Rapala X-Rap - New/Novice Inquiry

[masoct3]

Hi everyone,

I am going to be using the X-Rap this coming week on Medicine Lake. I haven't decided on a specific model yet, but I know it will be an X-Rap.

I have a couple questions:

1) Who currently uses the X-Rap and which series/color do you use?

2) Additionally, I am transitioning from panfish to larger fish, so I need to add a leader. I have leaders and was wondering the best setup that works for you.

I really appreciate your insight. So many helpful people in these forums I would like to add some knowledge and skill to my favorite hobby.

Best,

Mike

[Tman2]

I haven't used any X-rap's, but I'd like to more. I think they have a good place in the arsenal.

Typically a leader (a short metal transition between line and lure) would be used if you were specifically targeting pike or muskie. If you are going for anything else, a leader (a short metal transition between line and lure) isn't the norm.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I use x-raps some but other jerkbaits more often. Generaly I use jerkbaits when the water is cooler (spring, fall) or on rivers. These baits are not really intended to be reeled straight in more of a jerk pause jerk jerk pause. X-raps are suspending baits meaning on the pause they will hold at the depth they were paused at or maybe rise/sink slowly depending on water temp(density). Colder water usually calls for longer pauses but in the summer you can get away with very short pauses but expirement to find what works.

Like stated I wouldnt use a leader to start with. If bite offs become common it might be a good idea to put one on but leaders are going to hinder the action of a lure like the xrap especailly on the pause.

[BuckKiller]

I like the Jointed tail X-raps for musky, pike, and bass. The silver one is my best color.

[newmember]

i used x-raps and husky jerk-baits while shore fishing a few weeks ago in Devil's Lake. one word: AWESOME. white bass and pikes were hitting them like crazy. i must have had 10 pike hits just doing the shore fishing and eventually lost one x-rap/pike reeling it in (20 lb braid with no leader).

but yes they are really affecting jerking, and not straight reeling like the "original" rapalas.

the ones i used were the blue-ish brown and clown ones and they've worked great for me.

[Moonie]

X-raps are a good lure. As are husky jerk-baits. I have mostly shallow diving ones (xr8 and xr10). When trolling with them for walleyes, I've added weight ahead of the lure to get it to dive deeper. Works well. I also have some deep divers as well tho. Silver and gold are my two go to colors, but i have other colors to fill in the gaps if needed (perch, pink). I usually tie straight to the line and don't worry about leaders as I think the action may be better and more natural... If you're targeting toothy pike or musky... it may be a good idea as they're not the cheapest lure out there.

[chief]

XRaps are a great lure for just about every MN gamefish.

The standard series will consistently reach depths of 4/5 feet when cast, and the deep series can hit 7/8 feet on a cast. Both lures work optimally on superlines (say 10 or 14 lb.), and both work best when attached with a small snap. Personally, I remove the split ring that comes with each lure, and attach directly to a snap--but it's up to you.

If you use a leader, be sure to use a light, flexible, stranded wire leader of about #18lb test. Avoid stiff, heavy leaders as they'll compromise lure action.

Sizes #8 and #10 are very versatile for walleye, bass, and "smaller" pike. Color preferences are highly subjective, but the clown, glass ghost, and purple gold patterns should give you useful options.

I rarely retrieve these lures in a steady, continuous motion. I have my best results ripping and/or twitching these lures a few inches or a few feet at a time. I always pause between rips and twitches, and I pause longer when the water's cooler.