I've just started vertical spoon jigging and wondered what my fellow anglers prefer, a spoon that drops quick like the Hopkins or one that flutters on the  drop.  I fabbed up some spoons by using a pair of #5 willow leaf blades soldered together with a split ring on either end.  Gives a nice slow flutter.  Seems like the heavy Hopkins type jigs drop too fast or am I off base on this?

I have several of each type and each produces best when the conditions are best for each.

Spending many years on the ocean, I've come to rely on the Hopkins Shorty for most vertical jigging and jump fishing (shad).

Particularly in winter, the bladebait is another good metal for vertical jigging, my favorite being the Reef Runner Cicada.

Not surprisingly, the key to spoons & blades is keeping the metal at fish level (more easily said than done)

Roger

Most excellent.  Thank you for your responses.

Spoons: Hopkins Shorty, Cotton Cordell CC or Bomber Slab

Blade Baits: Mann's Little George, Rinky Dinks or Cotton Cordell Gay Blade

Flutter is OK but job #1 is to get it down there, the sooner the better. I use a 1/2 oz spoon in 25 ft or less, 3/4 oz deeper. Winter spoon jigging is more about finding active feeding fish than enticing neutral fish to bite. My favorites are the BPS Laser Eye and the Cabelas Real Image jigging spoons. Neither is a flutter spoon but both have some action. The Cabelas spoon in glow white is a killer. Janns Netcraft sells some spoons that are close copies of the Real Image. One thing I've come to appreciate is a spoon that has wire hook hangers on both ends. Getting a split ring on a Strata spoon or a Hopkins without bending it is not easy.

When Lake Erie was my home waters, the Hopkins spoon was a staple in my box for vertical jigging smallies.  Also, don't forget the Silver Buddy/Sonar type lures.  The 1/2oz Buddy is my favorite vertical jigger for smallies.

Anybody ever try the War Eagle Jiggin' Spoon?  It's sort of like a strata or hopkins but comes with Gamakatsu treble hook and a swivel attached to eliminate line twist.  I just ordered a few but haven't tried them out yet...they look like they could be winners.

I too like the Hopkins hammered spoon. I always fish it on heavier line(Mono) with a swivel and a light wire hook. If it will not come loose jigging it up and down you can at least just pull it loose by straightening out the hook. Surprising how few you actually lose.

Can't comment on the flutter spoon yet. Have purchased a few, but have not had the chance to try them out.

Jack