First Impressions of Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon
The Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon isn’t just another piece of metal thrown in the tackle box; it’s a meticulously designed lure from Northland Fishing Tackle built to ignite strikes. It boasts a noisy brass Buck-Shot Rattle and a highly reflective holographic Baitfish-Image body, promising to call fish from a wide radius, making it an intriguing weapon for any angler targeting perch, walleye, bass, trout, or pike.
Years of experience on the water have taught me that effective fishing often boils down to attracting attention, so the promise of sound and flash immediately piqued my interest. My go-to jigging spoons were losing their luster, failing to entice finicky walleye in murky waters, which spurred me to find something that would cut through the low visibility.
The Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon arrived in a simple blister pack, allowing me to immediately assess its build quality and design. The holographic finish was striking, shimmering even under dim light, and the integrated rattle felt secure and ready to make some noise. Its compact size and sharp hook were also immediately reassuring, hinting at a lure designed for precision and effectiveness.
Compared to other jigging spoons I’ve used, like the Acme Kastmaster and the Swedish Pimple, the Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon stood out due to its combination of visual and auditory attraction. While the Kastmaster boasts excellent casting distance and the Swedish Pimple has a classic, reliable design, neither offers the same level of integrated noise and holographic flash as the Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon. I picked this particular spoon hoping the blend of UV reflectivity and rattle would give me an edge on pressured fish.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. It seemed like a thoughtfully designed lure, but the real test would be on the water – could it live up to the hype and consistently trigger strikes?
Real-World Testing: Putting Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon on a notoriously challenging walleye lake known for its murky waters and pressured fish. I targeted depths between 15 and 25 feet, jigging vertically from my boat, experimenting with different retrieves from aggressive lifts to subtle twitches.
The spoon performed admirably, even in the challenging conditions. The rattle seemed to cut through the murky water, and I observed several instances where fish would suddenly appear on my sonar directly beneath the spoon, indicating the lure was attracting attention. I landed three decent walleye on that initial outing, a testament to its effectiveness, especially considering how finicky those fish usually are.
The Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon was incredibly easy to use, even for someone accustomed to more traditional spoons. The weight felt balanced, allowing for precise jigging action, and the single hook provided solid hooksets. There were no issues with the rattle or the holographic finish chipping off after the first use, which instilled confidence in the build quality.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon has proven to be a reliable and productive addition to my tackle box. It has become my go-to lure for targeting walleye and perch in stained water conditions.
The finish has held up surprisingly well, showing only minor signs of wear and tear despite frequent contact with rocks and submerged timber. A quick rinse with fresh water after each use has been sufficient to keep it clean and prevent corrosion.
Compared to my previous go-to spoons, the Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon consistently outperforms them in murky water. The combination of visual flash and auditory attraction makes it a standout lure when visibility is limited.
Breaking Down the Features of Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon
Specifications
The Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon is molded from metal, ensuring durability and a consistent action in the water. Its key feature is the noisy brass Buck-Shot Rattle that emits enticing vibrations.
The holographic Baitfish-Image body provides a highly reflective surface, enhancing its visibility in various water conditions. The spoon comes equipped with a size 10 hook, designed for optimal hooksets on a variety of gamefish. Each package contains one spoon.
These specifications are vital for creating a lure that attracts fish from a distance and secures solid hookups. The metal construction ensures durability, while the rattle and holographic finish maximize its appeal in low-visibility conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon excels at attracting fish through its combination of sound and flash. The aggressive jigging action, coupled with the noisy rattle, calls fish in from a wide radius.
Its ability to entice strikes in murky water is its biggest strength. However, in clear water, its aggressive action might be too much for some fish, requiring a more subtle presentation. The spoon meets expectations as a reliable jigging lure for targeting a variety of species.
Design & Ergonomics
The Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon boasts a compact and streamlined design, making it easy to jig and control. The holographic finish is vibrant and eye-catching, adding to its appeal.
The weight is balanced, allowing for precise jigging action. There is no significant learning curve; anglers familiar with jigging spoons will quickly adapt to its use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon is built to last, thanks to its metal construction. With proper care, it should withstand numerous fishing trips.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a quick rinse after each use. The single hook design simplifies hook sharpening and replacement.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond what’s included in the package. However, anglers can customize its effectiveness by tipping the hook with a minnow head, waxworms, or Northland’s IMPULSE Minnow Head and Perch Eye.
It is compatible with standard split rings, allowing anglers to replace the factory hook with a different size or style if desired. The lure’s versatility makes it adaptable to various fishing situations.
Pros and Cons of Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon
Pros
- Effective at attracting fish: The combination of rattle and holographic flash brings fish in from a wide area.
- Durable construction: The metal body withstands wear and tear from rocks and submerged structure.
- Versatile application: Works well for walleye, perch, bass, trout, and pike.
- Easy to use: Simple jigging action requires minimal experience.
- Ideal for murky water: Excels in low-visibility conditions where other lures fail.
Cons
- Aggressive action: May be too much for clear water scenarios, requiring a more subtle presentation.
- Single hook: Can lead to missed strikes if fish nip at the bait.
Who Should Buy Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon?
The Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon is perfect for anglers targeting walleye, perch, bass, trout, and pike, especially in stained or murky water conditions. Pro anglers looking for an edge in tough fishing situations and weekend warriors alike can benefit from the lure’s ability to attract fish.
Anglers who primarily fish clear water and prefer finesse presentations might want to skip this product. Also, those who prefer treble hooks for increased hookup ratios might want to explore other options.
Must-have modifications include tipping the hook with bait (minnow head, waxworms) and experimenting with different jigging cadences to find what triggers the most strikes.
Conclusion on Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon
The Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon is more than just a lure; it’s a confidence-booster in challenging fishing conditions. The combination of sound, flash, and durable construction makes it a valuable addition to any angler’s arsenal.
At a price point of $7.99-$8.99, the value proposition is excellent. It offers performance comparable to more expensive lures, making it an accessible and worthwhile investment for both novice and experienced anglers.
I would absolutely recommend the Northland Fishing Tackle UV Buck-Shot Spoon to anyone looking for a reliable and effective jigging lure. Don’t let murky water ruin your fishing trip; grab a Buck-Shot Spoon and start catching fish!