How to Make Your Own Ice Jigging Spoon

Jigging spoons are concave fishing lures that derive their shape from kitchen spoons. A jigging spoon uses a treble hook that trails behind the lure as it slides and flips through the water. For ice fishing, the spoon needs modifications to accommodate the wintery angling environment. Long, slender spoons are the norm for ice spoons. In addition, the jigging motion is vertical versus horizontal, making it necessary for hook placement on the bottom of the lure.

Things You'll Need

  • Spoon blank (optional)
  • Vise grips
  • Power drill with metal bits
  • Swivel
  • Treble hook
  • Acrylic paints (optional)
  • Model paintbrushes (optional)
  • Long serving spoon or tablespoon
  • Hacksaw and file
  • Towel
  • Mallet
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Instructions

  1. Spoon Blank Method

    • 1

      Grip a spoon blank (available at tackle supply stores) in vise grips. Mark two dots with a marker, one on each end of the spoon approximately 1/2 inch in from the ends.

    • 2

      Drill out holes at the marked dots using the power drill and a 1/4-inch metal bit. Wipe off the metal shavings.

    • 3

      Insert the swivel in one end and the treble hook into the other. Use the swivel to attach the fishing line.

    • 4

      Grip the opposite side of the spoon with another pair of vise grips and give the spoon a 1/4- to 1/2-inch twist. This gives the spoon the jigging motion in the water.

    • 5

      Paint the lure to your desired specs using acrylic paint and model paintbrushes.

    Household Spoon Method

    • 6

      Place the serving spoon or tablespoon into a bench vise and saw off the handle. Use the file to smooth out the sawed end. Remove the spoon and grip it in vise grips. Cover the spoon with a towel and pound it flat with the mallet if you want a flatter style spoon jig.

    • 7

      Mark dots on each end, approximately 1/2 inch from the ends. Drill them out with the drill and a 1/4-inch bit.

    • 8

      Attach a swivel and treble hook into the holes.

    • 9

      Grip and twist the spoon with two pairs of vise grips. Do not twist more than 1/2 twist of the concave portion of the spoon.

    • 10

      Paint the lure if desired.