First Impressions of Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon
The Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon promises to be a tempting treat for any nearby walleye, crappie, or perch. It’s a lightweight spoon designed to mimic a distressed baitfish with its slow, enticing descent and built-in rattle. I’ve spent countless hours on the ice and open water, chasing these elusive fish. So, I am always on the lookout for new presentations that can trigger a strike when traditional methods fail.
After countless hours, I’ve grown wary of lures that promise the world but underdeliver in real-world conditions. I was hoping the Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon could be a game-changer for targeting finicky fish. This particular spoon piqued my interest because of its subtle rattle and focus on mimicking a dying baitfish, a presentation I find particularly effective in clear, cold water.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the spoon’s size and lightweight feel. The plated back and prominent eye create a flash that should be visible even in murky water. The integrated rattle, a tiny but noticeable addition, gave me hope for generating extra attention.
Compared to other spoons I use, like the Acme Kastmaster or the Swedish Pimple, the Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon is noticeably lighter. The Kastmaster is a dense, heavy spoon designed for long casts and fast retrieves, while the Swedish Pimple has a more erratic jigging action. I chose the Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon because its slower, more subtle presentation seemed better suited for pressured fish in clear water.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon’s design seemed thoughtful. Now, all that’s left is putting it to the test to see if it lives up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon was on a local lake known for its clear water and abundant crappie population. I was fishing from my kayak on a crisp autumn afternoon, targeting submerged timber along a steep drop-off. The water temperature was hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The spoon performed as advertised. Its slow, dipping action was very enticing, especially when tipped with a small crappie minnow. I quickly discovered that a slow, deliberate jigging motion was key. With each lift and fall, the spoon would flutter seductively, the rattle emitting a subtle, but noticeable click.
After a couple of hours, I hooked into a beautiful 13-inch crappie. It inhaled the Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon right as it reached the bottom, proving that its slow presentation and subtle rattle could trigger strikes. I did notice that the lightweight nature of the spoon made it difficult to cast in even a slight breeze.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon has proven itself a valuable addition to my tackle box. It shines in clear water conditions where a subtle presentation is required. I’ve used it successfully for crappie, perch, and even a few surprisingly aggressive bluegill.
Durability has been adequate. The finish on the plated back shows some minor scratches, but nothing out of the ordinary for a spoon that has seen a lot of use. I did have to replace the split ring and treble hook after a particularly stubborn snag, which is expected with any lure.
Maintenance is simple. I simply rinse it with fresh water after each use and occasionally apply a light coat of oil to the hook to prevent rust. Overall, the Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon has exceeded my initial expectations. It presents a unique profile and action that consistently triggers strikes when other lures fail.
Breaking Down the Features of Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon
Specifications
The Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon boasts several key specifications that contribute to its effectiveness. The manufacturer is Lindy, a well-known name in fishing tackle. Each package contains one spoon.
- Length: 2 inches – This compact size makes it ideal for panfish and other smaller species. It presents a manageable meal for wary fish.
- Width: 0.83 inches – This influences the spoon’s action in the water, creating a wider wobble during its descent. This maximizes flash and visibility.
- Height: 5 inches – The overall package height helps determine shelf appeal and packaging considerations. This spec does not directly impact performance.
- Lightweight Brass Body – This contributes to the spoon’s slow, fluttering action, mimicking a dying baitfish. This is essential for enticing strikes.
- Plated Back and Prominent Eye – These enhance flash and visibility, attracting fish from a distance, even in murky water. This is a critical feature.
- Small Rattle Embedded in the Eye – This adds an auditory element to the presentation, further attracting fish and triggering strikes. The rattle is subtle but effective.
- Unisex & Adults – These are general classifications that specify the target audience for this product. These specifications are typical of fishing lures.
Performance & Functionality
The Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon excels at enticing finicky fish in clear water. Its slow, subtle action is particularly effective for crappie, perch, and other panfish. It’s a finesse lure that requires patience and a delicate touch.
One of its strengths is its ability to trigger strikes when other lures fail. The combination of the slow, fluttering action, the flash of the plated back, and the subtle rattle creates a tempting presentation that fish find irresistible. The spoon’s lightweight design, however, is a weakness in windy conditions, making it difficult to cast accurately.
It certainly met my expectations. The Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon is a reliable lure that consistently produces results in clear water.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon is well-designed and easy to use. Its lightweight brass body creates a natural, fluttering action. The plated back and prominent eye provide ample flash, even in low-light conditions.
It’s incredibly user-friendly. Simply tie it on, add a small piece of live bait or plastic if desired, and begin jigging. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon is reasonably durable. The plated finish is prone to scratches, but the brass body itself is sturdy. The hook and split ring may need to be replaced periodically.
Maintenance is minimal. Rinse it with fresh water after each use, and occasionally apply a light coat of oil to the hook to prevent rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon does not come with any additional accessories. You can, however, easily customize it with different hooks, split rings, and trailers.
It’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket hooks and split rings. Many anglers tip the spoon with live bait, such as minnows or waxworms, or with small plastic trailers to further enhance its attractiveness.
Pros and Cons of Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon
Pros
- Enticing slow, fluttering action that mimics a dying baitfish.
- Subtle rattle attracts fish without spooking them.
- Effective in clear water conditions where a finesse presentation is needed.
- Easy to use, with no learning curve.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Lightweight design makes it difficult to cast in windy conditions.
- Plated finish is prone to scratches.
Who Should Buy Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon?
The Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon is perfect for panfish anglers, ice fishermen, and anyone targeting finicky fish in clear water. It’s also an excellent choice for kayak anglers and others who prioritize a subtle presentation. This is a lure that rewards patience and finesse.
Anglers who primarily fish in murky water or who prefer aggressive, fast-moving lures should probably skip this product. Its strength lies in its subtlety, which is lost in dirty water.
A must-have accessory is a selection of small, high-quality swivels to prevent line twist. Experimenting with different live bait and plastic trailers can also greatly enhance its effectiveness.
Conclusion on Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon
The Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon is a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. Its slow, subtle action, coupled with its enticing rattle, makes it a deadly weapon for finicky fish. While it may not be ideal for all conditions, it excels in clear water situations where a finesse presentation is key.
At a price of $4.49, the Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon is an absolute steal. Its performance justifies its price.
I would definitely recommend the Lindy Rattl’n Quiver Spoon to any angler looking for a reliable and effective lure for panfish and other smaller species. So, add a few to your tackle box and get ready to catch some fish!