Think Gold

There’s gold in them thar bays,” spoken as a play on words of Yosemite Sam’s famous cartoon quote. In the case of winter and early spring saltwater fishing, it means tie on gold-hued lures and hit the motherlode of inshore species.

Gold baits have a long and storied history with inshore anglers. In fact, gold is the defacto color for many guides and seasoned anglers from winter into spring; specifically, metallic gold, as in saltwater strong spoons and spinnerbaits. Keep these styles of lures at the ready and you’ll be properly invested for the cool-water months.

Spoons are the eldest and simplest to fish, and have never lost their luster with fish. So, dispatch with any preconceived notions that chunking a spoon means being a neophyte or ignorant to the wealth of progressive baits on the market. Spoons are a smart and foolproof option.    

Outwardly, most spoons are clones of one another. Improve your odds of retrieving by using the right weedless spoon and snap your rod, causing the lure to abruptly surge. That delivers added flash. Let the spoon settle for a second or two on a slack line. The spoon will cradle rock downward, fluttering, simulating an injured and highly tempting baitfish. Attach a snap to the end of your line to maximize action and minimize line twist.