"This is prime time for tumbling baits," he said, with tumbling baits being vertical-ish spoons that fish as much side to side as they do up and down. A customary lead jigging spoon drops down and jigs up, fluttering to some extent, but doesn't reach out and make a commotion. Brosdahl stipulates that a spoon kicks to the left, sometimes to the right.

Brosdahl's new favorite tumbler is the Lindy Flyer Spoon (www.lindylittlejoe.com), a reformatted version of the original Flyer that stands vertical on axis but engages in interpretive dance when sent falling. The Williams Warbler, Dartee and Bay de Noc Vingla perform in similar fashion.

The jigging motion consists of an abrupt snap of the rod followed by a loose-line freefall, with the motion covering at least half the water column in 10 feet of water and less, and 3 or more feet in deeper situations. The goal is to emulate multiple minnows in a state of distress. Consequently, Brosdahl is partial to silver and gold patterns with shiny scales, and if it isn't completely metallic, it will be at least accented with some glint. Plan B calls for wicked fluorescents and glow, like fire-tiger with phosphorescent intonations.

Baiting the spoon isn't scientific, either. The severed head of whatever the local bait shop sells will do. It's more about the spoon than the flavor.

Treat yourself to some fresh filets this winter by passing on the old familiar crappie and walleye spots that look like a circus. The perch are in town, too, but only you know where!