Since last week I talked about the Krocodile, I thought this week I should share my take on its young cousin as I like to think of it, the Phoebe. The Phoebe, by Acme Tackle, is another spoon and shares a lot of the same versatility and variations that the Krocodile does. However, it is typically smaller. Phoebe’s that I have seen and used come in three sizes; the first is about the same size as the average Krocodile, the second is just a hair smaller and the third is about half that size. One difference in particular is their defining minnow shape. Rather than being a plain spoon with an overall oval shape, they are cut to look like small minnows, fins and all, while still holding that 2 dimensional flat spoon trait. Another thing worth pointing out is that while Krocodiles come in mostly silver and gold, Phoebes come in a standard shiny bronze color. They also appear more often than not to have a more dramatic curve in their spine than do Krocodiles.

Here’s the big question though: Do they catch fish? My short and confident answer is yes. I recommend having at least two if not three in your quick box just as a good backup if nothing else. Phoebes are great for throwing in smaller creeks and ponds, but I’ve had just as much success in larger lakes as well. Their treble hook tail fin normally comes nice and sharp and sometimes the difference in size is just the thing you need when casting for less hog-like fish. I’d even to say that the unique shiny bronze color can sometimes play a role in getting a fish to bite. As inexpensive as they are, Phoebes are a must for anyone in need of a basic spoon. You ought to be able to find them at any bait and tackle store and/or the sporting goods section of your local superstore.

Keep in mind these are slightly hefty spoons, so when casting make sure to keep them off the bottom and away from structures. They also flip and spin in the water as you reel, so remember to tie that swivel about 3 feet up to keep your line from twisting up on you. You can use them in open water or fast and shallow currents, which makes this a versatile lure for both lake and river fishermen. I’ve gotten hits from bass as well as trout and even panfish on this lure, but I’ve been told by some local guides that the Phoebe is one of those lures on the short list of you are fishing for river bass. Try it out for yourself, and if you have any success I’d love to hear about it.

*If you have any luck with the lure of the week, feel free to email your pictures to events@riverreporter.com for an opportunity to share them on our website. If you have a favorite kind of lure we haven’t reviewed yet, feel free to send that lure to our office at PO box 150 Narrowsburg, NY 12764. We will add it to our weekly reviews and share the results. Check back each week on Mondays to see the new lure of the week!