First Impressions of Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit
The Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit promises a comprehensive solution for crappie anglers, packed with an assortment of lures designed to entice even the most finicky fish. At a price point of $14.95, it presents an intriguing option for both novice and experienced fishermen looking to expand their arsenal without breaking the bank. Is it a tackle box treasure, or just another set of lures destined to collect dust?
My own crappie fishing started in my teens, wading the banks of the slow-moving rivers in the south. The challenge wasn’t just finding the fish, but presenting something they wanted. I needed a kit that offered variety in color and presentation, something I could adapt to changing water conditions and crappie moods.
Upon opening the kit, I was immediately struck by the sheer number of pieces. The assortment of colors and styles was impressive for the price, ranging from solid brights to subtle, natural hues. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism.
While I haven’t used a similar kit specifically, I’ve spent countless hours with individual crappie jigs and soft plastics from Leland and other manufacturers. This Leland kit piqued my interest because it offered a curated selection at an extremely accessible price. I picked this Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit over other options, such as building my own kit piece by piece, due to the value proposition and convenience.
Frankly, I was surprised by how much Leland packed into such an affordable kit. It felt like a good starting point, though I reserved judgment until I could see how the lures performed in the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit on a local lake known for its healthy crappie population. The weather was overcast with a slight chop on the water – conditions that often make crappie a bit more active. I focused my efforts around submerged timber and brush piles, typical crappie haunts.
The lures were relatively easy to rig, and I quickly started experimenting with different colors and jigging techniques. Initially, I tried a bright chartreuse color, but after no bites, I switched to a more natural green pumpkin hue. That proved to be the ticket, and I started getting consistent strikes.
The only real issue I encountered was the small size of some of the jigheads. They were a bit light for the depth I was fishing, making it difficult to maintain contact with the lure. I had to add split shot weight to compensate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit, I have a much better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The lures themselves have held up surprisingly well to repeated use, with only minor tears and scratches. The colors haven’t faded significantly, and the plastic remains pliable.
I’ve noticed some of the jigheads starting to show signs of rust, particularly the ones I used in slightly brackish water. A quick rinse after use seems to mitigate this, but it’s something to be aware of. Maintenance is straightforward: rinsing the lures and jigheads after each trip.
Compared to my experience with individual, higher-end crappie lures, the Leland kit performs admirably. While the individual pieces might not be quite as refined, the overall value and versatility are undeniable. It’s a fantastic option for anglers who want to experiment with different presentations without committing to expensive, specialized lures.
Breaking Down the Features of Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit
Specifications
The Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit is an assortment of crappie fishing lures designed to attract crappie in various conditions.
- Quantity: 96 pieces, providing a diverse selection.
- Lure Types: Includes a variety of soft plastic bodies and jigheads. This caters to different fishing styles and preferences.
- Color Assortment: Multiple colors are included, from bright, eye-catching shades to natural, subtle tones. This allows anglers to adapt to water clarity and crappie behavior.
- Jighead Weights: The kit includes assorted jighead weights, though the specific range isn’t detailed. The lighter jigheads are best for shallow water or slow presentations, while heavier ones can be used in deeper water or with faster retrieves.
- Target Species: Primarily designed for crappie, but may also attract other panfish. Its versatility increases the value for multi-species anglers.
These specifications matter because they offer anglers a complete crappie fishing solution in one package. The diverse color and style options allow for adaptability on the water, increasing the chances of success regardless of conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit performs well in attracting crappie, especially when anglers are willing to experiment with different lure presentations. The soft plastic bodies have a good action in the water, and the variety of colors allows you to match the hatch or find what the fish are biting on that day. The kit excels in versatility and the options available to anglers.
The main weakness is the jighead weight selection. The lighter weights included may not be suitable for all fishing situations, requiring anglers to supplement with additional weights or heavier jigheads. It would benefit from a broader range of jighead weights.
Overall, the kit meets expectations for its price point. It’s not a collection of premium lures, but it provides a solid foundation for crappie fishing and a good starting point for beginners.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit is decent, considering the price. The soft plastic bodies are reasonably durable and have a lifelike feel. The jigheads are functional, though the hooks could be sharper.
The kit is user-friendly, with no real learning curve. Anglers can easily rig the lures and start fishing right away. This is especially beneficial for new anglers that would otherwise struggle.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the lures in the Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit should last for a reasonable amount of time. The soft plastic bodies will eventually wear out with repeated use, but they are easily replaced. As mentioned, the jigheads may require some extra care to prevent rust.
Maintaining the kit is simple: just rinse the lures and jigheads after each use and store them in a dry place. Taking this simple step adds to the longevity of the lures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit does not come with any additional accessories beyond the lures and jigheads themselves. However, anglers can easily customize the lures by adding scent attractants or using different jighead styles.
The kit is compatible with most standard crappie fishing tackle, such as light action rods, reels, and line. It offers a solid base for all anglers.
Pros and Cons of Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit
Pros
- Variety of Lures: The kit provides a wide selection of colors and styles, allowing anglers to adapt to different fishing conditions.
- Affordable Price: At $14.95, the kit offers excellent value for the money.
- Beginner-Friendly: The kit is easy to use and requires no specialized knowledge or skills.
- Good Starting Point: It’s a perfect way to build a basic crappie fishing tackle box.
- Versatile: Can be used in various water conditions and depths.
Cons
- Jighead Weight Selection: Limited range of jighead weights may require additional purchases.
- Hook Quality: The hooks on the jigheads could be sharper.
- Rust Potential: Jigheads may be susceptible to rust if not properly maintained.
Who Should Buy Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit?
Perfect for: Beginner crappie anglers looking to build their tackle box, experienced anglers who want a versatile backup kit, and anyone who fishes for crappie in a variety of conditions.
Who should skip this product? Anglers who only fish in deep water or heavy current, those who prefer using only premium-quality lures, and anglers looking for specialized presentations.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A selection of heavier jigheads, a hook sharpener, and scent attractant.
Conclusion on Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit
The Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit is a solid and versatile option for crappie anglers of all skill levels. It offers a diverse selection of lures at an incredibly affordable price, making it an excellent value for the money. While the jighead weight selection and hook quality could be improved, these are minor drawbacks that are easily addressed.
The price is more than justified given the quantity and variety of lures included. You’re getting a ton of options for a very small investment.
I would personally recommend the Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit to anyone looking to get started in crappie fishing or expand their lure collection without breaking the bank.
So, grab a Leland 96 Piece Crappie Magnet Kit, hit the water, and get ready to catch some crappie! You might be surprised at how effective this little kit can be.