7 Best Spoons for Walleye Kids 2026

The Northland Thumper Spoon is a game-changer for ice anglers chasing walleye, especially in tough, bite-scarce conditions. Its ultra-thin stamped brass body and micro flicker blade generate a lifelike flutter on the fall that mimics a dying minnow—this isn’t just wobble, it’s finesse in motion. Designed with input from pro staff and tested in brutal winter environments, it delivers flash, vibration, and erratic movement that triggers reaction strikes even from lethargic fish. For parents teaching kids how to jig, this lure’s consistent action removes guesswork and keeps lines tight when fish are finicky.

In real-world ice fishing tests, the 1/4 oz Thumper Spoon dives quickly through holes and maintains stability in current, making it ideal for deep-water walleye setups. The strategically bent profile creates a side-to-side shimmy on the drop, while the flutter blade adds a high-frequency buzz that cuts through stained water and low-light scenarios. Whether you’re dead-sticking with a tip-up or actively jigging, it performs flawlessly—no line twist, no snagging, just reliable action. That said, its slender build can be prone to bending if mishandled on rough ice or stepped on, so care is needed during transport.

Compared to bulkier spoons like the LURESMEOW model, the Thumper sacrifices raw durability for unmatched sensitivity and realism—perfect for picky walleye but less suited for rocky drop-offs. It outshines the basic Eye Ball Spoon in action and versatility, though the latter wins for sheer simplicity with young anglers. Ideal for serious ice campaigns and family fishing trips, the Thumper offers pro-level performance in a compact package. It delivers more dynamic underwater behavior than budget spoons, making it a top-tier choice where presentation matters most.

When safety and simplicity are priorities—especially with kids learning to fish—the 12-piece zinc alloy spoon set stands out with its single-hook design, minimizing injury risk without sacrificing catch rates. These spoons aren’t just safer—they’re smartly engineered with a deep concave shape that catches water aggressively, creating a wide wobble and intense flash that mimics an injured baitfish. The high-carbon steel hook is sharp enough to set on light bites, yet easy to remove, reducing stress on both fish and young anglers during release. For parents seeking a no-fuss, high-success lure for pond days or family walleye trips, this pack hits the mark.

In testing, these spoons performed reliably across lakes, rivers, and even light saltwater surf casting. The 12-piece variety lets kids experiment with colors—gold for sunny days, darker hues for murky water—teaching them about fish behavior through trial and fun. Retrieval is straightforward: a simple twitch-pause technique brings instant results, and the reduced line twist means fewer tangles, a major win for beginners still mastering reel control. While they don’t dive as deep as heavier models like the LURESMEOW spoons, their lightweight agility makes them perfect for shallow jigging and kids’ casting range.

Against the THKFISH or Ray OutKaster models, this set offers more value through quantity and safety, though it lacks flashy branding or premium finishes. It doesn’t compete with the Northland Thumper in finesse, but it beats it in child-friendly design and versatility. Best for starter kits, school programs, or youth camps, this pack balances function, safety, and fun. It provides a smarter, safer first step into angling than treble-hooked alternatives, especially when teaching hook handling and catch-and-release ethics.

Lightweight, colorful, and built for tiny hands, the Ray OutKaster Slammer Spoon is a standout for introducing kids to casting—its 2.5g copper body flies far even with short, weak throws, making it ideal for young anglers building confidence. The Calipoppy finish pops underwater with vibrant contrast, drawing strikes from walleye and panfish alike, while the field-tested California design ensures it swims true right out of the pack. With no complicated rigging or balance issues, it’s a true plug-and-play lure that keeps kids engaged when attention spans are short.

On the water, this spoon shines in shallow, calm environments—ponds, creek mouths, and protected shorelines—where its moderate flutter and flash attract curious fish without overwhelming them. The copper construction resists corrosion, and while it won’t punch through wind like heavier 5g models, its low inertia makes it easy to control with ultralight rods. Kids love the color variety, and parents appreciate that it lands softly, reducing snags in weedy zones. However, its minimal weight limits depth penetration, so it’s not ideal for deep winter jigging or strong currents.

Compared to the Northland Eye Ball Spoon, the Slammer offers better casting performance and more visual appeal, though it lacks the latter’s fish-imitating eye detail that can trigger instinctive bites. It’s lighter than the 5g THKFISH spoons, making it easier for small arms to manage, but not as versatile for older kids transitioning to serious fishing. Perfect for ages 5–10, it bridges the gap between toy lures and real gear. It may not dive deep, but it maximizes fun and early success—a crucial edge when turning “I’m bored” into “I caught one!”.

If you’re ice fishing with kids, the Northland Eye Ball Spoon is a no-brainer—its realistic baitfish graphics and prominent eye print tap into walleye’s predatory instincts, triggering strikes even when fish are inactive. At just 1/8 oz, it’s light enough for kids to jig comfortably all day, yet balanced to flutter naturally on the fall, mimicking a vulnerable minnow. The simple design means fewer parts to lose or break, and the quality hardware holds up to repeated lifts through the ice. For parents, this spoon is a teachable tool—it encourages patience, teaches rhythm, and rewards with consistent bites.

In actual use, the Eye Ball Spoon excels in shallow to mid-depth ice holes, especially in clear water where its lifelike appearance stands out. Kids stay focused because they can see the lure through the ice, turning fishing into a visual game. It works with basic up-down jigging—no advanced techniques needed—making it perfect for first-time anglers. While it doesn’t have the extra flash of a blade-equipped Thumper, its natural profile reduces spooking in pressured lakes. That said, its light weight means it struggles in windy conditions or strong currents, and it won’t reach the depths where larger walleye often hold.

Compared to the Thumper Spoon, it trades action for simplicity—fewer moving parts, less complexity, more focus on visual attraction. It’s not as versatile across species or water types, but it’s unbeatable for kid engagement. While the Ray OutKaster casts better, this one dominates in ice-specific usability and realism. Ideal for family ice-out trips or youth fishing derbies, it turns a cold day into a memorable experience. It may not have the flashiest tech, but it delivers maximum kid appeal with minimal effort.

For anglers who want maximum value without cutting corners, the THKFISH 5-piece spoon set delivers with mirror-bright finishes, aerodynamic precision, and proven fish-attracting action at a wallet-friendly cost. These 3.5g spoons slice through the air with ease, achieving longer casts than bulkier models—perfect for getting beyond the shore clutter where walleye cruise. The UV-enhanced surfaces amplify visibility in low light, while the balanced wobble—wide on slow retrieves, erratic when cranked—keeps predators guessing. Whether you’re teaching a child to cast or covering water solo, these spoons make every throw count.

Field-tested across lakes and rivers, they perform exceptionally well in trolling and open-water jigging, maintaining stability without line twist—a rare win in budget lures. The five-color variety lets kids and adults alike adapt to changing conditions, from bright sun to overcast skies. Their non-corroding build stands up to repeated use, and the sharp hook geometry ensures solid hookups on soft-mouthed fish like trout and crappie. That said, the plastic storage box feels flimsy, and the 3.5g weight limits deep-water effectiveness, especially in current or ice fishing scenarios.

Against the Northland Thumper, it lacks the flutter blade and finesse, but it outperforms it in casting range and affordability. Compared to the Ray OutKaster, it’s slightly heavier and less kid-focused, but more versatile for growing anglers. Best for budget-conscious families and entry-level walleye hunters, it strikes a rare balance between performance and price. It doesn’t have the pro pedigree of Northland, but it punches above its weight in real-world fish-catching ability.

Built for anglers who demand longevity and power, the LURESMEOW 21g spoons are heavy hitters—designed to cut wind, dive deep, and survive brutal strikes from musky or big walleye. At 0.74 oz, these are the biggest spoons in the lineup, making them ideal for parents casting beyond kids’ range or targeting deep-dwelling fish in large lakes. The rear-weighted design enhances casting distance, while the electroplated finish resists chipping even after repeated rocks or ice contact—this is a spoon that looks new after months of abuse. For families fishing from boats or shorewalls, it offers serious reach and ruggedness.

In action, these spoons create a bold, flashing profile that cuts through murky water and triggers reaction strikes from aggressive predators. The streamlined silhouette ensures a tight wobble, not a wild spin, making it ideal for steady retrieves or slow trolling. It’s particularly effective in deep jigging or offshore walleye hunts, where depth and durability matter. However, its heft makes it overkill for kids—small hands struggle to control the cast, and the weight can fatigue young arms quickly. It’s also over-specified for ice fishing, where finesse beats force.

Compared to the Northland Thumper, it trades flutter for brute strength—better for open water, worse for delicate ice presentations. Against the THKFISH model, it’s far more durable but less accessible for beginners. Best suited for adult-led trips or older teens, it fills a niche the others don’t. While not a kid-first tool, it’s the go-to when conditions turn tough and you need a spoon that won’t quit. It offers superior build and depth performance, making it a long-term investment over flash-in-the-pan lures.

With a legacy rooted in time-tested simplicity, these 5g brass spoons are the ultimate starter lure for kids learning the rhythm of fishing—no fancy reels, no complex techniques, just cast, retrieve, and watch. The solid brass construction with electroplated gloss ensures the finish lasts season after season, reflecting light like a real minnow even after repeated pike strikes. Its balanced 1/6 oz weight makes it easy to cast with light rods, while the ultra-sharp single hook improves hookup rates on tentative walleye bites—perfect for teaching timing and sensitivity. When the fish aren’t biting, this spoon often turns the tide.

On the water, it performs reliably across fresh and salt environments, from lake shores to rocky coastlines. The fluttering spoon action—achieved by twitching and pausing—is easy for kids to master and highly effective for mimicking injured prey. It works well with spinning gear and basic reels, making it a staple in beginner tackle boxes. While it lacks the flashy extras like blades or glow paint, its no-nonsense design builds confidence through consistency. That said, it doesn’t dive as deep as heavier models, and the 4-piece count limits color options compared to larger packs.

Against the THKFISH or 12pc zinc set, it offers better material quality but fewer variety and safety features. It’s simpler than the Northland Thumper but more versatile across water types. Ideal for first-time anglers and family shore trips, it embodies the “less is more” philosophy. It may not have the bells and whistles, but it delivers proven fish-catching reliability with a rugged, timeless build.