First Impressions of Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon
The Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon is a specialized lure designed to attract fish in low-light or stained water conditions. Manufactured by Northland Fishing Tackle, its unique feature is an exposed light-stick that provides a powerful glow, attracting fish from a distance. This, combined with its lead-free Z-alloy body, makes it an intriguing option for anglers looking for an edge.
I was looking for a versatile lure that could perform well in murky waters and during early morning or late evening fishing trips. I needed a lure that offered both visibility and a realistic action to entice wary fish. I hoped the Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon could solve this problem.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the spoon’s compact size and the prominent light-stick slot. The Z-alloy body felt substantial, conveying an impression of durability, while the finish appeared to be well-applied. It felt well-balanced in my hand.
Compared to other glow-in-the-dark spoons I’ve used, like the Acme Kastmaster or the Little Cleo, the Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon stands out because of its replaceable light-stick. Other spoons rely on paint or embedded materials, which can fade over time, while the Glo-Shot promised consistent brightness. This sealed the deal for me over the others.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The concept was sound, and the construction seemed adequate, but the real test would be how it performed in the water. I was excited to see if it would live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon on a local lake known for its murky water and healthy population of walleye and panfish. It was an early morning trip, with overcast skies and limited visibility beneath the surface. The conditions were perfect for testing the lure’s glow-in-the-dark capabilities.
The Glo-Shot performed admirably, cutting through the water column quickly thanks to its Z-alloy construction. The light-stick emitted a noticeable glow, and I saw several panfish actively investigating the lure on my fish finder. The ease of use was excellent; inserting the light stick was simple and straightforward.
Initially, I experienced a few short strikes. I quickly realized that a slow, jigging retrieve worked best, allowing the fish to fully commit to the lure. After adjusting my technique, I landed several decent-sized crappies and a small walleye.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon across different bodies of water, including rivers and deeper lakes, I have been able to form a much more concrete conclusion on its reliability. It’s held up incredibly well, and its unique design continues to yield successful results. The Glo-Shot has become a staple in my tackle box.
The lure’s finish has shown minimal signs of wear and tear, even after being dragged across rocky bottoms and encountering the teeth of various fish. The light-stick compartment remains secure, and the replacement light-sticks are readily available. Cleaning the lure is as simple as rinsing it with fresh water after each use.
Compared to my previous reliance on painted glow lures, the Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon has significantly outperformed them. The consistent brightness and the ability to replace the light-stick have made it a much more effective and reliable tool.
Breaking Down the Features of Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon
Specifications
- Lure Type: Spoon
- Manufacturer: Northland Fishing Tackle
- Body Material: Lead-free Z-Alloy (Zinc)
- Glow Duration: 8+ hours
- Target Species: Walleyes, Pike, Panfish
- Quantity: 1
The lead-free Z-Alloy body is important for its density, allowing the spoon to sink quickly without being oversized, and for its environmental friendliness. The 8+ hour glow duration ensures that the lure remains effective for extended periods in low-light conditions, making it ideal for dawn, dusk, or deep-water fishing. Targeting walleyes, pike, and panfish makes this a versatile lure suitable for a variety of species.
Performance & Functionality
The Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon performs exceptionally well in attracting fish, especially in murky or low-light conditions. The exposed light-stick emits a bright glow that mimics the bioluminescence of natural prey, drawing fish in from a distance. The spoon’s action is enticing, with a wobbling, erratic motion that triggers strikes.
One slight weakness is that the light-stick can occasionally come loose after repeated casts. Improving the light-stick retention would be a definite upgrade. Overall, the Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon exceeds my expectations, especially for fishing in stained waters.
Design & Ergonomics
The Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon features a well-designed body that’s balanced and easy to handle. The lead-free Z-Alloy gives it a solid feel without being overly heavy. The light-stick slot is easily accessible, and replacing the light-stick is a quick and painless process.
The spoon is user-friendly, even for novice anglers. There’s virtually no learning curve; simply attach it to your line, insert the light-stick, and start fishing. The only minor point is that the hook is a little small, which could result in the loss of larger fish.
Durability & Maintenance
The lead-free Z-Alloy body of the Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon is surprisingly durable, resisting scratches and dents even after repeated use in rocky environments. With proper care, the spoon should last for many fishing seasons. The light-stick, however, is a consumable item and will need to be replaced periodically.
Maintaining the Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon is extremely simple. Rinsing it with fresh water after each use is usually sufficient. The light-stick compartment is easy to clean, and the finish holds up well to repeated exposure to water and sunlight.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon comes with one light-stick, which is the primary accessory. Additional light-sticks can be purchased separately in various colors (Red, Green, or Chartreuse). There are no significant customization options available for the spoon itself.
The spoon is compatible with standard fishing swivels and split rings. Anglers can easily swap out the hook for a larger or stronger one if needed, offering a degree of customization.
Pros and Cons of Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon
Pros
- Exceptional visibility in low-light or stained water conditions thanks to the exposed light-stick.
- Lead-free Z-Alloy body provides excellent sink rate and environmental friendliness.
- Versatile lure suitable for targeting walleyes, pike, and panfish.
- Easy to use, even for beginners, with a simple light-stick insertion process.
- Durable construction that withstands repeated use and exposure to the elements.
Cons
- Light-stick can occasionally come loose during casting.
- Hook size may be small for larger fish.
Who Should Buy Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon?
The Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon is perfect for anglers who frequently fish in murky water, during dawn or dusk, or in deep water where visibility is limited. It’s also ideal for anglers targeting walleyes, pike, or panfish. Pro anglers who need a reliable lure to attract fish in challenging conditions will also benefit from its unique design.
Anglers who primarily fish in clear water during daylight hours might not find the Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon as beneficial. Those who prefer lures with more complex actions or extensive customization options may also want to explore other options.
A must-have modification would be to upgrade the hook to a slightly larger and stronger size, especially when targeting larger fish species. Having a supply of replacement light-sticks in different colors is also highly recommended.
Conclusion on Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon
The Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon is a well-designed and effective lure that delivers on its promise of attracting fish in low-light or stained water conditions. The unique light-stick feature, combined with the durable Z-Alloy body, makes it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. Despite a few minor drawbacks, its performance and ease of use make it a standout product in its category.
At $8.49, the price is justified by its performance and durability. The replaceable light-sticks add a recurring cost, but the increased effectiveness makes it a worthwhile investment.
I would definitely recommend the Northland Fishing Tackle Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon to any angler looking for an edge in challenging fishing conditions. Give the Glo-Shot Fire-Belly Spoon a try; you might be surprised by how many fish it attracts!