Best Jigging Spoons for Ice Fishing (2024)
Ice fishing lures need to be visible in low-light winter conditions, appealing to fish with reduced metabolism, and durable enough to work in subfreezing temperatures. Jigging spoons fit all these requirements and have a decades-long track record of producing fish through ice. For CT anglers who get the rare opportunity to fish ice on Bantam Lake or East Twin, these spoons are the standard starting selection.
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Bay de Noc Swedish Pimple
The classic universal ice fishing spoonThe Swedish Pimple is the iconic ice fishing spoon — a simple, tapered metal spoon that produces a irresistible wobbling action on the fall. The basic technique is to lift the spoon 12–18 inches and let it free-fall — the spoon flutters and flashes on the drop, then hangs still. Most strikes come on the pause after the fall. Available in 1/8 oz to 1 oz sizes — smaller for perch and small bass, larger for pike. Gold in dark/stained water, silver in clear water.
Acme Kastmaster 1/4 oz
Best dual-purpose ice/open water spoonThe Kastmaster is primarily an open-water casting spoon that also performs well through ice. The dense, balanced design reaches depth quickly and provides good flash on the retrieve. Through ice, it works particularly well for bass and perch in the 15–25 foot range common in CT lakes. The 1/4 oz size is the CT ice fishing standard — enough weight to reach depth without being overly large for typical prey.
Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon
Best for attracting fish from distanceWinter perch are often dispersed widely and need to be attracted to your hole. The Buckshot Rattle Spoon's tungsten rattles create vibration that perch detect with their lateral line from significant distances. Once perch school under the hole (check with a sonar flasher), switch to quieter, more subtle presentations for finicky biters. For the initial search and attract phase of CT ice perch fishing, the Buckshot Rattle is extremely effective.
Buying Guide
**Ice Fishing Jigging Technique Guide**
**The Basic Jig** Lift the rod 12–18 inches at a steady pace, then let the lure free-fall on a slack line. The free-fall is when the lure produces its most natural action — the flash of a swimming baitfish. The fish strikes on the pause as the lure hangs still after the fall.
**Reading Your Sonar** A flasher (Vexilar, Humminbird Ice) shows real-time depth display. Your lure appears as a blip on the screen. Fish appear as additional blips. When fish marks appear: Hold your lure just above the fish depth and jig slowly. When fish marks don't appear: Active larger jigging motions to call fish from distance.
**Triggering Reluctant Fish** Sometimes fish follow but don't strike. Trigger moves: - Speed up to trigger a chase response - Slow down to match lethargic cold-water metabolism - Switch lures (different size or profile) - Add live bait (wax worm, small minnow) - Dead-stick — hold the lure absolutely still for 30+ seconds
**Bait Addition** Many ice fishing spoons produce better results when tipped with a small piece of bait that adds scent and movement. Wax worms: Easy to carry, effective for perch and panfish Small minnow or minnow head: Attractive to larger fish including bass and pike Mealworms: Longer-lasting than wax worms in cold conditions
**CT Ice Fishing Season Note** Connecticut ice fishing opportunities are increasingly irregular with warming winters. Check conditions thoroughly before any trip, use the safety minimums in our ice fishing safety guide, and always fish with a partner.
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