Looking at the Rapala lures and there are a dizzying amount to choose from. Trying to decide which to order.
BX
DT
Ripping Rap
Scatter Rap
Shad Rap
Shadow Rap
X-Rap
Preferences and/or suggestions? I wish to add some lures for different parts of the water column from 2' to deep.
The DT series are excellent baits. I'm not a huge Rapala guy but I do throw the Shad Raps in the spring. I have little experience with the scatter rap line although I know they catch fish. I just can't let go of my SK 1.5 square bills to allow the scatter rap in my arsenal. So a long story short, I'd go with the DT series and Shad raps. Just my 2 cents.
I was wondering this myself, how are the Rapalas broken down, by size, technique, running depth?
Is the shad rap a crankbait, is the shadow rap a jerkbait, what the heck is the countdown?
It seems very unorganized how the product line is organized. The SK baits follow a much easier naming and sizing convention In my opinion.
TRF
On 1/5/2017 at 9:45 AM, TheRodFather said:I was wondering this myself, how are the Rapalas broken down, by size, technique, running depth?
Is the shad rap a crankbait, is the shadow rap a jerkbait, what the heck is the countdown?
It seems very unorganized how the product line is organized. The SK baits follow a much easier naming and sizing convention In my opinion.
TRF
Whole numbers are the sizes. TW should have a per inch and a better description.
On 1/5/2017 at 9:45 AM, TheRodFather said:I was wondering this myself, how are the Rapalas broken down, by size, technique, running depth?
Is the shad rap a crankbait, is the shadow rap a jerkbait, what the heck is the countdown?
It seems very unorganized how the product line is organized. The SK baits follow a much easier naming and sizing convention In my opinion.
TRF
It is quite confusing to remember which lure does what and I found myself having to jot notes on some paper as I clicked between the lure types as I couldn't remember which descriptions fit which lures after reading about 4 or 5.
Then throw in the fact that there are five different types of DT, nine different X-raps, etc. and then throw in all the other lure companies they seem to have bought out, some of which also offer their own line of cranks, jerks, etc. It's lure overload.
On 1/5/2017 at 9:53 AM, gripnrip said:Whole numbers are the sizes. TW should have a per inch and a better description.
That's kind of the point though isn't it......it takes a third party to organize Rapalas product into a format that makes sense. Lets say you aren't familiar with there product line but are open to buying their products (like me). You go into the tackle store and see racks and racks of little boxes of rapala baits, but there are so many names for things that you don't know if your looking at a slashbait, jerkbait, or do I go for a DT or DT thug, or shad dancer or scatter rap or glass shad rap.
I guess I shouldn't complain, as variety is the spice of life, and kudos to Rapala for offering such diverse product, but darn, they sure could have made it easier to make heads or tails of it.
@TheRodFather @mixel
Have you been on Rapalas website? Lots of info, sizing charts, and videos on every lure
On 1/5/2017 at 10:11 AM, j bab said:@TheRodFather @mixel
Have you been on Rapalas website? Lots of info, sizing charts, and videos on every lure
Sure, but Rapalas website doesn't help me much when I'm browsing the tackle shop as a noob. They are all pretty confusing for the novice truth be told.
On 1/5/2017 at 10:30 AM, TheRodFather said:
Sure, but Rapalas website doesn't help me much when I'm browsing the tackle shop as a noob. They are all pretty confusing for the novice truth be told.
The box tells you diving depth, besides that just ask the guy in the tackle shop for more info.
They can't attach a book to each box explaining their whole line of baits!
On 1/5/2017 at 10:36 AM, j bab said:The box tells you diving depth, besides that just ask the guy in the tackle shop for more info.
They can't attach a book to each box explaining their whole line of baits!
I know, I'm picking nits
The Rippin rap in 1/2 ounce has done well for me as an alternative to the RES. The standard scatter crank (not the shallow or deep) has been a good producer for me as well. The shadow rap has gotten me a lot of bites in the short time I have used it. Like others the DT 10 and DT 16 have been good to me.
Fat Raps and Crankin Raps are staples in my tackle box . The only reason Shad Raps are not is I dont like the way they cast .
On 1/5/2017 at 11:27 AM, scaleface said:Fat Raps and Crankin Raps are staples in my tackle box . The only reason Shad Raps are not is I dont like the way they cast .
They cast alright on spinning gear with 10 lb fireline and it forces you to fish them slower which is a good thing. Granted you won't lob them out there a mile, but it's not too bad.
Countdown is a version of the "original floating minnow". Typically it sinks 1 foot per second and will vary between sizes.
The SK 1.5 is a squarebill. And the scatter rap is just a type of lip that can come on a shad rap, crank, original minnow and a few others.. even the tail dancer. So there are plenty of places to use it , and still fish the 1.5. I personally like the scatter rap shad. I caught 2 bass 4-5 lbs on it just this past season. But if the scatter rap disappeared I wouldn't be bothered. Because I've been using them long before and to me it is not really a game changer. They do work though.
I've had much success with rapala and it is my favorite company by far . I have more than 150 of their lures. Not ones I bought in bulk for cheap either. Rather ones I hand selected throughout the years.
My favorite all time (rapala) lures that I wouldn't ever leave the dock without are
1) shad rap and JOINTED shad rap. (Also get the shallow version of this)
2) fat rap and DT series. Don't slap the DTs on the water to clear the moss.. use your darn hand..
3) xrap shad ( shallow version of this as well ) gettin hard to find but I have plenty.
4) original floater . Slow retrieve , dead sticked , rip and pause , small twitches . This thing catches fish. Don't be afraid to get the big ones too.
I'll talk about these all day. If you want to hear what else I have to say about them. You can PM me. I might even have one or two for you to try out.
Been using Rapalas for well over 2 decades now and they are among my favorite lures to use.Here's a couple Rapalas that are very effective for me;
Skitter Walk
Original Minnow
Jointed Minnow
Shad Rap
X-Rap
I have always caught fish with the minnow. The silver & black one. I have many other rapalas, but the minnow has worked best for me. The scatter rap just doesn't cast right for me.
The DT series, shad raps, and countdown series are great. I don't fish a lot of treble hook lures, but I take two of those three in my tackle bag everywhere. I don't know how many posts I've read on here about the shad rap and it's ability to catch fish in cold water .
On 1/5/2017 at 10:06 AM, TheRodFather said:
That's kind of the point though isn't it......it takes a third party to organize Rapalas product into a format that makes sense. Lets say you aren't familiar with there product line but are open to buying their products (like me). You go into the tackle store and see racks and racks of little boxes of rapala baits, but there are so many names for things that you don't know if your looking at a slashbait, jerkbait, or do I go for a DT or DT thug, or shad dancer or scatter rap or glass shad rap.
I guess I shouldn't complain, as variety is the spice of life, and kudos to Rapala for offering such diverse product, but darn, they sure could have made it easier to make heads or tails of it.
I agree. But I was in your shoes once. Young kid. No internet LOL. So I combed through Bass Pro catalogs every chance I got. Read descriptions and talked with friends at school. Read Bassmaster. It became an obsession. One I love dearly. I am a crank fanatic and can tell most of the brands by pic alone. At least from 90's to now anyways and some older models.
I NEVER go fishing without a couple of original floater Rapalas in my box. I like silver/black back, perch, and brown trout finishes the best and size 9 and 11 are best for numbers. They can be twitched on top or retrieved slowly with small twitches to make the lure dance. My number one confidence hard bait in warm weather
On 1/5/2017 at 9:10 PM, edfitzvb said:I NEVER go fishing without a couple of original floater Rapalas in my box. I like silver/black back, perch, and brown trout finishes the best and size 9 and 11 are best for numbers. They can be twitched on top or retrieved slowly with small twitches to make the lure dance. My number one confidence hard bait in warm weather
Crazy good on lakes around me doing this twitching around docks.
Rapala has certain lures that have been in production for decades because they flat out catch fish and they have a few designs that have not been replicated imo.
The Rapala lures that I feel are Mandatory, and stand out from the other brands are the following.
Original Balsa Rapala Minnow-Floating & Husky Jerk is the suspending version but not balsa. The BX series looks nicer, casts further, but I have not done as well with the BX swimmers, Wakes as I have with the standard Minnow and Flat Rap Minnow.
Gold/Black & Silver/Black.
Shad rap #7 is a lure that everyone should have, they work all year round, flat sided balsa crank that is not expensive & will always catch something. The Shallow Shad Rap is a great lure when the "Wake Bait" bite is on, people do not fish this lure enough but you can fish it as a topwater or wake, or squarebill and it catches fish when the bite is tough. I only have the shad color which is all I need. I add some chart instead of buying a sexy shad version but either way.
The DT series is good, however I feel you can find better crankbaits from other companies but it is all preference, I do use the DT-6 and the DT-10 at times.
Only other lure that stands out for me would be the Skitter Pop, makes a bluegill sound better than any popper, add some dressing to the rear treble, fish it on lighter line, but it is a fantastic lure.
Skitter Walk Vs. XRAP Walk only means the Xrap has better colors, different hooks, comes with dressed treble but if on sale they are a good walking bait, just not much different imo than all the others.
The X-Rap Suspending Jerkbait is a good shallow jerkbait that cuts aggressive & can work really well.
You don't need much. Check out this site. BEST PRICES FOR RAPALA & Other top brands. Their bulk soft plastics are all BPS Brand. $4 Rapala's, .99 Bags of Culprits....They always have stuff coming in super cheap from every company at one time or another.
http://www.fishingtackleoutlet.net/
I should not be giving out my favorite site...but I just ordered $150 of culprit Incredicraws, Lucky Craft lures, & reel.
On 1/5/2017 at 9:45 AM, TheRodFather said:I was wondering this myself, how are the Rapalas broken down, by size, technique, running depth?
It seems very unorganized how the product line is organized. The SK baits follow a much easier naming and sizing convention In my opinion.
TRF
Seems pretty simple to me.
DT - Dives to crankbait
Skitter Pop - Topwater popper
Husky Jerk - Jerkbait
X-Rap - Slash bait
Countdown - Sinking crankbait that sinks 1 foot per second, hence "countdown"
Rattlin Rap - A rattle trap style crankbait
Every bait has a short recommendation on the back of the box on how to fish it. And on top of the box has legnth, weight, and running depth.. I don't think it gets much more simple than that bud.
Ok, must just be me then
From Rapalas website:
All the numbers beside the lure name are categories within the categories. 10 different types of scatter raps:
Scatter rap:
Shad
Crank
Husky jerk
tail dancer
crank deep
countdown
shallow
minnow
shad deep
jointed
And thats just the "scatter rap series....................dizzying is the perfect description
DT6 is my favorite Rapala bait...
Idk why we would complain about the amount of baits a company has to offer ? I think it's awesome. And like I said.. if you pick up a box (in person ) it will have all the info you need on it.
I like that I can dig through their vast product list to find just what I want. Gets expensive but just love their stuff!
On 1/5/2017 at 11:14 PM, TheRodFather said:Ok, must just be me then
From Rapalas website:
- BX Series (5)
- Clackin' Series (4)
- CountDown Lures (4)
- DT Series (10)
- Giant Lures (2)
- Husky Jerk Series (5)
- Ike's Custom Ink Colors (13)
- Jigging Series (4)
- Magnum Lures (4)
- Original Floating (1)
- Rippin' Rap Series (2)
- Scatter Rap Series (10)
- Shad Rap Series (8)
- Shadow Rap Series (4)
- Skitter Series (6)
- Tail Dancer Series (4)
- Ultra Light Series (5)
- X-Rap Series (9)
- X-Rap Saltwater Series (7)
- All Other Lures (10)
All the numbers beside the lure name are categories within the categories. 10 different types of scatter raps:
Scatter rap:
Shad
Crank
Husky jerk
tail dancer
crank deep
countdown
shallow
minnow
shad deep
jointed
And thats just the "scatter rap series....................dizzying is the perfect description
Scatter rap series is large because it's design incorporates a special bill that makes the bait hunt more it's like a big U instead of flat. They have adapted this design for almost their entire line so there are more models marketed under that. X-raps are slash baits, they have a few different profiles and each profile has multiple diving depths. Skitter series are all topwater baits. The DT series is their crankbait line DT stands for Dives To so a DT6 will dive to about 6 feet. They make a bait for pretty much every category of baits out there. With a little understanding of baits in general you'll be able to figure out what you want.
To answer the OP about which Rapala baits are my favorite, I'd have to go with the Shadow Rap series, and the DT series. Shad Raps are legendary for cold water though so it's hard to say no to them.
Besides the original Rapala minnow series and CD series the balsa Fat Raps FR-5 & FR-7 are my choice for deep divers. Shad raps are good but don't like the way they cast in the wind. Not a fan of the newer brighter color Rapalas.
Tom
My advice would be to do your research and then buy the ones you think might work for you. I know this sounds simplistic, but what do you want? Do you want someone else to tell you what to buy? At least in that situation you have someone to blame outside of yourself if the bait doesn't work for you.
I would advise you to take reponsibility for your hard bait purchase decisions.
Me - I don't use Rapala baits very often because while I do own numerous models, shapes & sizes I find the majority of them a challenge to cast, using bait casting gear. I think that they make decent lipless cranks, but I think that there are brands out there that work better for me. (Cordell Spot and Berkley Frenzy, to name a couple)
I'm a pretty big Rapala fan. For many years. I throw many.
Its easier for me to tell you what I'm not a fan of with their product lines. * I'm still out to lunch on the Scatter Rap line of baits. * The Live Look that they put to their baits means nothing to me. Their original patters and patterns that are not photo process or whatever you want to call it out fish the Live Look hands down. I can give examples if you need.
personally i like the shad rap and the clackin' rap but the dt series are always good too
i also forgot about the x-rap subwalk
Out of curiosity I just went on their site...couldnt be easier or more descriptive. Click on a bait, it gives you the length, weight and a description of its action and characteristics. If you are overwhelmed at the store, go onto the site, make a list of the lures that you want, and bring it to the store. Good luck.
On 1/5/2017 at 10:36 AM, j bab said:The box tells you diving depth, besides that just ask the guy in the tackle shop for more info.
They can't attach a book to each box explaining their whole line of baits!
The Rapala website gives excellent, easy to follow instructions on how to use these lures, but nothing compares to putting in your time on the water with these lures.
Shadow rap,DT fat,husky jerk
On 1/5/2017 at 8:17 AM, mixel said:Looking at the Rapala lures and there are a dizzying amount to choose from. Trying to decide which to order.
BXDT
Ripping Rap
Scatter Rap
Shad Rap
Shadow Rap
X-Rap
Preferences and/or suggestions? I wish to add some lures for different parts of the water column from 2' to deep.
I have caught more fish with Shad Raps than with all my other cranks put together, thousands of fish since that day in 1985 when I purchased my first SR, btw, my PB ( 6.6 kg ) was caught with a SR that I still carry around.
Oh boy, there are some Rapala fan boys out there.........somehow the discussion went to taking personal responsibility for hard bait purchases, lol.
All I'm sayin guys, is that for the novices out there trying to start a collection of baits that cover the different techniques and parts of the water column, Rapala has a vast (some might say dizzying) array of choices. So it is hard(er) for the novice to narrow down the field and just get a few "jerkbaits", or a couple "squarebills".
I love buying tackle, but I have learned (from BR) that less baits a lot of times equals more, so I try to K.I.S.S. Heck, the OCD in me is ticked that I can't get the same exact colors in lipless cranks as I have in squarebills from SK. If ever there was a reason for the phrase: "Some lures are for catching fish, others for catching fishermen", Rapalas lineup comes to mind.
Of course that's not to say some of their lures wont catch fish, but one starts to wonder just how many different types of black shoes a woman really needs to own.......
This thread went down hill fast.
On 1/5/2017 at 8:17 AM, mixel said:Looking at the Rapala lures and there are a dizzying amount to choose from. Trying to decide which to order.
BXDT
Ripping Rap
Scatter Rap
Shad Rap
Shadow Rap
X-Rap
Preferences and/or suggestions? I wish to add some lures for different parts of the water column from 2' to deep.
I went to Finland this year for a few weeks and I was really excited because I thought they would have a bunch of crank baits that we don't have here in the states and the packaging would be in Finnish, etc.
Nope, same d**n lures we have in the states, same packaging, and about 40% more expensive. I was really bumbed out, but I got some cool Abu Garcia lures.
On 1/6/2017 at 10:47 AM, TheRodFather said:Oh boy, there are some Rapala fan boys out there.........somehow the discussion went to taking personal responsibility for hard bait purchases, lol.
All I'm sayin guys, is that for the novices out there trying to start a collection of baits that cover the different techniques and parts of the water column, Rapala has a vast (some might say dizzying) array of choices. So it is hard(er) for the novice to narrow down the field and just get a few "jerkbaits", or a couple "squarebills".
I love buying tackle, but I have learned (from BR) that less baits a lot of times equals more, so I try to K.I.S.S. Heck, the OCD in me is ticked that I can't get the same exact colors in lipless cranks as I have in squarebills from SK. If ever there was a reason for the phrase: "Some lures are for catching fish, others for catching fishermen", Rapalas lineup comes to mind.
Of course that's not to say some of their lures wont catch fish, but one starts to wonder just how many different types of black shoes a woman really needs to own.......
I do remember a time when lure companies put info on the back that showed you how to fish the bait. Back when I didn't have a clue that was useful info. Don't know of any baits that do that now.
My apologies if I'm being argumentative, not intending to stir up trouble. I haven't had a fish on in over a month, so I think I'm getting irritable
On 1/6/2017 at 11:09 AM, Mosster47 said:
I went to Finland this year for a few weeks and I was really excited because I thought they would have a bunch of crank baits that we don't have here in the states and the packaging would be in Finnish, etc.
Nope, same d**n lures we have in the states, same packaging, and about 40% more expensive. I was really bumbed out, but I got some cool Abu Garcia lures.
Did they have that weedless shad thing? Still can't figure out if I would buy that thing or not if they brought it over here. Don't like the idea of having a non changeable hook on a crank.
On 1/6/2017 at 11:12 AM, cgolf said:
I do remember a time when lure companies put info on the back that showed you how to fish the bait. Back when I didn't have a clue that was useful info. Don't know of any baits that do that now.
A lot of my Johnson stuff and some of my rapalas still list a basic retrieve or two.
Aside from the shad rap, x rap, sub walk, original floating minnow, and the jigging rap I don't use much for rapala's. Most of the new stuff they're putting out now are all gimmicks or just don't have anything special about them. I bet they're still going to have "new deadly action coming to rapala" in a month or so for the classic. Rapala has way over hyped new releases in recent years.
On 1/6/2017 at 11:15 AM, cgolf said:
Did they have that weedless shad thing? Still can't figure out if I would buy that thing or not if they brought it over here. Don't like the idea of having a non changeable hook on a crank.
I got four crank like baits that have a top hook and a single wire hook guard like on a Johnson spoon. It just seemed like too good of an idea not to try. I can't remember if they were Rapala or not.
On 1/6/2017 at 10:47 AM, TheRodFather said:Oh boy, there are some Rapala fan boys out there.........somehow the discussion went to taking personal responsibility for hard bait purchases, lol.
All I'm sayin guys, is that for the novices out there trying to start a collection of baits that cover the different techniques and parts of the water column, Rapala has a vast (some might say dizzying) array of choices. So it is hard(er) for the novice to narrow down the field and just get a few "jerkbaits", or a couple "squarebills".
I love buying tackle, but I have learned (from BR) that less baits a lot of times equals more, so I try to K.I.S.S. Heck, the OCD in me is ticked that I can't get the same exact colors in lipless cranks as I have in squarebills from SK. If ever there was a reason for the phrase: "Some lures are for catching fish, others for catching fishermen", Rapalas lineup comes to mind.
Of course that's not to say some of their lures wont catch fish, but one starts to wonder just how many different types of black shoes a woman really needs to own.......
KISS, can't be more simple than ......... SHAD RAP, there you go.
On 1/6/2017 at 11:20 AM, IndianaFinesse said:A lot of my Johnson stuff and some of my rapalas still list a basic retrieve or two.
Aside from the shad rap, x rap, sub walk, original floating minnow, and the jigging rap I don't use much for rapala's. Most of the new stuff they're putting out now are all gimmicks or just don't have anything special about them. I bet they're still going to have "new deadly action coming to rapala" in a month or so for the classic. Rapala has way over hyped new releases in recent years.
I thought it was interesting that between all the local fisherman, the two bait shop owners, and the guide we went out with all recommended plug style baits and not one was ever a Rapala. Judging by the packaging Rapala is solely made to hook Americans.
On 1/6/2017 at 11:30 AM, Mosster47 said:
I thought it was interesting that between all the local fisherman, the two bait shop owners, and the guide we went out with all recommended plug style baits and not one was ever a Rapala. Judging by the packaging Rapala is solely made to hook Americans.
Yep, aside from the shad rap (and none of that scatter rap junk either) I don't use any of their crankbaits. Tried a few others in rapala's line up, but other brands always have worked better for me.
On 1/6/2017 at 11:40 AM, IndianaFinesse said:Yep, aside from the shad rap (and none of that scatter rap junk either) I don't use any of their crankbaits. Tried a few others in rapala's line up, but other brands always have worked better for me.
Agreed. I have an army of Shad Raps. I have ones my dad and grandpa left me that are as old as I can remember. If its summer or winter and you don't have a Shad Rap on the deck you're wrong as far as I'm concerned.
Rip fishing one is super effective pre and post spawn by my goodness will it wear you out.
On 1/6/2017 at 11:28 AM, Mosster47 said:
I got four crank like baits that have a top hook and a single wire hook guard like on a Johnson spoon. It just seemed like too good of an idea not to try. I can't remember if they were Rapala or not.
Yup that is the one, it has a boot tail as well? Really curious on how it works for you.
On 1/6/2017 at 11:20 AM, IndianaFinesse said:A lot of my Johnson stuff and some of my rapalas still list a basic retrieve or two.
Aside from the shad rap, x rap, sub walk, original floating minnow, and the jigging rap I don't use much for rapala's. Most of the new stuff they're putting out now are all gimmicks or just don't have anything special about them. I bet they're still going to have "new deadly action coming to rapala" in a month or so for the classic. Rapala has way over hyped new releases in recent years.
Over hyped or not, the shadow raps got me fish and big musky bites, they bit me off, but were close enough to see it happen. Scatter raps have been really good to me, River and lake. Rippin rap is a good bait, but need to work with it some more to figure out the optimal triggering retrieve, RES got me more fish the week I fished both. Oddly I do better with their new stuff than there old stuff.
On 1/6/2017 at 11:09 AM, Mosster47 said:
I went to Finland this year for a few weeks and I was really excited because I thought they would have a bunch of crank baits that we don't have here in the states and the packaging would be in Finnish, etc.
Nope, same d**n lures we have in the states, same packaging, and about 40% more expensive. I was really bumbed out, but I got some cool Abu Garcia lures.
LOL that's classic.
This thread has inspired me to fish a couple of my old Rapalas this weekend, maybe Saturday. Should be able to get +20 bass easily within a couple hours,since the bite has been fire!
On 1/6/2017 at 1:07 PM, soflabasser said:This thread has inspired me to fish a couple of my old Rapalas this weekend, maybe Saturday. Should be able to get +20 bass easily within a couple hours,since the bite has been fire!
If you have some really old raps, the silver and gold are really bright, actual foil, vs the dull silver and gold sold now. I got a bunch at an estate auction and it is like a different color compared to the new stuff, pretty cool actually.
That is cool. I wonder what factors come into play for them to stop manufacturing a particular lure. Is it just low sales gets the ax?
On 1/6/2017 at 2:22 PM, mixel said:That is cool. I wonder what factors come into play for them to stop manufacturing a particular lure. Is it just low sales gets the ax?
I wish I could know, discontinuing the Shallow Fat Rap left me heartbroken, size 5 SFR is a fish magnet, it's the kind of lure where paying $20+ doesn't bother me at all.
So... Is the entire purpose of this thread to complain that a company offers a wide variety of effective baits... And that you actually have to read free resources to learn how to use them? I'm not trying to be a jerk, but d**n.
Also, I love Fat Raps. I want more of them. They've become hard to find
On 1/6/2017 at 3:32 PM, Turkey sandwich said:So... Is the entire purpose of this thread to complain that a company offers a wide variety of effective baits... And that you actually have to read free resources to learn how to use them? I'm not trying to be a jerk, but d**n.
Also, I love Fat Raps. I want more of them. They've become hard to find
No, just that there is a dizzying array of lures made by Rapala.
On 1/6/2017 at 3:32 PM, Turkey sandwich said:So... Is the entire purpose of this thread to complain that a company offers a wide variety of effective baits... And that you actually have to read free resources to learn how to use them? I'm not trying to be a jerk, but d**n.
Also, I love Fat Raps. I want more of them. They've become hard to find
They are still available on-line . Cabelas , for one , has them .