First Impressions of Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon
The Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon is a classic lure that has been a staple in tackle boxes for decades. Acme has built a reputation on producing effective, reliable fishing lures, and the Little Cleo is a prime example of their commitment. This particular size and weight is versatile, applicable to a wide variety of species and fishing conditions.
I was looking for a lure that could effectively target trout and salmon in fast-moving rivers. I needed something that could get down to the fish quickly and maintain a consistent action, even in strong currents. The Little Cleo’s reputation for its seductive wobble and ability to cast long distances made it an obvious choice.
Upon unboxing, the Acme Little Cleo immediately impressed me with its solid construction. The finish was vibrant and reflective, and the hardware felt sturdy and dependable. The weight felt perfectly balanced for its size, suggesting it would indeed cast well.
Compared to other spoons I’ve used, like the Kastmaster or Krocodile spoons, the Little Cleo has a distinctly different action. The Kastmaster is known for its erratic, darting motion, while the Krocodile provides a wider, more exaggerated wobble. I picked the Acme Little Cleo hoping for a subtler, more natural presentation that would entice wary fish.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon appeared to be a well-made lure with a lot of potential, and I was excited to see how it would perform on the water. Its classic design hinted at a proven track record, and I anticipated a successful fishing experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Acme Little Cleo on the Deschutes River in Oregon, a known hotspot for trout and salmon. The river was running high and fast, presenting a challenging environment for any lure. I used a spinning setup with 8-pound test line.
The spoon performed admirably in the conditions. It casted like a bullet, allowing me to reach deep pools and runs that I couldn’t effectively target with lighter lures. The sinking action allowed me to get the lure down quickly, and I was able to maintain contact with the bottom even in the strong current.
Using it was intuitive. I simply casted upstream and allowed the lure to sink, then retrieved it with a slow, steady retrieve. The wobble was consistent and enticing, and I immediately felt confident that it would attract fish. There were no unexpected snags or issues.
After a couple of hours of fishing, I landed a beautiful 16-inch rainbow trout. The fish hit the lure hard, and the hook held firm. The success on the first outing was very encouraging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Acme Little Cleo has proven to be a reliable and effective lure. The finish has held up surprisingly well, despite being dragged across rocks and gravel. There are some minor scratches, but the lure still retains its reflective quality.
The spoon has shown no signs of structural weakness or failure. The hardware remains solid, and the hook is still sharp. I’ve caught multiple fish with the same lure, and it continues to perform as well as it did on the first day.
Maintaining the lure is simple. I rinse it off with fresh water after each use and occasionally sharpen the hook. I expect this lure to last for many seasons with proper care. It outperforms most of the cheaper spoons I’ve used in the past in terms of durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon
Specifications
The Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon has a length of 2.125 inches (2 1/8 inches) and weighs 2/3 of an ounce. The Acme lure is designed to sink quickly. The Acme Little Cleo is crafted from durable metal with a reflective finish and features a single, strong treble hook.
These specifications are crucial for its effectiveness in various fishing situations. The size and weight allow for long casts and effective use in fast-moving water, helping it to sink fast. The reflective finish attracts fish from a distance, and the strong treble hook ensures secure hooksets.
Performance & Functionality
The Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon excels at attracting fish with its enticing wobble and flash. It is effective in both rivers and lakes, targeting a wide variety of species. It is reliable in various conditions and simple to use.
The spoon’s strengths lie in its ability to cast long distances, sink quickly, and maintain a consistent action. The only area for improvement might be offering it with a single inline hook for catch-and-release fishing, although the stock treble hook is high-quality. The Acme Little Cleo more than meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Acme Little Cleo is excellent. The materials are durable, and the finish is well-applied. Its weight is perfectly balanced.
The lure is incredibly user-friendly. There is no learning curve; simply tie it on and start fishing. The spoon’s shape and weight contribute to its excellent casting ability and consistent action.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Acme Little Cleo should last for many seasons. The durable metal construction and quality hardware ensure its longevity. Maintenance is simple.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Some anglers choose to replace the stock treble hook with a different size or style, or add a split ring for increased action. The spoon is compatible with most standard split rings and hooks.
Pros and Cons of Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon
Pros
- The Acme Little Cleo casts like a bullet, even in windy conditions.
- Its seductive wobble is irresistible to trout, salmon, and other predatory fish.
- The durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- It is easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.
- The Acme Little Cleo can be used in both rivers and lakes.
Cons
- The stock treble hook can sometimes snag on rocks or weeds.
- The finish, while durable, can be scratched over time with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon?
The Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon is perfect for anglers targeting trout, salmon, and other predatory fish in rivers and lakes. It’s especially well-suited for those fishing in fast-moving water. It would also be a great purchase for any beginner angler.
This lure might not be the best choice for anglers who primarily fish in heavily weeded areas due to the treble hook’s tendency to snag. Anglers targeting very small fish might also find the 2/3oz size to be too large. A must-have modification for catch-and-release anglers would be switching to a single inline hook.
Conclusion on Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon
The Acme Little Cleo 2 1/8in 2/3oz Sinking Spoon is a classic lure that has earned its place in tackle boxes for good reason. Its effective design, durable construction, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for anglers of all skill levels. The value is definitely justified.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Acme Little Cleo to anyone looking for a reliable and effective lure for trout, salmon, or other predatory fish. Add this lure to your tackle box and prepare to catch some fish!