First Impressions of Custom Jigs Ratso
The Custom Jigs Ratso is a finesse jig designed for panfish, and immediately its ultra-slim profile catches the eye. Custom Jigs promises this jig will tempt even the most finicky slab-sized panfish when other methods fail. I was intrigued to see if this small offering could live up to the hype, especially considering my previous experiences with larger, flashier presentations.
What led me to the Custom Jigs Ratso was a frustrating string of outings where my usual ice fishing lures were getting ignored. Panfish, particularly crappie, can become incredibly selective, and I needed a more subtle presentation to entice them. I was searching for something that mimicked a small minnow and presented horizontally, precisely what the Ratso claims to do.
Upon unboxing the Custom Jigs Ratso, the first thing I noticed was its delicate construction. The jig head is precisely molded, and the ultra-soft plastic body feels incredibly pliable. It seems fragile, but the promise of enticing reluctant fish outweighs my initial concerns. The size also surprised me; it’s significantly smaller than many other panfish jigs I use.
Compared to other finesse jigs I’ve used, like the Northland Tackle Mimic Minnow or the Lindy Quiver Spoon, the Custom Jigs Ratso is distinctly more slender and features a much softer plastic body. The Ratso’s horizontal presentation also sets it apart from the more vertical action of spoons and some jigging minnows. I chose the Ratso hoping its realistic profile and subtle action would trigger bites when other presentations failed.
My first impression of the Custom Jigs Ratso was a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism. I was eager to see if this seemingly delicate jig could hold up in real-world conditions and, more importantly, entice those finicky panfish. The slim profile and soft plastic felt promising, and I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Custom Jigs Ratso to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Custom Jigs Ratso was on a local lake known for its crappie population during ice fishing season. I targeted areas near submerged brush and weed beds, typical crappie hideouts. I fished in my ice shack, using a flasher to observe fish behavior and jig action.
The conditions were challenging, with clear water and bright sunlight, making the fish extra wary. The Ratso performed well in the clear water, presenting a subtle and natural profile that didn’t spook the fish. Its horizontal presentation was easy to achieve with gentle jigging motions.
The Custom Jigs Ratso was surprisingly easy to use, requiring very little time to get accustomed to its action. The key was to use small, subtle movements, allowing the jig to swim naturally in the water column. I initially struggled with hooksets, missing a few bites, but quickly adapted my technique to a quicker, more deliberate lift of the rod tip.
After my first few hours using the Custom Jigs Ratso, the biggest surprise was how many subtle takes I detected. Many fish would simply inhale the jig with barely any noticeable movement on my line. I did have some issues with the plastic body tearing after a few fish, but overall, the initial experience was promising.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Custom Jigs Ratso, it has become a staple in my panfish arsenal. The jig continues to perform well, especially in clear water and during periods of high fishing pressure. It’s proven to be reliable in enticing bites when other presentations are ignored.
The durability of the Custom Jigs Ratso is a mixed bag. The jig head itself is holding up well, but the ultra-soft plastic body does show signs of wear and tear after multiple fish catches. I’ve found that keeping the plastic body in its original packaging helps prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
Maintenance for the Custom Jigs Ratso is minimal. I simply rinse the jig with clean water after each use to remove any debris or fish slime. The hook remains sharp for a decent amount of time, but I do occasionally touch it up with a file to ensure solid hooksets.
Compared to my previous experiences with other panfish jigs, the Custom Jigs Ratso has exceeded my expectations in terms of its ability to entice bites from wary fish. The only drawback is the plastic body’s durability, requiring occasional replacements, but the improved catch rate makes it worthwhile. It is now a confidence bait for tough days.
Breaking Down the Features of Custom Jigs Ratso
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Custom Jigs
- Length: 5 inches. This elongated profile mimics a small minnow effectively.
- Quantity: 1. It is sold as a single jig which can be a drawback for the price if you lose it quickly.
- Condition: New. It arrives ready to fish, pre-rigged and ready to tempt those weary panfish.
The 5-inch length is significant because it presents a larger profile than micro-jigs while maintaining a slender, non-threatening appearance. The single quantity per pack means you need to stock up, but also allows you to sample different colors without a big initial investment. This is key, because color can make all the difference in different water conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Custom Jigs Ratso excels at enticing bites from finicky panfish, especially crappie and bluegill, in clear water and pressured situations. Its subtle horizontal presentation and realistic profile are its biggest strengths.
The main strength of the Ratso is its ability to trigger bites when other lures fail. Its weakness is the relatively fragile plastic body that can tear after multiple catches, requiring replacement.
The Custom Jigs Ratso has met my expectations as a finesse jig, providing a subtle and effective presentation for wary panfish. However, the durability of the plastic body could be improved.
Design & Ergonomics
The Custom Jigs Ratso features a precisely molded lead head and an ultra-soft, pliable plastic body. The lightweight design and streamlined profile contribute to its natural swimming action.
The jig is user-friendly, requiring minimal technique adjustments for experienced anglers. Beginners might need some practice to master the subtle jigging motions required for optimal presentation.
Durability & Maintenance
The jig head of the Custom Jigs Ratso is durable and should last for multiple fishing trips. However, the plastic body is relatively fragile and may need to be replaced after several catches or if it gets damaged.
Maintaining the Ratso is simple. Rinse it with clean water after use and store it properly to prevent the plastic from drying out or becoming brittle.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Custom Jigs Ratso comes pre-rigged and ready to fish, requiring no additional accessories. While there are no specific customization options for the Ratso itself, you can experiment with different line types and jigging techniques to fine-tune its presentation.
The Custom Jigs Ratso is compatible with standard ice fishing line and swivels. Anglers might also consider using a fluorocarbon leader for added stealth in clear water conditions.
Pros and Cons of Custom Jigs Ratso
Pros
- Extremely effective at enticing bites from finicky panfish. This is its primary strength and the reason to buy it.
- Subtle, horizontal presentation ideal for clear water and pressured situations. It stands apart from more aggressive lures.
- Realistic profile mimics a small minnow, triggering a natural feeding response. The profile is key to its success.
- Easy to use with minimal technique adjustments for experienced anglers. It’s relatively simple to adapt to the required technique.
- Lightweight design allows for a natural swimming action. The light weight is important for subtle movement.
Cons
- The plastic body is relatively fragile and prone to tearing. This is the most significant drawback.
- Sold as a single jig, which can be costly if you lose it frequently. A single jig may not be a great value.
Who Should Buy Custom Jigs Ratso?
The Custom Jigs Ratso is perfect for:
- Ice anglers targeting finicky crappie and bluegill in clear water.
- Anglers fishing in pressured waters where fish are wary of more aggressive lures.
- Fishermen who appreciate finesse presentations and subtle techniques.
Who should skip this product?
- Anglers looking for a durable, long-lasting jig for heavy cover.
- Those who prefer aggressive lures and fast-paced jigging techniques.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A fluorocarbon leader for added stealth in clear water.
- A small tackle box to keep the jigs organized and prevent the plastic from drying out.
Conclusion on Custom Jigs Ratso
The Custom Jigs Ratso is a highly effective finesse jig that excels at enticing bites from wary panfish. While the plastic body’s durability is a concern, its subtle presentation and realistic profile make it a valuable addition to any angler’s arsenal.
The price of $6.49 for a single jig may seem steep, but the Ratso’s ability to trigger bites when other lures fail justifies the cost. It can turn a slow day into a successful one.
I would personally recommend the Custom Jigs Ratso to any angler looking to improve their panfish game, especially in clear water and pressured situations. Don’t let its delicate appearance fool you; this little jig can be a game-changer. Add the Custom Jigs Ratso to your tackle box and experience the difference a finesse presentation can make!