Fishing is a beloved pastime for many in Florida, and it’s a fantastic way to introduce kids to the great outdoors. One of the most enjoyable and effective tools for beginner anglers is the handmade spoon fishing lure. With their simple design and effectiveness, spoon lures are perfect for young anglers to learn the basics of fishing while having fun.
This guide will explore the benefits of using spoon lures for kids in Florida, how they work, why they’re so effective, and some tips on how to use them. We’ll also compare handmade spoon lures to other types of lures to help you make the best decision for your little fisherman. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to teach kids how to fish with one of the best fishing lures available.
1. What is a Handmade Spoon Fishing Lure?
A handmade spoon fishing lure is a type of metal fishing lure with a concave or curved shape, designed to imitate the movement of baitfish or other prey in the water. The curve of the spoon creates a unique action when retrieved, causing the lure to wobble, flutter, or dart in a way that attracts fish.
Handmade spoons are often crafted with attention to detail, making them more personalized and unique compared to mass-produced versions. These lures can vary in size, color, and weight, allowing them to be customized to target specific fish species or water conditions.
Why Choose Handmade Spoon Lures for Kids?
Simple Design: Spoon lures are straightforward and easy to use, making them an ideal choice for kids who are just starting out with fishing.
Effective for Many Species: These lures are versatile and can attract a wide range of fish, including bass, trout, and saltwater species like snook and redfish, which are common in Florida.
Durability: Handmade spoons are usually made from high-quality materials, ensuring they last longer and withstand the wear and tear of fishing, even in saltwater.
Visual Appeal: Spoon lures often come in bright, shiny finishes that catch the eye of fish, making them especially effective in clear waters and sunny conditions.
2. How Does a Spoon Fishing Lure Work?
Understanding how spoon lures work will help kids appreciate the dynamics of fishing and give them the confidence they need to be successful anglers.
Action and Movement
When you retrieve a spoon lure, its concave shape causes it to wobble or flutter in the water, simulating the movement of a distressed or injured fish. This movement is designed to trigger the predatory instincts of fish. The flash and light reflections from the shiny metal surface also mimic the appearance of a small baitfish trying to escape.
Slow Retrieve: A slow, steady retrieve allows the spoon to flutter gently through the water.
Erratic Retrieve: An erratic, faster retrieve can mimic a fleeing fish, which can attract more aggressive fish.
Varying Speed: By experimenting with different retrieval speeds, you can find the right action to entice fish in different water conditions.
Why Are Spoon Lures So Effective?
The natural movement and flashing effect of spoon lures make them highly effective in attracting a wide variety of fish species. Whether fishing in freshwater lakes, rivers, or saltwater environments in Florida, spoon lures’ ability to mimic the distressed movement of prey helps them stand out as an irresistible target for fish.
3. The Best Spoon Lures for Kids in Florida
When fishing with kids, it’s important to choose a spoon lure that’s both effective and easy to use. Here are some of the best types of handmade spoon lures for kids fishing in Florida:
1. Small to Medium-Sized Spoons
For beginners, smaller-sized spoon lures are ideal. These lures are easier for kids to handle and cast, and they work well in both freshwater and saltwater environments. A small spoon can imitate smaller baitfish that are commonly found in Florida’s rivers and lakes.
Best For: Bass, trout, bluegill, and panfish in freshwater, as well as snook and redfish in shallow saltwater.
Color Options: Silver, gold, and copper are popular choices as they reflect light well in clear water, while bright colors like chartreuse or red can be great in murky waters.
2. Metal Spoons with Flashing Effects
Spoons with flashy finishes can attract fish from a distance, especially in sunny weather. These lures are made with reflective materials that create an enticing flash as they move through the water, simulating a fish in distress.
Best For: Any fish species that are attracted to the flash, including bass, pike, and saltwater species like jacks and tarpon.
Color Options: Brightly colored spoons like neon green, blue, or multi-colored patterns are great choices for targeting more aggressive fish in Florida’s rivers and coastal areas.
3. Larger Spoons for Saltwater Species
For targeting bigger saltwater species in Florida, such as snook, tarpon, and redfish, consider using larger, heavier spoon lures. These lures are designed to dive deeper into the water and imitate larger baitfish.
Best For: Saltwater fish such as snook, redfish, and tarpon.
Color Options: Silver and gold spoons are particularly effective for saltwater fish, as these colors resemble the baitfish found in coastal waters.
4. How to Use Handmade Spoon Lures for Kids in Florida
Once you’ve selected the right handmade spoon fishing lure, it’s time to show kids how to use it. The simplicity of spoon lures makes them easy for kids to learn, but a few tips can help them improve their fishing technique.
Step 1: Attach the Spoon Lure
Start by securely attaching the spoon lure to your fishing line using a snap swivel. This will prevent the line from twisting and make it easier to change lures if needed.
Step 2: Cast the Spoon Lure
Show kids how to hold the rod correctly and cast the spoon lure into the water. When fishing in rivers, it’s best to cast near structure such as rocks, fallen logs, or vegetation, where fish are likely to hide.
Step 3: Retrieve the Spoon Lure
Encourage kids to experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques. A slow, steady retrieve works well in calm water, while a faster, erratic retrieve can be effective in more active fishing environments.
- Tip: Encourage kids to pause the retrieve every few seconds to mimic a fish that is trying to escape. This variation in speed can increase the chances of a strike.
Step 4: Set the Hook
When a fish bites, show kids how to quickly and firmly pull back on the rod to set the hook. A strong, quick motion will help ensure the hook stays in the fish’s mouth.
Step 5: Reel in the Fish
Once the hook is set, teach kids how to reel in the fish slowly and steadily, keeping tension on the line. Make sure to guide them on how to manage the line and prevent tangling.
5. Tips for Success When Using Spoon Lures for Kids
Fishing with kids can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and using spoon lures can make the day even more enjoyable. Here are some tips to ensure success:
Keep it Fun: Fishing should be a fun and relaxed experience for kids. Don’t focus too much on the “catch” but on enjoying the time spent outdoors.
Patience is Key: Remind kids that fishing requires patience. It’s important to stay calm and keep trying different techniques if the fish aren’t biting immediately.
Safety First: Always ensure kids are safe while fishing. Use life jackets when fishing from a boat, and make sure they are handling hooks and lures carefully.
Start Early: Teaching kids to fish at an early age can create a lifelong passion for the sport. Start with simple lures like handmade spoon lures, and build from there.
6. Conclusion
Handmade spoon fishing lures are an excellent choice for introducing kids to the joys of fishing in Florida’s freshwater rivers. Their simple design, effective action, and versatility make them perfect for young anglers. Whether you’re targeting bass, trout, or saltwater species like snook and redfish, spoon lures can help kids learn the basics of fishing while having a great time outdoors.
For a great selection of fishing lures, including handmade spoon lures, visit us at lurebolt.com. We offer high-quality lures that will make your next fishing adventure a success.
Happy fishing!