger spoons are great for bigger gamefish while smaller spoons work well with snapper or sea trout etc.
Surf fishing spoons typically range from .5oz to 1.5oz.
You may hear some spoons referred to as “needlefish” spoons. They are thin, long and narrow spoons that resemble the fish they are named after. These spoons work great when fishing in shallow water for smaller fish.
Here are some spoon size recommendations for common surf fishing species:
{Mix these up or find additional references (and make into table)}
| Species Targeted | Spoon weight (Ounces) |
|---|---|
| Spanish mackerel | 1.5 |
| Bluefish | 1.5 |
| Snook | .5 – 1 |
| Pompano | 1.5 |
| Tarpon | 1 |
Spoon color
Again, this will depend on the situation and what type of fish you’re targeting. Most spoons are brightly colored spoon for maximum visibility.
The two most common spoon colors are gold and silver.
Spoons also come in other colors, such as green, red and pink. Experiment with different colors to see what works best for you.
Hook type
The two main types of hooks you’ll see on spoons are single hooks and treble hooks.
Spoons with treble hooks, like the one shown above, can increase your chances of a solid hook-up. The downside is, they tend to snag on everything from seaweed to other fishing line
We generally prefer a single hook because they feel more natural, which can help attract the fish and get them to bite. You’ll still snag some seaweed, but it seems to happen less with a single hook.
The best spoons for surf fishing
There is no one size fits all when it comes to spoons – different situations call for different lures, and the same goes for surf fishing. However, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite spoons for this type of fishing
Berkley’s Silver Minnow
Berkley’s Silver Minnow is one of the most versatile lure ever made. You can cast it a long way, which is key for reaching fish past the break. The 35-degree wobble rocks back and forth but won’t roll or twist your line. Plus it has the weed guard, so won’t constantly snag seaweed. The silver minnow is also a popular lure for freshwater fishing.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Sea Striker Casting Spoon, Chrome, 3-Ounce
The Sea Strikers Casting Spoon is another great option for surf fishing. Weighing 3 ounces, it’s a bit bigger than the other spoons we’ve mentioned, which makes a great lure for targeting larger fish like snook and bluefish.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Peetz Needlefish Spoon Lure – ‘Hammer’ 4.5-Inch, 0.5oz
The Peetz Hammer needlefish replicates a wounded baitfish, making it hard to resist for many predator fish. The spoon lure is built of premium high gauge stainless steel and will resist bendingThe UV and glow in the dark properties of this spoon give anglers the freedom to fish at any depth. It’s also great for surf fishing at night!
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These are just a few examples – there are many different types and brands of spoons on the market.
Tips for surf fishing with spoons
- Cast your spoon out and reel it back in slowly. The wobbling action of the spoon will be enough to entice a fish or two.
- You can also let the spoon sink to the bottom before reeling in, which is an effective way to catch fish that are near the seafloor (like flounder).
- Use spoons when the tide is rising. Spoons work best when there’s baitfish around, and baitfish usually are close to the beach when the ride is rising.
- Try to find a spot that has good cover or structure for fish to hide in (rocks, reefs etc) and cast the spoon in that area.
Here’s a nice clip from Lawson Lindsey demonstrating how to use lures to catch fish from the beach.
Wrapping up
Hopefully this post has helped you learn more about surf fishing with spoons. If you’re looking to try out a new type of lure, give spoon fishing a shot. They’re simple, effective, and relatively inexpensive. Plus they’re more exciting than using live bait.
Happy fishing!
Weedless spoons have a wire guard that helps prevent the lure from getting tangled in weeds. They are designed to help you catch fish in cover or areas with a lot of vegetation.
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Hello! My name is Tim and I’ve been fishing for over 30 years. I’ve learned a lot about fishing during that time and I love sharing that knowledge with others. I’m also a member of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Thanks for checking out the site!