Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box Review

First Impressions of Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box

The Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box promises a quick and convenient selection of ice fishing jigs, tailored for panfish enthusiasts. The inclusion of both Flare and Skud profiles, in two different sizes, sparked my interest, as did the claim of premium components like tungsten glow beads and UV bodies. As someone who spends a considerable amount of time on frozen lakes, always searching for that edge, I was eager to see if this kit lived up to the hype.

My pursuit for the perfect ice fishing jig kit is driven by the need for versatility and reliability. I’ve been burned before by kits that promised the world but delivered poorly constructed, ineffective jigs. The Kenders Outdoors kit, with its emphasis on quality materials and varied profiles, seemed like it could potentially solve my perennial problem of not having the right jig at the right time.

Upon receiving the Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box, I was immediately impressed by the organization afforded by the pocket-sized jig box. The jigs themselves looked well-constructed, with vibrant colors and the promised tungsten glow beads. The hook sharpness was immediately apparent, something I always check.

Compared to my usual assortment of individual jigs from various brands, the Kenders Outdoors kit stood out due to its cohesive design and curated selection. I had considered building my own kit, piecing together jigs from Northland Fishing Tackle and Clam Outdoors, but the Kenders Outdoors kit offered a ready-to-go solution at a competitive price. I picked this over assembling my own because of the convenience and the claimed “unparalleled advantage” the Akua Jigs provide.

My first impression was definitely positive. I was excited to get on the ice and see if the Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box could truly deliver on its promise of increased success. The quality appeared evident, and the variety offered hope for enticing even the most finicky panfish.


Real-World Testing: Putting Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box took place on a mid-January trip to Lake Simcoe in Ontario, Canada, known for its diverse panfish population. I fished in depths ranging from 10 to 25 feet, targeting perch, crappie, and bluegill. The ice was solid, but the weather was brutally cold, with temperatures hovering around -15°C (5°F).

The Akua Jigs performed admirably in the frigid conditions. The tungsten glow beads provided excellent visibility in the stained water, and the UV bodies seemed to attract fish even when other anglers nearby were struggling. I also appreciated the different sizes of the hooks provided in the kit, because sometimes the size of the presentation truly matters.

The jigs were easy to use right out of the box, although I did spend a few minutes familiarizing myself with the different colors and profiles. There were no immediate issues, and the Akua Jigs produced several nice perch and a few crappie within the first hour. The smaller #12 hook size was crucial for the smaller mouthed bluegill.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my ice fishing arsenal. The jigs have held up surprisingly well, even after repeated use around rocky structure. I tested the jigs further in less than ideal conditions like fishing after a fresh snow fall when the bite is often lethargic.

While the paint on the jig heads has shown some minor wear and tear, the hooks remain sharp and the feather flare and wire wraps are still intact. The tungsten glow beads continue to glow brightly after being charged with a UV light.

Maintenance has been simple: I just rinse the jigs with fresh water after each trip and allow them to air dry. Comparing this kit to my previous experiences with cheaper jigs, the Akua Jigs definitely outperform in terms of durability, hook sharpness, and fish-attracting ability. I find myself reaching for them more and more often.

Breaking Down the Features of Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box

Specifications

The Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box includes a diverse selection of ice fishing jigs designed to entice panfish. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications:

  • The kit includes 16 jigs total. This means you get a variety of options to adapt to different fishing conditions.
  • There are four colors of the 5.5mm Akua Jig Flare with a #8 hook. This larger size is suitable for targeting bigger panfish like perch and crappie.
  • The kit also includes four colors of the 3.9mm Akua Jig Flare with a #12 hook. The smaller size is ideal for finicky bluegill and smaller crappie.
  • Four colors of the 5.5mm Akua Jig Skud with a #8 hook are included. The Skud profile offers a different presentation that can be effective when fish are wary of the Flare style.
  • Finally, there are four colors of the 3.8mm Akua Jig Skud with a #12 hook. This smallest size is perfect for ultra-finesse fishing in clear water or when fish are under pressure.
  • The kit includes a pocket-sized jig box. This keeps the jigs organized and easily accessible on the ice.
  • The Akua Jigs feature a tungsten glow bead. This provides increased visibility in low-light conditions and attracts fish.
  • The jigs also feature a bright UV body. UV bodies enhance visibility in stained water and can trigger strikes from fish.
  • The jigs are detailed out with a feather flare or wrapped with wire for contrast. This adds visual appeal and lifelike movement to the jig.
  • The Manufacturer is Kenders Outdoors. This name is associated with quality ice fishing tackle.
  • The Tackle Weight is listed as 1/32 oz. This light weight is ideal for finesse fishing for panfish.
  • The Color is listed as Clear. While the individual jigs come in various colors, the protective box itself is clear.
  • The Length is Assorted. This refers to the variation in size across the different jig profiles.
  • The Quantity is 16. This represents the total number of jigs included in the kit.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the versatility and effectiveness of the kit. The different sizes, profiles, and colors allow anglers to adapt to various fishing conditions and target different species of panfish. The premium materials, such as tungsten and UV-reactive paint, enhance visibility and attract fish.

Performance & Functionality

The Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box performs its intended job exceptionally well. The jigs are highly effective at attracting and catching panfish. The tungsten glow beads and UV bodies provide excellent visibility, even in murky water. The different sizes and profiles allow anglers to adapt to changing conditions and target different species.

The biggest strength of this kit is its versatility. The different sizes, profiles, and colors allow anglers to experiment and find what works best in their specific fishing situation. One area for improvement might be the addition of a slightly larger jig for targeting bigger perch.

The kit definitely meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations. The jigs are well-made, durable, and effective at catching fish.

Design & Ergonomics

The Akua Jigs are well-designed and aesthetically pleasing. The feather flare and wire wraps add visual appeal and lifelike movement. The jigs are lightweight and comfortable to use, even for extended periods.

The pocket-sized jig box is a convenient addition. It keeps the jigs organized and easily accessible on the ice. There is no noticeable learning curve associated with these jigs.

Durability & Maintenance

The Akua Jigs are surprisingly durable for their size and weight. The hooks remain sharp even after repeated use around rocky structure. The paint on the jig heads does show some minor wear and tear, but this does not seem to affect their performance.

Maintenance is simple: I rinse the jigs with fresh water after each trip and allow them to air dry. No repairs have been needed in several weeks of consistent usage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit comes with a pocket-sized jig box. There are no other included accessories.

While there are no specific customization options for the Akua Jigs, anglers can easily add their own trailers, such as wax worms or plastic nymphs, to further enhance their appeal. The jigs are compatible with most standard ice fishing accessories.

Pros and Cons of Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box

Pros

  • Exceptional Versatility: The variety of sizes, profiles, and colors allows anglers to adapt to different fishing conditions and target various panfish species.
  • Premium Materials: The tungsten glow beads and UV bodies enhance visibility and attract fish, even in low-light or murky water conditions.
  • Durable Construction: The jigs are surprisingly durable and hold up well after repeated use around rocky structure.
  • Convenient Jig Box: The included pocket-sized jig box keeps the jigs organized and easily accessible on the ice.
  • Sharp Hooks: The hooks maintain their sharpness, ensuring solid hooksets.

Cons

  • While the jig selection is versatile, it could benefit from the addition of a slightly larger jig option for targeting bigger perch or other larger panfish.
  • The paint on the jig heads shows some minor wear and tear over time, which is typical for painted jigs, however, it doesn’t seem to affect performance.


Who Should Buy Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box?

This kit is perfect for ice anglers targeting panfish, especially perch, crappie, and bluegill. It is also well-suited for anglers who fish in stained water or low-light conditions. It is also good for anglers who value convenience and want a ready-to-go jig selection.

Anglers who primarily target larger species, such as walleye or pike, should skip this product, as the jigs are too small and lightweight for those applications.

A must-have accessory for this kit is a UV light for charging the tungsten glow beads. I would also suggest bringing along a selection of small plastic trailers to further customize the jigs.

Conclusion on Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box

The Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box is an excellent choice for ice anglers seeking a versatile, high-quality, and convenient jig selection for panfish. The jigs are well-made, durable, and effective at attracting and catching fish. The kit’s versatility and premium materials make it a standout product in its category.

The price of $63.99 is justified by the quality and performance of the jigs. It represents a good value for anglers who are serious about ice fishing for panfish.

I would definitely recommend the Kenders Outdoors 16 Piece Akua Jig Series Kit With Premium Box to any ice angler looking to improve their panfish game. It’s a solid investment that will pay off in more fish on the ice. Grab yourself a kit, hit the ice, and get ready to experience the Akua Jig advantage!

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