Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig Review

First Impressions of Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig

The Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig enters a crowded market of fishing jigs, but it promises something specific: the ability to effectively fish heavy cover. Coming from Northland Fishing Tackle, a brand known for its innovative approach to catching fish, this jig boasts a heavy-duty hook and dual wire weed guards designed to crash through submerged vegetation. At a price point of $6.49, it seemed like a solid deal.

As a seasoned angler, I’ve lost countless jigs to thick cabbage weeds and tangled brush, leading me to constantly search for a better weedless jig. The promise of a jig that could truly “crush” through heavy cover was immediately appealing.

Upon receiving the Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig, my first impression was positive. The jig felt solid in my hand, and the heavy Gamakatsu hook was noticeably robust. The dual titanium wire weed guards also appeared substantial enough to deflect most snags. Compared to my usual bass jigs which are often bulky and less refined, the Cabbage Crusher looked ready for some serious action. I was definitely eager to get it out on the water.

I’ve used other weedless jigs before, like the Strike King KVD Weedless Wonder and the Terminator Pro Series Jig, but the Cabbage Crusher stood out because of its heavy-duty hook. The other two were good but lacked the strength needed for big fish in heavy cover. I chose the Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig due to its robust construction and focus on heavy cover performance.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The jig certainly looked the part, but the real test would be how it performed against real vegetation and aggressive fish. I was excited to see if the Cabbage Crusher could live up to its name.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig at Lake Minnetonka, a renowned bass fishing spot with plenty of thick cabbage weeds and submerged timber. I used it around the shallower, weedier bays known to hold largemouth bass.

The conditions were typical for a summer afternoon: warm water, a slight breeze, and partly cloudy skies. The water clarity was moderate, allowing for visibility of a few feet. The jig performed well, indeed crashing through the weeds as promised.

The Cabbage Crusher Jig was surprisingly easy to use, even with its heavy-duty components. The 60-degree tie eye made it easy to maintain a good connection with my line. After a few casts, I quickly got a feel for how to work it through the weeds without snagging. My first fish was a solid three-pounder that I pulled straight out of heavy cover.

Initially, the only problem was the color fading somewhat after bouncing it off rocks. This didn’t seem to deter the fish, though.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig has proven to be a reliable and durable lure. It has held up remarkably well, even after countless casts into the thickest cover.

There is some minor paint chipping on the jig head, but the hook remains sharp, and the weed guards are still intact and effective. The only maintenance I’ve performed is rinsing the jig with fresh water after each use. The performance has been excellent. It has outperformed some more expensive jigs I’ve used in the past.

Breaking Down the Features of Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig

Specifications

The Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig is designed with specific features to excel in heavy cover. It is a jig head designed for freshwater fishing.

Key specifications include a heavy 60 bend Gamakatsu hook, dual titanium wire weed guards, and a single pipe fitting bait keeper. Only one jig is included per package. The Gamakatsu hook ensures solid hooksets. The dual weed guards deflect vegetation without sacrificing hooking power. The bait keeper secures trailers effectively.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the jig’s ability to penetrate cover, hook fish, and retain a trailer. The heavy hook provides the necessary power to drive the hook home on a big fish. The weed guards prevent snagging, and the bait keeper extends the life of the trailer.

Performance & Functionality

The Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig performs exceptionally well in its intended environment. It truly lives up to its name, “crushing” through cabbage weeds and other submerged vegetation with ease.

The jig’s strengths lie in its weedless capabilities, hook-setting power, and trailer retention. The titanium weed guards effectively deflect snags. The Gamakatsu hook penetrates quickly and holds firmly. The bait keeper keeps trailers secure, even after repeated casts and strikes. A small area of improvement would be a more durable paint job on the jig head. It definitely meets my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig is both functional and practical. The jig head is streamlined to slip through cover.

The weight is well-balanced, allowing for accurate casts and a natural presentation. It feels comfortable and confident in hand and is easy to tie on. There is no real learning curve involved in mastering its use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig is built to last. The high-quality components and robust construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of heavy cover fishing.

With proper care (rinsing after each use), the jig should last for many seasons. No special tools or skills are required for maintenance or repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig is designed to be versatile and customizable. It features a single wire keeper, making it perfect for adding a skirt and/or soft plastic baits.

Popular trailer options include crawfish imitations, creature baits, and swimbaits. The jig is compatible with most standard jig skirts and soft plastic trailers from brands like Zoom, Strike King, and Berkley.

Pros and Cons of Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig?

The Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig is perfect for anglers who frequently fish in heavy cover, such as cabbage weeds, submerged timber, and brush piles. It’s also ideal for bass anglers targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass in vegetation-rich environments. Pro anglers and weekend warriors alike can benefit from its weedless performance and reliable hooksets.

This product might not be the best choice for anglers who primarily fish open water or clear, snag-free areas. Other jig styles might be more suitable for those situations.

Must-have accessories include a selection of soft plastic trailers (craws, creatures, swimbaits) and a quality braided line for added sensitivity and hook-setting power.

Conclusion on Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig

The Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig is a well-designed and highly effective lure for fishing heavy cover. Its robust construction, weedless design, and strong hooksets make it a standout performer in its class.

At a price of $6.49, the value proposition is excellent. The Cabbage Crusher Jig delivers performance and durability that rivals more expensive options.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Northland Fishing Tackle Cabbage Crusher Jig to any angler looking for a reliable and effective weedless jig. It’s a must-have for tackling the thickest cover and landing those big bass. So go ahead, grab a few Cabbage Crusher Jigs, hit the water, and start crushing some cabbage!