Fishing with kids is one of the best ways to bond with them while enjoying the great outdoors. Rivers, with their accessible shorelines and abundance of fish, provide the perfect environment for young anglers to learn and have fun. One of the most effective types of lures for kids fishing in rivers is the spoon fishing lure. Known for its simplicity, versatility, and success rate, the spoon is a great tool for beginners.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using a handmade spoon fishing lure for kids fishing in rivers. From selecting the right lure to setting it up and teaching your child how to use it, we’ll provide detailed instructions to help make your river fishing trip a success. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to introduce your child to the joys of fishing, using a lure that’s easy to use, highly effective, and a lot of fun.
At LureBolt, we specialize in providing high-quality fishing lures, including spoons, minnows, pencils, poppers, jigs, and softbaits. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about handmade spoon lures for kids in rivers.
What is a Spoon Fishing Lure?
A spoon fishing lure is a metal lure that features a concave or curved shape designed to mimic the movement of prey, such as baitfish. The shape and reflective properties of a spoon cause it to flutter or wobble when pulled through the water, mimicking the actions of an injured or fleeing fish. This makes it incredibly effective in attracting fish.
Key Features of Spoon Lures:
- Shape: The concave shape of the spoon helps create a wobbling or spinning action as it moves through the water, drawing fish’s attention.
- Reflective Surface: Many spoons are shiny or metallic, which helps them catch the light and make the lure more visible to fish, especially in deeper or murky waters.
- Weight: The weight of the spoon helps it sink at the right depth, which is crucial for targeting fish at different levels in the river.
- Hooks: Spoon lures are typically equipped with a single or treble hook to securely hook fish when they strike.
Why Handmade Spoon Lures are Perfect for Kids in Rivers
Handmade spoon fishing lures are an excellent choice for kids fishing in rivers for several reasons:
1. Easy to Use
One of the most significant advantages of spoon lures is their simplicity. The retrieval method is straightforward, requiring only a steady, consistent pull of the fishing line. This ease of use makes them ideal for children who are learning the basics of fishing. Whether your child is just starting or already has some experience, the simplicity of using a spoon lure ensures they can focus on casting and reeling in without worrying about complicated techniques.
2. Highly Effective
Spoons are versatile and effective for catching a wide variety of fish species found in rivers. They’re especially great for targeting trout, bass, and panfish, all of which are common in rivers. Their fluttering action attracts fish, making them highly effective even when fish are less active. Additionally, spoon lures work well in different water conditions, whether the water is clear or murky.
3. Great for Shallow and Deep Water
Rivers can have varying depths, and spoon lures are perfect for fishing in both shallow and deeper areas. Depending on the weight of the spoon and how you retrieve it, you can target fish at different depths. Lighter spoons are great for shallow water, while heavier ones can be used for deeper sections of the river.
4. Durable and Long-Lasting
Handmade spoon lures are often crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring they last longer than mass-produced counterparts. They are made to withstand repeated strikes from fish and are built to endure the rough conditions often found in river fishing. This durability makes them a cost-effective option for parents who are buying fishing gear for their kids.
How to Set Up Handmade Spoon Fishing Lures for Kids in Rivers
Setting up a handmade spoon fishing lure for kids is easy, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure success. Follow this step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Choose the Right Spoon Lure
Choosing the right spoon lure is the first step in ensuring a successful fishing experience. Here’s what to consider:
- Size: The size of the spoon should match the size of the fish you’re targeting. Smaller lures are ideal for panfish and small bass, while larger lures work better for bigger species like trout or pike.
- Weight: The weight of the spoon determines how deep it will sink. A heavier spoon is better for deeper waters, while lighter spoons work well in shallower areas. For rivers, a medium-weight spoon is often the best choice to cover various depths.
- Color: Choose a color that matches the local prey species or stands out in the water. For clear water, natural colors like silver, gold, or white work well, while bright colors like chartreuse and pink are better for murky conditions.
2. Set Up the Fishing Rod and Reel
For kids, a light to medium spinning rod is the best choice for fishing with spoons. Here’s what to look for in a rod and reel:
- Rod: A 5- to 6-foot spinning rod is ideal for kids, as it offers enough length for casting while still being light enough for them to handle.
- Reel: A spinning reel with a 5:1 or 6:1 gear ratio works well. This allows for smooth casting and retrieving, essential for spoon fishing.
- Fishing Line: Use a 4- to 8-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Monofilament is easier for beginners to manage, while fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater, which can help with clear water fishing.
3. Attach the Spoon to the Line
Once you have the rod and reel set up, you’ll need to attach the spoon lure to the line. Use a snap swivel or a swivel to connect the lure to the line. This prevents line twists and ensures the spoon moves freely in the water. If you’re not using a snap swivel, you can tie the lure directly to the line with a reliable knot, like the improved clinch knot.
4. Cast the Spoon
Casting with a spoon lure is easy for kids to learn. Here’s how to cast:
- Hold the Rod: Grasp the rod with both hands, ensuring a firm grip but not too tight. Position the rod at a 45-degree angle from your body.
- Cast the Spoon: Swing the rod back and then forward in a smooth motion, aiming for an area where you think fish might be hiding, such as near rocks, weed beds, or drop-offs.
5. Retrieve the Spoon
Once the spoon hits the water, it’s time to retrieve it. Here are some basic retrieve techniques:
- Steady Retrieve: A slow, steady retrieve works well for most fish species. Simply reel in at a constant speed to make the spoon wobble and flutter through the water.
- Jerk and Pause: For more action, add short jerks to the retrieve, followed by brief pauses. This will simulate the erratic movements of an injured fish, which is especially enticing for predatory fish like trout and bass.
- Vary the Speed: If you’re not getting bites, try changing the speed of your retrieve. Sometimes, a faster or slower retrieve can make all the difference.
6. Wait for the Strike
When a fish strikes the lure, it will often be aggressive, creating a noticeable tug or splash. When your child feels the strike, encourage them to wait for a second or two before setting the hook. This ensures that the fish has fully taken the lure. Once they feel a strong pull, they can set the hook by quickly jerking the rod upward.
Best Handmade Spoon Fishing Lures for Kids in Rivers
Here are a few top-rated handmade spoon fishing lures that are ideal for kids fishing in rivers:
1. LureBolt Classic Spoon Lure
Key Features:
- Realistic Action: Mimics the movement of baitfish, making it ideal for attracting trout and bass.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
- Available in Multiple Sizes and Colors: Perfect for various river conditions.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
The LureBolt Classic Spoon Lure is simple to use and highly effective, making it ideal for kids. Its realistic movement and vibrant colors make it attractive to a variety of fish species in rivers.
2. Johnson Silver Minnow
Key Features:
- Stainless Steel Construction: Resistant to corrosion and built to last.
- Ideal for Shallow Water: Great for fishing near the river’s edge.
- Reflective Finish: Attracts fish from a distance.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
The Johnson Silver Minnow is a reliable and easy-to-use spoon that’s perfect for shallow river fishing. Its reflective finish makes it easy for kids to see the action, which helps them stay engaged.
3. Mepps Aglia Spinner
Key Features:
- Lifelike Movement: Spins and wobbles as it’s retrieved.
- Bright, Eye-catching Colors: Available in multiple colors to match river conditions.
- Versatile: Works well for a variety of species.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
The Mepps Aglia Spinner combines the action of a spoon with the flash of a spinner, making it an excellent choice for trout and bass. Its vibrant colors and easy-to-use design make it perfect for young anglers.
Conclusion
Fishing with handmade spoon lures is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the world of fishing in rivers. These lures are simple to use, highly effective, and provide a fun, interactive experience for young anglers. By choosing the right lure, setting up the fishing rod properly, and using the correct retrieve techniques, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable fishing trip for your child.
At LureBolt, we offer a wide range of high-quality handmade spoon lures that are perfect for kids fishing in rivers. Our lures are designed to be durable, effective, and easy to use, ensuring that your child has the best possible fishing experience.
For more information and to explore our full range of fishing lures, visit us at lurebolt.com.
Happy fishing!