Popular Metal Lures Like The Trophy Spoon®, Kastmaster® and Sidewinder® Fool Fish With Flash, Vibration and Action “On the Fall”
Experienced freshwater anglers know that vertical jigging with Acme spoons is one of the most effective ways to target trophy gamefish under the ice. The same combination of flash, color, vibration and action that draws savage strikes from trout, walleye, panfish and other fish when the water is warm is just as deadly when the mercury drops and anglers exchange their boats for ice shanties.
Ideally, ice fishing spoons are shaped to sink quickly and exhibit an enticing action when using a vertical jigging action. Acme’s popular Trophy Spoon definitely fits the bill, with a thick body and slender profile designed to sink straight into the strike zone. When jigged with quick, short lifts of the rod, the Trophy Spoon darts upwards and falls with a fluttering action that imitates an injured or scared baitfish. This spoon’s unique hammered metal finish (in chrome or 24- Karat gold) imitates the scaled look of natural baitfish and reflects available light in all directions, attracting attention from predators prowling the far edges of structure or bait schools. Finish accents such as Acme’s shad-imitating chartreuse/black spot, hi-visibility red or blue allow anglers to find the best color to match conditions and local forage. With 1/4-oz. or 1/2-oz. Trophy Spoons to choose from (with optional bucktail teasers for added jigging action) this lure is great for medium to heavy tackle and larger fish.
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With its unique slab-sided design and wide range of available sizes and lifelike finishes, Acme’s famous Kastmaster® is another deadly effective choice for fishing through the ice. Small 1/12-oz. and 1/8-oz. Kastmasters are perfect for ultra light fishing when after crappie, perch or trout. They sink quickly and exhibit an enticing flutter with just the smallest of jigging action. The ability to dart and dance while returning to the same location over the bottom or structure is often more than freshwater gamefish can stand. Rigging up with a larger 1/4-oz. or 3/8-oz. Kastmaster lets you fish over deeper structure and is ideal when pursuing trophy trout, walleye, pike and other large freshwater predators.
Acme’s uniquely shaped Sidewinder® spoon is another powerful weapon in the ice angler’s arsenal. An elongated profile and thick body help the Sidewinder sink quickly and remain in the strike zone when fished vertically. A slab-style body (with one straight edge and one curved) gives the Sidewinder enticing action when lifted or dropped. When ice bound gamefish are in the mood for a high level of action and flash, the Sidewinder provides it with an aggressive flutter and the added flash of deep-cut, light reflecting scales, fins, gills and eyes. Acme’s 1/8-oz. and the unique 1/5-oz. Sidewinder are idea for ultralight to light tackle jigging under the ice.
Expert ice fishing anglers know to scout their favorite lakes before ice-over, to pinpoint the locations of key structure areas like underwater points, rock piles, sunken islands and weed beds. Gamefish will be drawn to these same areas in the winter, and with today’s affordable hand-held GPS units you’ll be able to return to these spots even when iced over. Covering the area with several holes will allow you to move around and pinpoint where the fish are located and the type of structure they’re holding on.
Don’t be afraid to experiment to find what’s working. Try different depths and jigging actions. Sometimes winter gamefish aggressively attack lures worked with a strong jigging motion; other times they will respond best to the smallest possible movement. The best ice anglers don’t hesitate to change spoon type, size and color until they find what’s working.