First Impressions of VMC Hover Jig Kit
As a seasoned angler, I’m always on the lookout for innovative tackle that can give me an edge on the water. The VMC Hover Jig Kit caught my eye with its promise of a unique presentation and versatile application. Coming from VMC, a brand known for its quality hooks, I was intrigued by the square jig head design and the inclusion of buzzbait-style hooks and split shot weights. This seemed like a compact kit ready to adapt to diverse fishing scenarios.
I was battling finicky bass in shallow, pressured waters and needed a subtle presentation that wouldn’t spook them. Many jigs are bulky or drop too quickly, alarming wary fish. My hope was that the VMC Hover Jig Kit would allow me to keep my bait suspended in the strike zone for longer, enticing those reluctant biters.
Upon unboxing the VMC Hover Jig Kit, my initial thought was that it was surprisingly compact. The jig heads felt solid, and the hooks were undeniably sharp – a hallmark of VMC. I liked the assortment of colors included, and the addition of the buzzbait-style hooks gave me confidence in the kit’s versatility.
Compared to other finesse jig kits I’ve used, like those from Strike King or Z-Man, the VMC Hover Jig Kit stood out due to its unique head shape and bonus components. I chose this kit specifically for its “hovering” action and the potential to create customized presentations. I was excited to see if it lived up to its name.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to get the VMC Hover Jig Kit on the water and see if its innovative design translated into more fish in the boat. I hoped it would be a game-changer for finesse fishing.
Real-World Testing: Putting VMC Hover Jig Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the VMC Hover Jig Kit on a local reservoir known for its clear water and pressured bass population. I focused on shallow weed lines and submerged timber, areas where bass often hold. I rigged the jigs with various soft plastic trailers, experimenting with different colors and profiles.
The jigs performed well in these conditions. The square head design did seem to help keep the bait elevated off the bottom, creating a more natural presentation. I tested it in both calm and slightly windy conditions, and the hover action was consistent.
Using the kit was straightforward. I spent very little time setting it up. The included split shot weights allowed me to fine-tune the presentation based on depth and current.
After the first day, I was impressed by the jig’s versatility. However, I did notice that the paint on the jig heads chipped relatively easily after bouncing off rocks.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the VMC Hover Jig Kit has proven to be a valuable addition to my tackle arsenal. It excels in clear water conditions and situations where a subtle presentation is key. I consistently caught bass using this kit in areas where other lures failed to produce bites.
The durability of the hooks is excellent, as expected from VMC. The hooks remained sharp even after repeated use. However, the paint on the jig heads continues to chip with use.
Maintaining the kit is simple. I rinse the jigs with fresh water after each use to prevent rust. The hooks have held up well to saltwater exposure, though I mostly use this kit for freshwater fishing.
The VMC Hover Jig Kit outperforms other finesse jigs in situations where a subtle, hovering presentation is needed. I find it particularly effective when targeting suspended fish. It has met my expectations for a finesse jig kit, but the chipping paint is a slight disappointment.
Breaking Down the Features of VMC Hover Jig Kit
Specifications
The VMC Hover Jig Kit includes several components designed to create a versatile and effective finesse fishing system. The kit includes jig heads, VMC buzzbait-style hooks, and split shot weights. All are designed to work together for optimal performance.
The jig heads feature a unique square shape, designed to help the bait “hover” above the bottom. The included hooks are size 2. The kit also includes assorted colored jig heads and split shot weights for adjusting the bait’s sink rate.
The significance of these specifications lies in their ability to create a natural and enticing presentation. The hovering action mimics injured prey, enticing strikes from wary fish. The hook size is ideal for smaller soft plastic trailers, common in finesse fishing.
Performance & Functionality
The VMC Hover Jig Kit performs its job admirably, especially in clear water and pressured fishing conditions. It provides a subtle and natural presentation that triggers bites from fish that are otherwise uninterested in more aggressive lures. The ability to adjust the sink rate with the split shot weights allows for precise control over the bait’s action.
The kit’s strengths lie in its versatility and effectiveness in finesse fishing situations. Its weakness is the durability of the paint on the jig heads. It meets expectations, providing a reliable and effective finesse fishing option.
Design & Ergonomics
The jig heads are well-designed, with a balanced weight distribution that contributes to the hovering action. The included VMC hooks are sharp and strong, ensuring solid hooksets. The kit is compact and easy to store, making it convenient to carry in a tackle bag or box.
The VMC Hover Jig Kit is user-friendly. There is minimal learning curve. The ability to quickly change jig heads and add or remove split shot weights makes it easy to adapt to changing fishing conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The hooks are durable and resistant to bending or breaking, even when used around heavy cover. The paint on the jig heads, however, is prone to chipping, which can detract from the lure’s appearance over time. With proper care, the VMC Hover Jig Kit should last for multiple fishing seasons.
Maintenance is straightforward; simply rinse the jigs with fresh water after each use and store them in a dry place to prevent rust. Replacing the jig heads may be necessary if the paint becomes excessively chipped.
Accessories and Customization Options
The VMC Hover Jig Kit includes buzzbait-style hooks, which can be used to create a surface presentation. The split shot weights offer further customization options. These can be used to adjust the sink rate and action of the jig.
The VMC Hover Jig Kit is compatible with a wide range of soft plastic trailers from various brands. Anglers can experiment with different colors, shapes, and sizes to create customized presentations that match local conditions and target specific species. The versatility of the kit is a major selling point.
Pros and Cons of VMC Hover Jig Kit
Pros
- Effective Hovering Action: The square head design creates a natural, enticing presentation that keeps the bait suspended in the strike zone.
- Versatile Application: The kit can be used in a variety of fishing conditions and with different soft plastic trailers.
- Sharp VMC Hooks: The included VMC hooks are exceptionally sharp and strong, ensuring solid hooksets.
- Customizable Presentation: Split shot weights allow anglers to fine-tune the sink rate and action of the jig.
- Compact and Portable: The kit is small and easy to carry in a tackle bag or box.
Cons
- Paint Chipping: The paint on the jig heads is prone to chipping after contact with rocks and other underwater structure.
- Limited Hook Size: The kit only includes size 2 hooks, which may not be ideal for larger soft plastic trailers or bigger fish.
Who Should Buy VMC Hover Jig Kit?
The VMC Hover Jig Kit is perfect for: finesse anglers, bass fishermen, anglers fishing in clear water, anglers targeting pressured fish, and anglers looking for a versatile and customizable jig system.
Who should skip this product? Anglers who primarily fish in murky water where presentation is less critical or anglers who prefer larger hooks and heavier lures.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A selection of high-quality soft plastic trailers in various colors and sizes to match local conditions. A small tackle box to keep the kit organized and easily accessible.
Conclusion on VMC Hover Jig Kit
The VMC Hover Jig Kit is a well-designed and versatile finesse fishing system that offers a unique presentation and customizable action. Its effectiveness in clear water and pressured fishing conditions makes it a valuable tool for any angler’s arsenal. The exceptional sharpness of the included VMC hooks ensures solid hooksets, and the compact size makes it easy to carry and store.
The price of $16.49 is justified by the kit’s performance, versatility, and quality components. While the paint chipping on the jig heads is a minor drawback, it does not detract significantly from the overall value.
I would personally recommend the VMC Hover Jig Kit to any angler looking to improve their finesse fishing game. It’s an effective and reliable system that will help you catch more fish in challenging conditions. Get your VMC Hover Jig Kit today and experience the difference a subtle, hovering presentation can make! This versatile and value-packed kit is a must-have for any serious angler.