X Rap
Arguably the most exiting new lure is the Rapala X Rap. It casts like a bullet to get long retrieves which help you cover lots of water quickly. It keeps you from being on top of the fish and works great when that darn wind picks up! When the dreaded cold front starts moving in and the fish go deeper and get inactive, the “X” kicks bass. Three versions that cover 8,10 and 12 feet of depth perform equally well and get you in front of the fish. Great detail and a dressed tail hook help trigger the strike but the killer is the action. The most effective retrieve is to snap the rod tip and real up the slack. After the cast quickly reel the lure down to depth. When you snap the rod, the X Rap noses down and and thrashes side to side showing the erratic injured action of a minnow. This is great on positive fish in warmer water conditions. Best case scenario aside, when the bass get a little negative or suspend you simply use a sweep retrieve. Cast out and reel as before, but sweep the rod tip to the side and pause. This will get the bait to do that nice slide in a wider motion. Not so erratic as before, this will coax the strike from a not so eager bass that still can't ignore an easy meal swimming by. For best action with either retrieve use a good 10 to 12 pound line. Fluorocarbon tends to work better on smallies in clear to very clear water. Once a good spot has been located, try to make some contact with deep weed edges or the bottom. Once the X-Rap strikes something just pause for a moment and rip it away. Keep the action erratic and try to envision a wounded minnow seeking cover with spastic, darting and stop and go motions. Once you get the strike set the hook with a hard sideways sweep and and it's game on! The hooks on this Rap set very well for a high hook-up ratio. Match the colors as you would any other bait with more natural for clear and something flashy in stained or moving water. Welcome to the “X” games.
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