First Impressions of Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs
The ice fishing season is a sacred time for many anglers, myself included. I’ve spent countless hours on frozen lakes, chasing after those elusive panfish, and the right jig can make all the difference between a successful outing and a frustrating one. Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs promise to be just that difference, with their focus on attracting fish in stained water conditions.
For years, I relied on traditional lead jigs, but I was looking for something that would cut through the water faster and offer a more visible presentation in murky ice-fishing environments. I was hoping to find a jig that could quickly drop to the strike zone and hold its position against slight currents. Could these jigs finally get the job done?
Unboxing the Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs, the first thing I noticed was their compact size relative to their weight. The tungsten construction is immediately apparent, giving each jig a substantial feel. The glow paint is vibrant and evenly applied, a detail that speaks to Kenders Outdoors‘ attention to quality.
Compared to my older lead jigs, the Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs are significantly denser. This immediately suggested a faster sink rate, which is crucial when targeting suspended fish or fishing in deeper water. My initial thought was excitement; these looked like they could be game-changers.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs on Lake Mille Lacs in Minnesota, known for its stained water and finicky panfish. The water clarity was particularly poor that day, visibility being less than two feet below the ice. I was targeting crappies suspended around a submerged brush pile.
The Kenders Glow Tungsten Jig performed admirably, dropping quickly through the water column. It allowed me to reach the strike zone much faster than my traditional lead jigs. The glow paint, even in the dim light of the ice shelter, provided a noticeable visual attraction.
The fish seemed to respond well to the presentation, and I landed several nice crappies and bluegills. One minor issue was that the small size of the jig made it slightly challenging to tie onto my ultra-light line, especially with gloved hands. However, the performance more than made up for this minor inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs on various lakes and in different conditions, they’ve proven to be remarkably durable. The paint has held up well, with minimal chipping despite repeated use around rocky bottoms and aggressive fish. They’re much better than my old jigs.
Maintaining the jigs is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each trip keeps them clean and prevents corrosion. I have noticed that storing them in a dry container is essential to maintain the vibrancy of the glow paint. This is key to keeping my equipment in top shape.
Compared to my previous jigs, the Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs outperform them in almost every aspect. Their faster sink rate, enhanced visibility, and durable construction make them a superior choice for ice fishing in stained water. They have significantly increased my catch rate.
Breaking Down the Features of Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs
Specifications
The Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs are designed specifically for panfish and ice fishing applications. The specifications are:
- Manufacturer: Kenders Outdoors
- Length: 0 cm
- Additional Features: No
- Width: 2 inches
- Weight: 0.2 oz
- Height: 3 inches
The tungsten construction is the standout feature, providing a significantly higher density compared to lead. The glow paint finish enhances visibility in low-light conditions and stained water. The compact size allows for faster sink rates and a more subtle presentation.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs is to attract and catch panfish, particularly in challenging conditions. They excel in this role, offering a precise and effective presentation. They get down where the fish are.
The jigs’ strengths lie in their fast sink rate, which allows anglers to quickly reach the desired depth. The glow paint is highly effective in attracting fish, even in murky water. A minor weakness is the small size, which can make them slightly tricky to handle with gloves.
The Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs meet and exceed expectations. Their performance in stained water is significantly better than traditional jigs, making them a valuable addition to any ice angler’s tackle box. I would recommend these to anyone.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs is simple yet effective. The compact tungsten body allows for a streamlined profile and faster sink rate. The vibrant glow paint is evenly applied and durable.
The jigs are relatively easy to use, although the small size may require some getting used to, especially when tying knots with gloved hands. The design prioritizes functionality over elaborate aesthetics. However, I have no real complaints.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs are constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring excellent durability. The tungsten body is resistant to bending and deformation. The glow paint is surprisingly chip-resistant.
Maintaining the jigs is straightforward. A simple rinse with fresh water after each use is sufficient to prevent corrosion. Storing them in a dry container will help preserve the glow paint’s vibrancy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs don’t come with additional accessories. However, anglers can customize them by adding small plastic trailers or live bait to enhance their attractiveness. It’s easy to add customization with some split rings.
The jigs are compatible with a wide range of hooks and line types. This allows anglers to tailor their presentation to specific fishing conditions and target species. It’s really up to the angler how they set them up.
Pros and Cons of Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs
Pros
- Fast Sink Rate: The tungsten construction allows the jig to drop quickly to the strike zone, even in deeper water.
- Enhanced Visibility: The vibrant glow paint attracts fish in low-light conditions and stained water.
- Durable Construction: The high-quality materials and paint finish ensure long-lasting performance.
- Compact Size: The small profile allows for a subtle presentation, which can be effective for finicky fish.
- Effective in Stained Water: Designed to work specifically in stained water conditions.
Cons
- Small Size: The small size can be difficult to handle, particularly when tying knots with gloved hands.
- Glow Paint Fades Over Time: The glow paint will fade over time.
Who Should Buy Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs?
These jigs are perfect for ice anglers targeting panfish in stained water or deep water. They are also a great choice for anyone looking to improve their catch rate in challenging fishing conditions. I would highly recommend these to those that fish difficult locations.
Those who primarily fish in clear water or shallow water may not see as significant of a benefit from the Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs. Anglers who prefer larger, easier-to-handle jigs may also find these too small. They are very specialized equipment.
A must-have accessory for the Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs is a high-quality ice fishing rod with a sensitive tip. This will allow you to detect subtle bites and maximize your hookup ratio.
Conclusion on Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs
The Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs are a valuable addition to any serious ice angler’s tackle box. Their fast sink rate, enhanced visibility, and durable construction make them a superior choice for targeting panfish in stained water. It really shows that Kenders Outdoors cares.
At $3.49, the price is justified by the jigs’ performance and durability. While slightly more expensive than traditional lead jigs, the benefits they offer in terms of sink rate and visibility make them a worthwhile investment. They are worth the money.
I would highly recommend the Kenders Glow Tungsten Jigs to anyone looking to improve their ice fishing game. If you’re serious about catching more fish in challenging conditions, give these jigs a try – you won’t be disappointed. Get ready to hit the ice with confidence!