BC Fishin.com
Over the past 10 years Glow technology has really started to become more popular within the angling world, especially when it comes to ice fishing. But the question still remains, does a glowing lure out produce a regular lure? Many may argue the effectiveness of glow technology but one thing is for certain and that is more and more anglers are equipping their arsenal with glowing hooks, jigs, and spoons as they see the value of this presentation.
When glow lures first hit the market the main challenge was to keep the lure charged long enough for the glowing light to be effective. In the past 3 years tackle manufactures have improved these lures to hold the light for much longer and require much less of a charge. A good example of this is the Mack’s Glo Hooks Series. These tear drop Glo hooks require very little charge and they last on average 2 times the length than the average Glow hook on the market. It really comes down to the quality of product that you decide to purchase. If you purchase a inexpensive glowing lure, expect less results.
When to use Glowing Lures when Ice Fishing?
For me the answer is simple, always! Over time I have tested glow hooks next to non glow hooks in the similar fishing conditions and the glow hooks tend to out produce regular lures 2 to 1! Does this mean that regular lures are ineffective and have no place in the tackle box? No it doesn’t, non-glow hooks can still produce results especially in shallow waters with a high level of light penetration. Glowing presentation tend to pay off when water clarity and light levels are reduced because the glow helps the fish find the lure. The glowing light works the same way that a flasher attracts fish to your presentation.
When fishing deeper within the water column for fish species such as Kokanee or Lake Trout the glowing lures will definitely improve your odds. Glowing lures also work excellent for targeting fish such as Burbot and Walleye in the darker hours of the day.
Other Glowing Terminal Tackle
As popularity grew for glowing hooks so has the options of different types of tackle and baits that are now offered. From spoons, jigs to soft plastics there are so many options now available on the market. there are also a variety of glowing colours now available. It’s good to have a wide selection of different presentations within your tackle box. To narrow down on what the fish are biting on adjust size first, then colour then different type of lure.
Tips to get the most out of your Glowing Tackle
- Super Charge Them! Use bright LED flashlights to charge the lure. Do this every 20 minutes of fishing for best results!
- Store them right! Use a transparent container like a clear fly box to keep the lures in. This way the light will always be hitting the lures and they will be charged and ready to go!
- Switch it up! Use small clips to quickly switch out the dull lure with a fully charged one. This will save you time between charging and will keep your presentation in the water longer!
- Protect the Paint! Be extra careful with the lures to protect the paint coating; refrain from letting them bouncing around the tackle kit causing the glow coating to chip.
Glowing tackle is now a keystone of the ice fishing world and experienced ice anglers welcome the incredible results that these lures produce! So be sure to include glowing tackle in your ice fishing arsenal and you will reel in more fish up through the hole!
Tight lines & please take a youth fishing!
Originally published here.