RAPALAS

Originally published in our Spring 2000 edition

RAPALA ORIGINAL FLOATING:
Originally designed in 1936 by Lauri Rapala and introduced into North America in 1959,the Original Floating model is still their number one seller. The integrity of the design makes it the most versatile of fishing lures. Whether twitched on top as a surface bait, retrieved as a shallow runner, weighted with a split-shot for medium depths or bottom walked off a sinker rig, the wounded minnow action continues to be irresistible to game fish.

RAPALA JOINTED:
There are times when fish demand something livelier than usual, a real attention getter.
This is exactly what the Jointed Rapala does. This is a balsa floater and can be fished like the Original Floating Rapala from top to bottom, cast or trolled. The Jointed Rapala has produced record largemouth bass, and record walleyes.

RAPALA COUNTDOWN:
The CountDown method of fishing first introduced by this lure has become a standard presentation by knowledgeable north country anglers. The slow sinking, control-depth method enables you to put this lure exactly in the feeding zone of suspended fish or just above the weed tops or bottom structure for deeper feeders. Of course, the balanced action can be trolled or casted and retrieved in the usual manner. The CountDown has proven itself especially for large walleye, bass, and lake trout.

RAPALA SKITTER POP:
The Rapala Skitter Pop is a balsa wood lure featuring a unique cupped plastic lip. The Skitter Pop can be fished using a variety of techniques, making it a versatile topwater bait. When fish are aggressive or busting bait, use the “skitter” technique. This is a steady retrieve while pumping the rod tip, creating a walk-the-dog spitting commotion imitating a fleeing baitfish. Another technique is popping the lure. This is done by giving the lure a sharp jerk and letting the lure rest while reeling in the slack. The lure will spit water quite a distance using this approach. A third technique is twitching, which was made popular by the Original Floating Rapala. Fish the Skitter Pop in the same fashion, casting it out, letting the water calm and twitching the lure on the surface. This will imitate a wounded baitfish or frog struggling on the surface.

RAPALA SHALLOW SHAD RAP:
The Rapala family claims the Shallow Shad Rap has the best action of any lure they have made to date. Ideal for fish in “skinny” water, it can be twitched on the surface as top-water lure. Excellent for casting or trolling, the Shad Rap is designed to be fished at ultra slow speeds up to super fast speeds.

North Country is stocking a big variety of these lures for our May and June fishermen. In spring, when the water is cold, fish stay up tight to the shore line. The shallow run depth of this lure keeps it out of the rocks and last years dead vegetation. Another fish trait during cold water periods is the fact that they are sluggish. With the exception of northerns, it is hard to get a fish to run-down a lure; retrieves must be slow. Here is where a lively lure really becomes a necessity.