This comprehensive review dives deep into the Northland Thumper spoon, a highly versatile ice fishing lure renowned for its effectiveness across various fishing conditions. We'll explore its unique design features, including its durable brass construction, enticing flicker blade, and vibrant color options, all contributing to its ability to attract a wide range of fish species. The review will cover optimal jigging techniques for both shallow and deeper waters, maximizing the Thumper spoon's captivating action and ensuring you get the most out of this popular lure.We'll analyze the effectiveness of different color choices, highlighting how bright and subtle options can be strategically employed depending on water clarity and fish behavior. Furthermore, this review will compare the Thumper spoon to other Northland offerings, such as the Tungsten Buckshot and Slim Spoon, providing a well-rounded perspective on the entire product line and helping you choose the best lure for your specific ice fishing needs. Get ready to master the art of ice fishing with the Northland Thumper spoon!
Pros And Cons
- Super heavy, gets down quickly
- Brass rattle
- Loud noise
- Available in three sizes (1/8, 1/4, 3/8 oz)
- Works in most locations
- Works great in many situations, especially shallows
- Flicker blade draws fish in
- Tumbles widely
- Available in 12 colors
- Super strong brass stamped lure
- Amazing action
- Catches perch, walleye, and crappies
- Available in multiple sizes (1/16th, 3/16th, 1/4 oz)
- Maximum movement in short distances in shallow water
- Great search bait
- Takes longer to get down in deeper water
- Fast falling
- Bright colors
- Catches crappies, perch, and walleye in deeper water
- Works well in Lake of the Woods
Read more: 5 Killer Spinnerbait Fishing Lures You Need
The Northland Thumper Spoon: An Overview
The Northland Thumper spoon is a unique ice fishing lure designed for optimal performance in various fishing situations. Its brass stamped construction ensures durability, even when battling larger fish. The distinctive flicker blade attracts fish with its enticing movement, mimicking the behavior of baitfish.
This spoon features a wide, tumbling action that covers a significant area. It's available in twelve vibrant colors to suit different water conditions and fish preferences. The added eyeball and flicker tail enhance its appeal, making it a highly effective lure for a range of species.
Its versatile design makes it suitable for both shallow and deeper waters, although its action is most effective in shallower areas. The Thumper spoon is available in several sizes (1/16th, 3/16th, and 1/4 oz), allowing anglers to select the ideal size for their target species and fishing conditions.
Fishing Techniques and Tactics
For shallow water fishing (less than 20 feet), the Thumper spoon can be jigged effectively, even when only halfway down the water column. This technique enhances its action and attracts nearby fish.

In deeper water (20-30 feet), a more aggressive approach is recommended. The technique involves a sharp rip of the rod, followed by allowing the spoon to fall, creating a longer, more enticing drop. This attracts fish from a longer distance.

The key is to combine aggressive jigging with slow, controlled drops to maximize the lure's movement and attract the attention of fish from afar. This creates a highly visible and alluring presentation, particularly beneficial in clearer water conditions.
Color Selection and Effectiveness
The Thumper spoon comes in a wide variety of colors designed to match various water conditions and fish preferences. These range from subtle, natural colors to bright, attention-grabbing options.

Bright colors like Wonderbread or Pink Tiger are especially effective in attracting fish from a distance. These create a highly visible flash that mimics baitfish movement and stimulates feeding responses in fish.
The integrated spinner blade adds another layer of attraction, creating noise and flash that further entices fish. The combination of color and movement makes this spoon exceptionally effective in clear water situations.
Northland's Other Ice Fishing Spoons
In addition to the Thumper spoon, Northland offers two other spoons – the Tungsten Buckshot and the Slim Spoon. These options provide versatility for targeting various species and water depths.
The Tungsten Buckshot is a heavy, fast-sinking spoon with a brass rattle for attracting fish in deeper waters. Its weight allows for quick descents to reach fish in deeper areas efficiently.
The Slim Spoon is a lightweight choice, ideal for shallower waters or when a faster fall is needed. It is available in a variety of bright colors for attracting fish from further away. These three spoons cover a vast range of ice fishing conditions and target species
Conclusion: Is the Thumper Spoon Worth It?
The Northland Thumper spoon is a highly versatile and effective ice fishing lure. Its unique design, combined with a wide range of colors and sizes, makes it suitable for various situations and target species.
The combination of its tumbling action, flashy spinner blade, and multiple color choices provides anglers with a lure that is designed to attract and catch fish effectively. The durability and effectiveness make it a worthwhile investment for ice fishermen.
While the other spoons from Northland, the Tungsten Buckshot and Slim Spoon, also offer great features, the Thumper spoon stands out for its versatility in shallow water and its unique attracting qualities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific fishing style and targeted species, but the Thumper spoon is a solid choice for any ice angler.