Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit Review

First Impressions of the Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit

The Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit promises a treasure trove of lures for targeting panfish, those delightful scrappers that make for excellent light tackle fun and even better table fare. Knowing Leland’s reputation for producing affordable, yet effective, fishing gear, I was eager to see if this kit lived up to the “magnet” moniker. My first impression was of a compact, well-organized collection of baits ready to entice bluegill, crappie, perch, and more.

Panfishing had become a recent passion after years of chasing larger game fish, and I needed a versatile set of lures to experiment with different presentations and techniques. The appeal of the Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit lay in its all-in-one approach, promising a diverse arsenal of options without breaking the bank.

Upon unboxing, the kit revealed a vibrant assortment of jigs, tubes, grubs, and small crankbaits, neatly arranged in a clear plastic tackle box. The colors were eye-catching, and the variety suggested the ability to match any water condition or panfish preference. While the plastic box felt somewhat lightweight, the lures themselves seemed reasonably well-made for the price point.

I considered similar kits from other manufacturers, such as the Bass Pro Shops Crappie/Panfish Assortment and the Eagle Claw Crappie Kit. However, the Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit stood out due to its larger quantity of lures and the inclusion of some unique designs I hadn’t seen elsewhere, all at a very competitive price.

My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The sheer number of lures was impressive, sparking ideas for various fishing scenarios. I was eager to hit the water and see if these little magnets could indeed attract some panfish magic.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit was a local lake known for its abundant bluegill and crappie populations. The conditions were typical for a late spring afternoon: partly cloudy, with a slight breeze and water clarity ranging from stained to moderately clear. I focused on fishing around submerged brush piles and docks, prime panfish holding areas.

The variety within the kit allowed me to experiment with different presentations, from jigging small tubes under a bobber to casting tiny crankbaits along weed lines. The smaller jigs and grubs proved particularly effective for tempting bluegill, while the tubes and crankbaits seemed to entice the more finicky crappie. I immediately appreciated the kit’s ability to adapt to various fish preferences and water conditions.

The only minor issue I encountered was with a few of the smaller jigheads. The hooks bent slightly under pressure when snagged on submerged timber. Despite this, the overall performance was impressive, and I landed a respectable number of bluegill and crappie during my first outing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit has proven to be a reliable and versatile addition to my tackle collection. The lures have held up reasonably well, with minimal signs of wear and tear, even after repeated use. I have primarily targeted bluegill and crappie in freshwater lakes and ponds.

The paint finishes on some of the crankbaits have chipped slightly after colliding with rocks and submerged structures. However, this is to be expected with any lure that sees regular action. The hooks, while not the strongest on the market, have maintained their sharpness and haven’t experienced any significant corrosion.

Maintenance is simple; rinsing the lures with fresh water after each use prevents rust and prolongs their lifespan. I have found that storing the kit in a cool, dry place also helps to prevent any deterioration of the plastic lures. The kit has outperformed similar, more expensive, assortments I’ve used in the past. It consistently produces fish in a variety of conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit

Specifications

The Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit is an assortment of panfish lures designed to attract various species, including bluegill, crappie, perch, and sunfish. The kit includes a variety of jigheads, soft plastic grubs, tubes, and small crankbaits. It is housed in a compact, clear plastic tackle box for easy organization and transport.

The kit contains various sizes and colors of lures. The jigheads range from 1/32 oz to 1/16 oz, ideal for light tackle presentations. The soft plastic grubs and tubes are typically 1-2 inches in length, perfectly sized for panfish. The small crankbaits are approximately 1-1.5 inches long and designed to mimic small baitfish. These specifications are critical for panfishing, where finesse and precise lure presentation are key.

Performance & Functionality

The Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit performs admirably, providing anglers with a diverse range of options for targeting panfish in various conditions. The variety of lure types, sizes, and colors allows anglers to adapt to different water clarity, fish preferences, and fishing techniques. The kit’s strengths lie in its versatility and the ability to quickly switch between presentations to find what works best.

While most lures perform well, a few of the smaller crankbaits exhibit limited action at slower retrieval speeds. The jigheads, though generally reliable, could benefit from slightly stronger hooks to prevent bending when snagged on heavier cover. The kit exceeds expectations for its price point, offering a level of performance and versatility typically found in more expensive lure assortments.

Design & Ergonomics

The Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit features a user-friendly design, with lures neatly organized in a clear plastic tackle box. The compact size of the box makes it easy to transport and store, fitting comfortably in a tackle bag or backpack. The lures themselves are designed with realistic profiles and vibrant colors to attract panfish.

The lures are easy to rig and use, requiring minimal experience. The jigheads are compatible with most standard fishing line and knots. The kit presents a minor learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with different lure types. The kit’s overall build quality is satisfactory for its price point.

Durability & Maintenance

The Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit is designed for reasonable durability, providing anglers with lures that can withstand repeated use. The soft plastic lures are resistant to tearing and cracking, while the crankbaits feature durable paint finishes that resist chipping. The hooks on the jigheads are prone to bending under extreme pressure.

The lures are relatively easy to maintain. A simple rinse with fresh water after each use prevents rust and corrosion. Replacing bent hooks is a straightforward process that can extend the lifespan of the jigheads. The kit is expected to last several seasons with proper care and maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit comes as a complete package, with no additional accessories required. While the kit itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, anglers can easily swap out the included hooks with stronger aftermarket versions for increased durability. The kit is compatible with various brands of fishing line, bobbers, and swivels, allowing anglers to fine-tune their presentations.

Anglers can also add small attractants, such as scent gels or sprays, to the lures to further entice panfish. The kit’s versatility allows for a wide range of customization options, making it a valuable tool for anglers of all skill levels.

Pros and Cons of Leland 85 Piece Panfish Magnet Kit