Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig Review

First Impressions of Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig

The Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig isn’t your typical flashy lure; it’s a pragmatic tool designed for one purpose: landing toothy predators. As an angler with over a decade of experience chasing walleye, pike, and musky, I’ve seen countless rigs come and go, often failing when it matters most. This single-wire rig from Northland Fishing Tackle caught my eye because of its simplicity, its focus on durability, and the promise of tackling those hard-fighting fish.

I needed a reliable rig for presenting dead or live bait effectively without sacrificing strength. Many rigs I’ve used in the past, especially cheaper multi-strand options, have failed me either through fraying or outright breakage when battling larger fish.

Upon unboxing (or rather, unclipping it from the card), the Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig felt robust. The Surflon Stainless Steel wire, though a single strand, is surprisingly strong and has a reassuring stiffness to it. The Baitfish-Image Attractor Blade is a nice touch, adding a bit of flash, and the razor sharp blood red treble hook looks ready to set deep.

Compared to some of my existing rigs, like multi-strand leaders with snap swivels, this Northland rig feels less prone to failure points. I’ve also used pre-made rigs with larger, heavier hardware, which can sometimes spook finicky fish; this rig strikes a good balance between strength and subtlety. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic, eager to see if it could hold up to the abuse dished out by northern pike and hefty walleye.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig on a late fall walleye trip to Lake of the Woods. The water was cold, hovering just above freezing, and the wind was whipping, making for challenging conditions. I rigged it up with a large shiner minnow, hooking it horizontally as recommended, and slow-trolled it along a rocky breakline.

The rig performed admirably. The single wire transmitted the vibrations of the blade and the action of the bait incredibly well. I felt confident in the rig’s ability to withstand a strike even in those demanding conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig has proven to be a reliable component of my fishing arsenal. I’ve caught numerous walleye, several northern pike, and even a surprise lake trout on it. The rig shows minimal signs of wear and tear.

The Surflon Stainless Steel wire has held up well to repeated bending and flexing without kinking or fraying, and the blood red treble hook remains impressively sharp. Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each trip is all it takes to prevent corrosion. It definitely outperforms some of the cheaper multi-strand rigs I’ve used in the past, which often require replacement after only a few outings.

Breaking Down the Features of Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig

Specifications

The Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig is designed for targeting predatory fish with live or dead bait.

• It features 7 inches of 36-pound-test Surflon stainless steel wire, offering excellent strength and bite resistance. This length is ideal for presenting bait naturally while preventing bite-offs from toothy fish.
• The rig includes a size 6 treble hook, which is sharp and provides excellent hook-up ratios when fish strike. This hook size is versatile enough to handle a variety of bait sizes and species.
• A Baitfish-Image Attractor Blade is incorporated to add flash and vibration, attracting fish from a distance. The blade enhances the rig’s visibility, particularly in murky water.
• The rig weighs approximately 0.01 oz, making it lightweight and allowing for natural bait presentation. This minimal weight helps avoid spooking cautious fish.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the rig’s effectiveness in catching predatory fish. The 36-pound test wire gives the angler confidence when battling larger fish, while the attractor blade and sharp treble hook increase the chances of a successful hookset.

Performance & Functionality

The Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig excels at presenting live or dead bait in a natural and enticing manner. Its simple design minimizes resistance in the water, allowing the bait to move freely and attract predatory fish. The rig’s strength and durability ensure that it can withstand the abuse dished out by hard-fighting species like pike, walleye, and lake trout.

One minor weakness is that the crimps, as noted by the manufacturer, can sometimes be suspect, requiring reinforcement. Overall, it more than meets expectations, providing a reliable and effective presentation for predatory fish.

Design & Ergonomics

The Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig is a no-frills design focused on functionality. The Surflon Stainless Steel wire provides a good balance between stiffness and flexibility, allowing for natural bait presentation. While it’s not the most visually stunning rig on the market, its simplicity is its strength.

There’s no real learning curve; simply attach your bait and you’re ready to fish. The lightweight design ensures it doesn’t impede the natural movement of the bait.

Durability & Maintenance

The Surflon Stainless Steel construction of the Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig provides excellent durability. It’s designed to withstand the sharp teeth of predatory fish and the harsh conditions often encountered while fishing. With proper care, a single rig should last for multiple fishing trips.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick rinse with fresh water after each use is sufficient to remove any debris or salt that could cause corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig comes as a complete unit ready to be used. However, you can customize it to some extent by adding different sizes or colors of attractor blades. You can also replace the treble hook with a different size or style to suit your specific fishing needs.

The rig is compatible with a wide variety of live and dead bait options, allowing for versatility in targeting different species. You can also add a small barrel swivel above the rig to further reduce line twist.

Pros and Cons of Northland Fishing Tackle 7in Single Wire Pred Rig