Cold weather got you down? Do you have the urge to go fishing, but afraid that the fish ain't gonna bite? Rapala's got your back. Their line of Shad Raps, Husky Jerks, X-Raps, and DT bait are perfect for landing that bass, pike, or walleye.
Shad Rap
Shad Raps are made out of balsa wood and have a natural swimming motion. They're great for sub-55-degree water in gravel and chunky rock. Pete Gluszek, a three-time Bassmaster Classic contender, says, "The silent nature of balsa creates a tremendous triggering mechanism. The fish key solely on the bait’s signature in the water. They’re something special."
Husky Jerks
This bait is great for a variety of circumstances, in rocky areas and smooth, in deep water or shallow. Michael “Ike” Iaconelli, a 13-time Classic contender and 2003 Classic Champion, explains, “It’s got a more neutral action.A little less side to side [movement], a little bit tighter, a little more natural and deliberate. And when [fish] are cold and lethargic, nothing beats the Husky Jerk.”
X-Rap
X-Raps really shine when the water is between 45 and 55 degrees. As Iaconelli explains, “It mimics the activity level of the fish and it really resembles what the baitfish are doing when the water’s cold, but not super cold. It's got a little bit more erratic movement [than a Husky Jerk].”
DT
Standing for "dives to," DTs will dive to the depth of the number listed after the DT; a DT-6 will dive to a maximum depth of 6 feet. “DT’s are sort of a combo of a Shad Rap and a traditional wider-wobble crankbait,” Iaconelli says.
All of these baits will serve you well at whatever cold-water fishing spot you find yourself. Go to www.rapala.com to learn more.
