Ben Parker Flutter Spoon Modifications and Tricks
The Ben Parker Magnum Flutter Spoon made a big splash in recent tournaments and has since been gaining momentum around the country. Amazingly, many fishermen that were previously afraid to throw big baits have latched on to the spoon without issue. Like all flutter-style spoons the Ben Parker spoon has a seductive fall that lures bass into biting. Where it differs from the pack is its amazing size, virtually identical to the profile of an 8" Huddleston Swimbait.
I couldn't be more excited to see a new genre of lure bridging the gap between big bait fishing and tournament fishing. These two categories of bass fishing have been at opposite ends of the spectrum for too long! The magnum spoon is a great way for anglers in different parts of the country to build confidence and begin branching in to bigger baits.
The key to success with this (and all other) spoons is to make some simple modifications that will put the odds in your favor.
First and foremost, never trust the stock hook on a spoon. Very few companies produce a spoon with a quality hook. The Ben Parker is a stout hook but if you intend to use it I recommend sharpening it before making the first cast.
Second, always add a second hook. While it may seem like a strange addition letting a treble slide up and down the line above your spoon it will make sense the first time you get a bite. Adding a stinger treble hook increases the ratio of bites to hook ups dramatically. It takes a little getting used to but after a few casts you'll be a pro at making sure the spoon and stinger treble are working together by the time the spoon reaches bottom. By using a sliding treble the bait will fall away from the fish during the fight, leaving you a direct connection to the bass without 3 ounces of metal flapping around, pulling the hook out of the fish's mouth.
The Ben Parker Spoon is big but its a great addition to any arsenal. If you've seen success with a flutter spoon in the past don't be afraid to branch out, go big, and find the bigger bass that have been lurking on your favorite ledge all along! Don't forget to modify that bait before you hit the water and you will see a huge increase in your success!