First Impressions of Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon
The Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon promises to be a game-changer for ice fishermen and open-water anglers alike, offering a brilliant, long-lasting glow and high-quality components at an accessible price of $7.99. Custom Jigs has a reputation for creating effective, no-nonsense tackle, and I was eager to see if this spoon lived up to the hype. My initial assumption was that this lure would be yet another cheaply made, gimmicky product trying to capitalize on the “glow” trend, but I was soon proven wrong.
I’d been struggling to find a consistent lure for targeting walleye in murky, stained water conditions during the winter months. Traditional spoons were just not producing as I had hoped. I hoped the Pro Glow Slender Spoon would provide the necessary visual attraction to entice those finicky fish.
Upon receiving the Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon, the first thing I noticed was the vibrant, almost electric, glow emanating from the lure even in relatively well-lit conditions. The slender profile, combined with the quality VMC hook and snap swivel, immediately indicated this wasn’t your average, run-of-the-mill ice fishing lure. I picked the nickel back in the 1/4 ounce size.
Compared to other glow spoons like the Acme Kastmaster or the Northland Tackle Glo-Shot Spoon, the Custom Jigs offering stood out due to its more slender profile and more intense glow. While the Kastmaster offers excellent action, its glow is less pronounced. The Glo-Shot spoon, while bright, felt less durable in hand. The Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon appeared to strike a better balance between visibility, action, and overall quality, which is why I decided to put it to the test.
Initially, I was impressed by the build quality and the brightness of the glow. There was a small amount of flashing on the body of the spoon, but nothing to write home about. I was excited to try it out and see if it could actually deliver on its promise of attracting fish in low-light conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon came during a late-evening ice fishing trip on a local lake known for its walleye population. The conditions were challenging, with heavily stained water and limited visibility due to an overcast sky. The other anglers on the lake were struggling to even get a bite.
I began by charging the spoon with a UV flashlight, and the glow intensified dramatically. Dropping it down my ice hole, I used a jigging cadence with pauses to allow the spoon to flutter. Within just a few minutes, I felt a subtle tap and set the hook, landing a respectable 18-inch walleye! The Pro Glow Slender Spoon was performing exceptionally well.
The spoon worked flawlessly in the cold conditions, and the VMC hook provided a secure hookset, even with the walleye’s bony mouth. The glow remained strong for a considerable amount of time, and the action of the spoon was very enticing. I did find that aggressively jigging caused some line twist, so more subtle movements were needed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon has proven to be a reliable and productive lure. The finish has held up remarkably well, with only minor scratches and chips despite being fished around rocks and gravel. I store the lures in a Plano tackle box.
The glow continues to be effective, even after repeated use and charging. Cleaning the spoon is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each trip to remove any slime or debris. The hook remains sharp, and the snap swivel still functions smoothly.
Compared to some other lures I’ve used in the past, the Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon has significantly outperformed expectations, especially in low-light conditions. It’s become a staple in my ice fishing arsenal, and I plan to purchase additional sizes and colors for different fishing situations. I did eventually switch out the snap swivel after a few very large fish.
Breaking Down the Features of Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon
Specifications
The Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon comes in four sizes: 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz, 1/4 oz, and 5/16 oz, catering to a variety of fishing depths and species. It is offered in eight ultra-bright and long-lasting Pro-Glow patterns with a high-end UV coating, enhancing its visibility in murky water or low-light conditions. The spoon is available in both nickel and gold back options, allowing anglers to choose the best color combination for their specific fishing environment.
Each spoon features a size 1 or 2 snap for fluid fall and a wickedly sharp VMC Spark Point treble hook, ensuring optimal action and hook penetration. According to the manufacturer, the spoon dimensions are approximately 5 inches in Length, 2 inches in Width, and 1 inch in Height, although these measurements seem off, as the spoon itself is only around 2 inches in length. The actual weight is approximately 0.04 oz, so keep in mind that these lures are very light, even the 5/16 oz size.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the spoon’s performance in different fishing conditions. The slender profile and fluid fall mimic the movement of injured baitfish, attracting predatory fish. The sharp VMC hook ensures a solid hookset, increasing the chances of landing the fish.
Performance & Functionality
The Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon excels in attracting fish in low-light conditions, thanks to its intense and long-lasting glow. Its slender profile provides a natural swimming action that effectively imitates injured baitfish. The spoon also performs well in open water, attracting various species.
The only minor drawback is the potential for line twist when aggressively jigging the spoon, which requires a more subtle presentation. Overall, the Pro Glow Slender Spoon meets and often exceeds expectations. I did prefer the action of the spoon after removing the snap swivel.
Design & Ergonomics
The Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon features a streamlined design that is both visually appealing and functional. The build quality is excellent, with durable materials that can withstand the rigors of fishing. The spoon is lightweight and comfortable to use, even for extended periods.
The user-friendly design requires no special skills or techniques, making it accessible to both beginner and experienced anglers. There’s no real learning curve for this lure.
Durability & Maintenance
The Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon is designed to withstand repeated use and exposure to harsh fishing environments. The finish is resistant to chipping and scratching, and the hook is corrosion-resistant. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is all that is required to maintain the spoon’s performance and appearance.
Given its robust construction and durable components, the spoon is expected to last for many fishing seasons with proper care. The lure should be stored properly in a tackle box away from direct sunlight.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon comes ready to fish right out of the package, with a pre-attached snap swivel and VMC hook. While there are no specific customization options offered by Custom Jigs, anglers can easily swap out the hook for a different size or style depending on their preferences. Some anglers may also choose to add a small split ring to the hook eye to improve hookset ratios.
The spoon is compatible with most standard fishing line and leaders, making it easy to integrate into any angler’s existing tackle setup. Anglers could experiment with adding small beads or spinners above the spoon to further enhance its attraction.
Pros and Cons of Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon
Pros
- Exceptional Glow: The ultra-bright and long-lasting Pro-Glow patterns with high-end UV coating significantly enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
- Slender Profile: The slender design provides a natural and enticing swimming action that effectively mimics injured baitfish.
- High-Quality Components: The VMC Spark Point treble hook ensures excellent hook penetration and a secure hookset.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for both ice fishing and open water fishing, targeting a variety of species.
- Affordable Price: At $7.99, the Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon offers exceptional value for its performance and quality.
Cons
- Line Twist: Aggressive jigging can sometimes lead to line twist, requiring a more subtle presentation.
- Potential Flash: Minor flashing on the body of the spoon.
Who Should Buy Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon?
The Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon is perfect for ice fishermen and open-water anglers targeting walleye, perch, crappie, and other predatory fish in low-light or stained water conditions. It is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced anglers looking for a reliable and productive lure. Pro Anglers can take advantage of the pricepoint to purchase these in bulk!
Anglers who prefer using larger, more aggressive lures or who primarily fish in clear water may not find the Pro Glow Slender Spoon as effective. Those who struggle with line twist may need to adjust their jigging technique.
A UV flashlight is a must-have accessory to maximize the glow of the spoon. Also, anglers may want to experiment with different hook sizes and styles to fine-tune the lure’s performance.
Conclusion on Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon
The Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon is a highly effective and versatile lure that delivers exceptional performance in low-light conditions. Its bright glow, slender profile, and high-quality components make it a standout choice for anglers targeting a variety of species. At $7.99, the price is more than justified by the lure’s performance and durability.
I would definitely recommend the Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon to anyone looking to improve their success in low-light fishing situations. It has become a staple in my tackle box, and I am confident that it will become a go-to lure for many other anglers as well.
Don’t let another day go by without experiencing the fish-catching power of the Custom Jigs Pro Glow Slender Spoon! Head to your local tackle shop or order online today and get ready to hook into some serious fish!