Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon Review

The Most Honest Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon Review Online

The Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon has rapidly carved out a significant niche in the ice fishing world, and for good reason. This particular lure, known for its unique action, has become a go-to for anglers seeking an edge when conditions are tough. My own journey to this lure wasn’t a casual one; I was grappling with a persistent problem of finicky biters that seemed unimpressed by standard jigging presentations. The common lures on the market, while functional, often lacked the subtle, enticing movement needed to draw strikes from wary fish, especially during mid-winter doldrums. The promise of an erratic, slow flutter on the fall was what initially caught my eye, suggesting a departure from the more predictable actions of other spoons. Upon unboxing, the initial impression was positive. The lure felt solid, with a well-defined profile and what appeared to be durable paint finishes. I’d considered a few other articulated lures and spoons with unique shapes, but none seemed to offer the specific falling action described for the Pro Series Slender Spoon. My first reaction was a cautious optimism, a feeling that this might indeed be the tool to break through my recent fishing slump.

Real-World Testing: Putting Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon took place on a frozen lake known for its challenging perch and walleye populations. The conditions were typical for mid-January: clear skies, a steady breeze, and sub-zero temperatures. I was fishing through several inches of ice, utilizing a portable fish house to shield myself from the elements.

I rigged the spoon on a sensitive ice rod with 6-pound test fluorocarbon line, a setup I’ve honed over years of delicate presentations. The lure’s action was immediately apparent. On the lift, it had a subtle wobble, but it was the fall that truly impressed. It descended with an unpredictable, wide, side-to-side flutter, mimicking a wounded baitfish in a way that many other spoons fail to achieve. I experimented with various jigging cadences, from sharp snaps to gentle lifts, and the lure consistently responded with its signature erratic action.

During the first hour, I noted that the lure was surprisingly intuitive to work. There was no steep learning curve; its action felt natural and responsive to my rod tip movements. The only minor surprise was how slow that flutter actually was. This allowed me to keep the lure in the strike zone for extended periods, which proved crucial when targeting less aggressive fish.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks and numerous ice fishing outings, the Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon continued to perform exceptionally well. I put it through its paces in varying water clarity and depth, from shallow weed beds to deeper basins, targeting walleye, perch, and even a few aggressive pike. The wickedly-sticky VMC Spark Point hooks proved their worth, consistently securing hooksets even on subtle nibbles.

Durability has been impressive. Despite numerous encounters with aggressive biters and the occasional scrape against the ice edge or rock bottom (yes, I’ve dropped one on the ice before), the paint finishes have held up remarkably well. There are minor scuffs, but nothing that compromises the lure’s visual appeal or effectiveness. The hooks have remained sharp and true, with no signs of significant dulling after repeated use.

Maintenance is straightforward. A quick rinse in lukewarm water after a fishing session and patting it dry is all that’s typically needed. Storing them individually in small lure boxes prevents tangling and protects the finishes. Compared to some cheaper spoons I’ve used in the past, which might lose their paint or bend out of shape after a few hard fights, this model feels built to last. The consistent performance and the reliability of the hook-ups make it a valuable addition to any ice angler’s arsenal, outperforming budget options in terms of both effectiveness and longevity.

Breaking Down the Features of Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon

Specifications

The Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon is designed with a specific profile to achieve its unique action. It measures approximately 5 inches in length and 2 inches in width, which gives it a substantial presence in the water column. The product description doesn’t list an exact weight for each size, but it mentions models ranging from a tiny 1/16th ounce up through 5/16th ounce. This range of weights allows anglers to adapt to different water depths and current conditions, ensuring the lure can be presented effectively.

The construction features a metal body, typically brass or a similar alloy, chosen for its density and ability to create flash. The back of the spoon comes in either gold or nickel finishes, offering versatility for matching various forage colors and light conditions. The addition of new paint patterns further enhances its ability to mimic local baitfish. Crucially, all models are equipped with wickedly-sticky VMC Spark Point hooks, a significant upgrade that directly impacts hook-up ratios. These hooks are designed for superior sharpness and holding power, minimizing the chance of fish coming unbuttoned once hooked.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon is to entice bites, and it excels at this through its distinctive falling action. This slow, erratic flutter is its defining characteristic, producing strikes when other, more conventional spoons fail. The lure’s ability to mimic a wounded baitfish that is struggling to stay upright makes it irresistible to predatory fish.

Its strength lies in its subtle yet unpredictable movement. This is particularly effective for neutral or negative feeding fish that might ignore more aggressive lure presentations. The VMC Spark Point hooks are another major strength, providing an exceptional hook-up rate that is crucial for converting tentative bites into landed fish. A minor weakness, if one could call it that, is that the lure’s slow fall might require a bit more patience from the angler. However, this is also part of its appeal, as it encourages a more deliberate and focused approach to jigging. It consistently meets and often exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, especially given its accessible price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon is inherently functional, prioritizing action over ornate aesthetics, though the new paint patterns do add visual appeal. The elongated, slender profile is key to its fluttering descent. The materials feel appropriate for its intended use; the metal body provides good weight and durability, while the paint finishes, for the most part, adhere well.

Ergonomically, as a lure, it’s not something you hold for extended periods, so traditional ergonomic considerations don’t fully apply. However, the balance of the lure during jigging and its responsiveness to rod manipulation are excellent. The attachment point for the line is well-placed, ensuring the lure presents itself correctly. The VMC Spark Point hooks are a practical design detail that significantly enhances usability by improving the likelihood of a successful catch.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon is built to withstand the rigors of ice fishing. The metal construction resists bending, and the paint finishes, while not indestructible, are certainly robust enough for repeated contact with ice and fish. I anticipate this lure will last for multiple seasons with proper care, making it a reliable tool for the long haul.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple rinse and dry after each outing prevent corrosion and keep the hooks in optimal condition. There are no complex parts to worry about. The main potential failure point would be hook dulling over extensive use, but given the quality of the VMC Spark Point hooks, this is a long-term concern rather than an immediate one. I’ve had no issues with stiffness or degradation of the lure’s action over time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon comes as a complete unit, ready to fish right out of the package. The most significant “accessory” integrated into its design are the wickedly-sticky VMC Spark Point hooks. While there aren’t external accessories to add, anglers can certainly customize their approach by pairing the lure with different line types, fluorocarbon leaders, or even adding a small fluoro-carbon trailer hook if desired, though the stock hooks are quite effective.

The spoon itself doesn’t lend itself to modification in the way a rod or reel might. Its performance is derived from its inherent shape and weight. However, the wide array of 20 patterns to choose from with gold or nickel backs offers a form of “customization” for anglers wanting to match specific forage or adapt to varying light conditions, allowing them to tailor their tackle box to any fishing scenario.

Pros and Cons of Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon

Who Should Buy Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon?

The Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon is an excellent choice for any serious ice angler, particularly those targeting species like walleye, perch, and even smaller pike. It’s especially valuable for anglers who frequently encounter tough fishing conditions or find themselves in situations where fish are being “stubborn” and won’t commit to standard lures. This model is perfect for those looking to add a proven, action-oriented spoon to their ice fishing tackle box that can perform when other methods fail.

Conversely, anglers who prefer extremely fast-paced jigging techniques or are only targeting species that respond poorly to a slower, fluttering action might not find this lure to be their primary go-to. For someone new to ice fishing and still experimenting, it’s a great confidence builder, but they should be aware that its effectiveness often comes from a patient, methodical presentation. Essential complementary items would include a sensitive ice rod and quality line to detect the subtle bites this lure often generates.

Conclusion on Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon

The Custom Jigs Pro Series Slender Spoon stands out as a highly effective and well-crafted ice fishing lure. Its unique falling action, combined with the superior quality of the VMC Spark Point hooks, makes it a formidable tool for enticing bites from even the most reluctant predators. The variety of patterns available allows for precise matching of local forage, enhancing its versatility across different water conditions. For $7.99, the performance and reliability offered by this spoon provide excellent value, easily justifying its price point for serious ice anglers. I would wholeheartedly recommend this lure to anyone looking to improve their ice fishing success, particularly during those challenging days when only a lure with a truly exceptional action will do.