Thomas Buoyant Lures work wonderfully in mountain lakes and streams. The 1/6 and 1/4 ounce spoons are the hard to find Gold / Red metal version with the black, red & yellow accents and hammered finish that mimics the look and light flash of real scales. This color pattern is a proven best performer and best seller for stream trout fishing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Foothills of California. It works season after season in that region. An excellent choice in areas where live bait is not permitted.
We stock a variety of sizes. The 1/6 and 1/4 ounce are featured in most of the images. All have the Gold Red colors, with painted black, reed and yellow dots. The 1/6 and 1/4 ounce have the hard to find hammered finish that is idea for small, medium and large trout. While the 1/6 ounce is most popular, we found it beneficial to have a blend of sizes to account for different conditions such as wind, water flow, depth and even clarity. The 1/6 ounce can be difficult to cast in a stiff breeze, a good time to have the 1/4 ounce model handy.
The heavier models lack the hammered finish and are designed for larger fish such as salmon, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Muskie, Walleye and even bass. The heavy models have gill etchings and scale lines etched in on both sides. The larger 1/2 and 5/8 ounce models cast farther and drop deep faster. Heavy models tend to reflect more light and while trolling drawing fish upward (good for deep lakes).
Choose your mix of sizes/weights :
* 1/6 Ounce (1.50 inch spoon, 2.25" total length with hooks)
* 1/4 Ounce (1.75 inch spoon, 2.50" total length with hooks)
* 1/2 Ounce
* 5/8 Ounce (3.50 inch spoon, 4.75" total length with hooks)
Update July 2010 We took a 1/6 ounce Thomas Buoyant and our backpack pen fishing rod to a stream near Lake Aloha, in California's Desolation Wilderness. Fished in mid morning, full sunny sky, light breezes, gently moving mountain stream. In under 2 hours - caught and released 17 Brook Trout (kept 2 for dinner). We had even more bumps, and follows - fish loved this lure and never got wary of it. - check out the video:
Also works elsewhere for Lake Trout, Salmon, Walleye, Pike & Bass.
There are a whole bunch of Thomas Buoyant Color Schemes out there but this Gold Red color scheme seems to be the best pattern - year after year. This is a very effective lure during mid day when the fish are holding down deep.
This spoon is an erratic action wobbler that imitates the darting motion of a frantic baitfish and minnows. The metal is hammered (surface similar to a golf ball) which causes it to reflect light like fish scales. The action combined with the colors and flashing finish - trick even the wariest of trout, and many other types of gamefish, into striking.
This lures are best paired with 4 - 6 lb test line and any of our lightweight pack rods or Pen Fishing setups. We recommend attachment of the lure to the line with a plain Duolock snap (sold in sidebar) or a loop knot. Do not use a swivel clip, as that will diminsh the famous darting action.
For Best Results:Stream or River Fishing - Cast slightly or directly upstream and allow the lure to flutter towards the bottom. Retrieve with the current keeping the lure near the bottom. A stop and go retrieve works well (simulating injured prey). Be ready when the lure makes its swing - coming cross current and upstream as this is when many strikes occur.
River pools and Lakes - Cast lure and allow to sink to desired depth. At mid day fish will hold down deeper than dawn or dusk. Retrieve at a speed which gives the lure proper "action". Try twitching the rod tip occasionally to to give the lure some liveliness. The lure also works well in top water and downrigger trolling.
Tip 1: A moderately slow retrieve speed is important for the lure to achieve proper action.
Tip 2: A good rule of thumb is to buy lures in pairs. When a lure is working, your fishing parter will beg to borrow (or buy) whatever you are using - be ready !
