First Impressions of Panther Martin Spotted Fly
The Panther Martin Spotted Fly spinner is a classic lure, renowned for its ability to attract fish in various conditions. Panther Martin has built a reputation on quality and effectiveness, and the Spotted Fly aims to continue that legacy. I was initially drawn to this lure because of its simplicity and proven track record. Its promise of being an “ideally suited item” piqued my interest, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
My usual go-to spinnerbaits felt too bulky for some of the smaller, clearer streams I frequent. I needed something subtle and effective for trout and panfish in these more delicate environments. Other spinners I’d tried lacked the enticing action I was looking for, often just dragging lifelessly through the water.
Unboxing the Panther Martin Spotted Fly revealed a compact, well-made lure. The components felt sturdy, and the paint job was clean and vibrant. It weighed almost nothing in my hand, immediately suggesting it would be perfect for light tackle and finesse presentations.
Compared to larger spinnerbaits from brands like Strike King or buzzbaits from Z-Man, the Panther Martin Spotted Fly is significantly smaller and lighter. It’s more akin to a Mepps Aglia in size and design but boasts the unique convex/concave blade design that Panther Martin is known for. I chose it over a standard Mepps because I was looking for something with a bit more flash and vibration, hoping to trigger strikes in pressured fish.
My first impression was positive and hopeful. The size, weight, and design suggested it would be effective in the specific conditions I had in mind. I was excited to put it to the test and see if it could outfish my other go-to lures.
Real-World Testing: Putting Panther Martin Spotted Fly to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Panther Martin Spotted Fly on a small, clear mountain stream known for its wary brown trout. The water was low and clear, requiring a stealthy approach and subtle presentations. I paired the spinner with a lightweight spinning rod and 4-pound test line.
The Spotted Fly performed admirably in these conditions. Its light weight allowed for long, accurate casts, and the blade started spinning immediately upon entering the water. The yellow-on-yellow color combination proved highly visible, even in the dappled sunlight. I noticed that the lure maintained its action even at very slow retrieve speeds, a critical factor in the slow-moving water. I quickly landed several small brown trout and a couple of feisty creek chubs, validating my initial impression of its effectiveness.
I encountered no immediate issues. The hook was sharp and held firmly, and the spinner showed no signs of corrosion after a couple of hours in the water.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Panther Martin Spotted Fly has become a staple in my tackle box. It consistently produces fish, particularly in clear water and low-light conditions. The paint has held up reasonably well, with only minor chips and scratches from encounters with rocks and submerged logs.
The lure has proven to be surprisingly durable. The wire frame hasn’t bent or deformed despite being snagged on several occasions. The swivel remains smooth, ensuring consistent blade rotation. Cleaning is simple: just a quick rinse with fresh water after each use.
Compared to other inline spinners I’ve used, the Panther Martin Spotted Fly stands out due to its consistent action and durable construction. It outperforms cheaper spinners in terms of both fish-catching ability and longevity. It’s become one of my most reliable lures for targeting trout and panfish in streams and small lakes.
Breaking Down the Features of Panther Martin Spotted Fly
Specifications
- The Panther Martin Spotted Fly is an inline spinner designed to imitate a small insect or baitfish. Panther Martin is the manufacturer.
- It features a convex/concave blade that is designed to spin easily and create significant flash and vibration. The specific color is Yellow/Yellow.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The blade design ensures the lure is effective at a variety of retrieve speeds. The yellow color is known to be highly visible to fish in clear water.
Performance & Functionality
The Panther Martin Spotted Fly excels at attracting fish in clear water and situations where a subtle presentation is required. Its ability to spin at slow speeds is a major advantage, allowing anglers to maintain action even when fishing slow-moving water or pressured fish.
The lure’s main strength is its consistent action and ability to trigger strikes from wary fish. One potential weakness is its light weight, which can make it difficult to cast accurately in windy conditions. Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations for a small inline spinner.
Design & Ergonomics
The Panther Martin Spotted Fly is well-built, with quality components and a durable finish. Its light weight and compact size make it comfortable to use for extended periods.
The lure is user-friendly, requiring no special techniques or adjustments. Simply cast it out and retrieve it at a steady pace.
Durability & Maintenance
The Panther Martin Spotted Fly is constructed from durable materials and is designed to withstand repeated use. With proper care, it should last for several seasons.
Maintenance is simple: rinse with fresh water after each use and occasionally lubricate the swivel. Replacement hooks are readily available if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Panther Martin Spotted Fly comes ready to fish right out of the package. There are no included accessories.
The lure can be customized to some extent by replacing the hook with a different size or style, or by adding a small trailer. However, given its simplicity, extensive customization is not typically necessary.
Pros and Cons of Panther Martin Spotted Fly
Pros
- Excellent action at slow speeds. This allows anglers to effectively fish slow-moving water and pressured fish.
- Highly visible yellow color. The yellow color is particularly effective in clear water conditions.
- Durable construction. The lure is built to last, with quality components and a resilient finish.
- Easy to use. The lure is simple to cast and retrieve, making it suitable for anglers of all skill levels.
- Versatile. Can be used for a variety of species, including trout, panfish, and bass.
Cons
- Light weight. Can be difficult to cast accurately in windy conditions.
- Limited customization options. The lure’s simple design limits the extent to which it can be customized.
Who Should Buy Panther Martin Spotted Fly?
The Panther Martin Spotted Fly is perfect for anglers targeting trout and panfish in clear streams, small lakes, and ponds. It’s also well-suited for those who prefer a subtle presentation and need a lure that performs well at slow speeds. This lure is ideal for beginner anglers.
Anglers who primarily fish in murky water or prefer larger, more aggressive lures may want to skip this product. Those who require extensive customization options might also find it limiting.
A must-have accessory for this lure is a high-quality snap swivel to prevent line twist.
Conclusion on Panther Martin Spotted Fly
The Panther Martin Spotted Fly is a highly effective and durable lure that delivers consistent results in clear water environments. Its simple design, combined with its ability to spin at slow speeds, makes it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
The price of $3.49 is more than justified, given the lure’s performance and longevity. It offers excellent value for the money.
I would highly recommend the Panther Martin Spotted Fly to anyone looking for a reliable and effective spinner for trout and panfish. Add one to your tackle box and experience the Panther Martin difference!