I've never done it, but - it looks fun! - I'd like to try some flutter spoon fishing for bass in the future. A video recommended a Loomis 7'6" 904 rod (for 6" spoons), and I'm wondering if there're other suitable/better options out there. For example, will any of the Shimano Expride/Zodias line be more than good enough to do the job? Appreciate your input in advance!

I use a Dobyns swimbait rod. Most of my 6" spoons are 2oz or more, so it takes a pretty heavy rod. I don't worry a whole lot about tip action, because they usually hit on the fall, or I jig them vertically. I don't know how others use them, but I've caught a lot of fish, of all species. 

6 minutes ago, Tywithay said:

I use a Dobyns swimbait rod. Most of my 6" spoons are 2oz or more, so it takes a pretty heavy rod. I don't worry a whole lot about tip action, because they usually hit on the fall, or I jig them vertically. I don't know how others use them, but I've caught a lot of fish, of all species. 

Thank you for your input! Any issue with hang-ups or snags? Perfect timing

 

Which model of Dobyns do you use?

Dobyns FR795SB for 2 1/2 oz flutter spoons using Shimano Cardiff 300 series reel Sunlne Armillo 25 lb line. This combo works for several lures in the 1-3 oz weight range.

Tom

PS, the outfit cost less then the Loomis rod.

16 minutes ago, Eddie101 said:

Thank you for your input! Any issue with hang-ups or snags? Perfect timing

 

Which model of Dobyns do you use?

I think snags are inevitable with a big treble hook, but it hasn't been too bad. I'll catch rocks occasionally if I'm near a drop off or something and depths change quickly. 

 

I use a Champion SB 795. Think it's rated 1-5oz, if I remember right. 

Spoons are easy to jiggle loose when snagged.

Tom

45 minutes ago, WRB said:

Dobyns FR795SB for 2 1/2 oz flutter spoons using Shimano Cardiff 300 series reel Sunlne Armillo 25 lb line. This combo works for several lures in the 1-3 oz weight range.

Tom

PS, the outfit cost less then the Loomis rod.

Does FR795SB have 20.5 inch handle? They offer another 795 w/17.5 inch handle, and wonder if one is more suitable than the other. Also, is it just good for Summer/Fall seasons?

3 hours ago, Eddie101 said:

Does FR795SB have 20.5 inch handle? They offer another 795 w/17.5 inch handle, and wonder if one is more suitable than the other. Also, is it just good for Summer/Fall seasons?

Depends how you define "handle length". TW list the FR795SB as 20.5" handle length, includes fore grip to butt end. Big flutter spoons work whenever bass are targeting big bait fish like Gizzard Shad.

Tom

I don't that big of a spoon, but I do a lot of vertical spoon and jig fishing. Mostly for Striper and Hybrid Stripers. I use a MH 5'10 Megabass Jig Special for that. For vertical jigging you don't really have to worry about the weight ratings too much. To me the important thing is that is short and relatively stout with a short handle.

My vertical structure 1/2-1 oz spoon rod for LMB is the opposite. Loomis PR745C popping rod with very light moderate action to prevent tearing treble hooks near the boat. 5 power backbone with 3 power tip.

Flutter spoons are different, you cast them a long distance, count them down and rip retreive with big rod lifts and let flutter down, repeating the cadence. The rod needs to be able to cast a long distance yet not rip out treble hooks.

Tom

20 minutes ago, WRB said:

Depends how you define "handle length". TW list the FR795SB as 20.5" handle length, includes fore grip to butt end. Big flutter spoons work whenever bass are targeting big bait fish like Gizzard Shad.

Tom

Tom, I did a bit of research just now, and noticed someone complaining about the lack of tip strength of a FR795 rod. He says, although FR795 is rated for 2-5 oz lures, FR705 model could only muster 2.5 or less. Do you think 796 might be a better option for 6" spoons that weigh as much as 5 oz? Have you tried 796 or do you think it's overkill?

FR 795SB sweet spot is 2 1/2 oz lures. If you go with a fast action rod you risk tearing out treble hooks.

Per TW, both of those rods have fast action though. Hmm......I'm clueless once again

I use the R2S James Watson spoon a lot. I mostly pitch it in dock stalls and under walkways. The thing actually falls away from you and flutters back under the dock and walkway ect. Also comes with a stinger hook.

 I'm sure a 795 would work. I use a old Daiwa light and tough flippin stick. it's got a soft tip and enough power to pull them out of the boat lifts. I usually cut the swivel off any spoon, I think the fish like to see 'em spin.

I use 20lb. mono and cut it back 25 ft. or so every day.

5 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

I use the R2S James Watson spoon a lot. I mostly pitch it in dock stalls and under walkways. The thing actually falls away from you and flutters back under the dock and walkway ect. Also comes with a stinger hook.

 I'm sure a 795 would work. I use a old Daiwa light and tough flippin stick. it's got a soft tip and enough power to pull them out of the boat lifts. I usually cut the swivel off any spoon, I think the fish like to see 'em spin.

I use 20lb. mono and cut it back 25 ft. or so every day.

Thank you for your input. Do you tie the line directly to a spoon? Wouldn't that destroy your line?

 

As long as you're within the lure weight range, your rod doesn't care what lure you're casting,

The only thing I'd be concerned with is handle length,

one long enough to rest under your forearm (So you can work for hours without fatigue).  

 

Nothing new about spooning (aka Jigging). The Lake Fork flutter spoon is a reincarnation

of the Hopkins Spoon, which was popular before I was born.

 

Roger

1 hour ago, Eddie101 said:

Thank you for your input. Do you tie the line directly to a spoon? Wouldn't that destroy your line?

Yes, I cut the line back a couple times a day and respool every 2 or 3 days.

21 hours ago, Eddie101 said:

Thank you for your input! Any issue with hang-ups or snags? Perfect timing

 

Which model of Dobyns do you use?

I fish some really woody water and I was slow to try spoons much because of that.  But it turns out that spoons are heavy enough to sort of act as built in plug-knocker -  they can be worked off of snagged wood much better than a lot of other lures

10 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I fish some really woody water and I was slow to try spoons much because of that.  But it turns out that spoons are heavy enough to sort of act as built in plug-knocker -  they can be worked off of snagged wood much better than a lot of other lures

Where do you fish at?

Swimbait rod power and action are different from standard bass rods. Fast SB rod isn't your typical fast action it's is more moderate similar to crankbait rods. Dobyns rods tend to be more casting friendly loading up more of the rod  length then some other brands.

Irod IRG783SB rod in the 1 to 4 oz rating is another good choice, little shorter handle.

Tom

2 hours ago, RoLo said:

 

 

 

Nothing new about spooning (aka Jigging). The Lake Fork flutter spoon is a reincarnation

of the Hopkins Spoon, which was popular before I was born.

 

Roger

Now, that sounds REALLY OLD! LOL

11 minutes ago, WRB said:

Swimbait rod power and action are different from standard bass rods. Fast SB rod isn't your typical fast action it's is more moderate similar to crankbait rods. Dobyns rods tend to be more casting friendly loading up more of the rod  length then some other brands.

Irod IRG783SB rod in the 1 to 4 oz rating is another good choice, little shorter handle.

Tom

I see. I've never even heard of that brand Irod before so I'm learning something new again! So, I guess 796 is out, and I need to make a choice between either Dobyns 795 or possibly Irod.

 

I just found out all Dobyns are made in Korea, and I hope that's not a bad thing. 

Or, you just buy a few Dixie Jet 1/2 oz. flutter spoons and a few slab spoons and fish them on any 7ft or so MH rod.

The spoon deal is pretty much a suspended fish, dock deal. If you don't have a boat and some decent electronics I wouldn't invest in a rod strictly for big spoons.

1 hour ago, rangerjockey said:

Or, you just buy a few Dixie Jet 1/2 oz. flutter spoons and a few slab spoons and fish them on any 7ft or so MH rod.

The spoon deal is pretty much a suspended fish, dock deal. If you don't have a boat and some decent electronics I wouldn't invest in a rod strictly for big spoons.

I just bought a Twin Troller, and I'm planning on doing some spooning very soon. 

 

'Spooning' isn't a year-round technique like worming or plugging, but a more selective technique.

Like any lure, flutter spoons work year-round, but shine the best during late summer and fall.

 

The largest, laziest game-fish will often setup beneath a feeding school of youngsters.

The toads are there to mop-up disoriented baitfish that have been injured by younger bass

higher in the water column. Speaking for myself, I'll only choose a flutter spoon

when I'm over a wad of baitfish (Usually under working birds).

 

Roger