Rapala DT Fat's

[collegefishing12]

Any opinions?

I am trying to detremine if they are worth the extra few bucks, as compared to some of the other lower priced square billed cranks (Bomber, Luck E Strike, Bandit)

Oh yes, I thought a non-what-was-KVD-using post would be something new 

[Vinny Chase]

Hands down my go to square bill crank when the bite is hot...I say that because it has a wide wobble to it that has it's time and place. When I want a more subtle wobble I will turn to the DT flat..

All in all, spend the extra few bucks, you will not regret it.

[Rangerphil]

I have recently purchased 12 of the dt fat in the same color, enough said!

[collegefishing12]

I have recently purchased 12 of the dt fat in the same color, enough said!

Rangerphil, where are you ordering these from?  Any place ever have them on sale, or you just taking the near $9 hit per crank? :'(

[collegefishing12]

Hands down my go to square bill crank when the bite is hot...I say that because it has a wide wobble to it that has it's time and place. When I want a more subtle wobble I will turn to the DT flat..

All in all, spend the extra few bucks, you will not regret it.

Vinny, your posts are always informative!

While were on the topic, what other cranks do you suggest for a more tight wobble?  I am trying to become more proficient of a cranker this season, as last season I found myself holding my jig rod far too often (too often only because they WEREN'T BITING it)

[Rangerphil]

eBay is where I get most of them, I picked them up for an average of 6-7 dollars a piece with shipping! Another good crank is Norman deep lil n and bandit 200-300 series.

[Vinny Chase]

Hands down my go to square bill crank when the bite is hot...I say that because it has a wide wobble to it that has it's time and place. When I want a more subtle wobble I will turn to the DT flat..

All in all, spend the extra few bucks, you will not regret it.

Vinny, your posts are always informative!

While were on the topic, what other cranks do you suggest for a more tight wobble? I am trying to become more proficient of a cranker this season, as last season I found myself holding my jig rod far too often (too often only because they WEREN'T BITING it)

Thanks CollegeFishing12,

Do you have any Gander Mountains in your area? If so, I would go there as soon as you can and pick up as many of the DT series as you can, they are on sale for $4.95.

As far as other tight wobble crankbaits, it all starts with the shad rap. The shad rap is right up there with the flat's as being the most productive crank in fall and spring. Also check out:

Bomber A family, Rattle Traps, Norman N family

[fooman]

Gander Mountain has the DT sure-sets on sale for $3.99

Picked up way to many than I should have

[BassThumb]

They're excellent crankbaits, and at $5, they can't be beat. The DT Fat 1 is a great wakebait that is effective at covering water, and the DT Fat and Flat 3 are very good cranks.

I'm not a huge fan of the VMC SureSet hooks though, at least not as the front hook. They hook fish well, but I've broken a few off in a fishes jaw, and they are very, very easily hung up on wood and tough weeds. With a replacement front hook, the DT Fat series are otherwise not easy to snag and will deflect off cover about as well as any squarebill crank that I've used.

[Vinny Chase]

They're excellent crankbaits, and at $5, they can't be beat. The DT Fat 1 is a great wakebait that is effective at covering water, and the DT Fat and Flat 3 are very good cranks.

I'm not a huge fan of the VMC SureSet hooks though, at least not as the front hook. They hook fish well, but I've broken a few off in a fishes jaw, and they are very, very easily hung up on wood and tough weeds. With a replacement front hook, the DT Fat series are otherwise not easy to snag and will deflect off cover about as well as any squarebill crank that I've used.

Your right, the SS hooks are very weak and do damage to the fish. I replace all the SS with triple grips/stingers

[Flukeman]

Our Gander has the DT's for $4.99 all the time and always have a ton of stock.

[mozy]

Hands down my go to square bill crank when the bite is hot...I say that because it has a wide wobble to it that has it's time and place. When I want a more subtle wobble I will turn to the DT flat..

All in all, spend the extra few bucks, you will not regret it.

Vinny, your posts are always informative!

While were on the topic, what other cranks do you suggest for a more tight wobble? I am trying to become more proficient of a cranker this season, as last season I found myself holding my jig rod far too often (too often only because they WEREN'T BITING it)

Thanks CollegeFishing12,

Do you have any Gander Mountains in your area? If so, I would go there as soon as you can and pick up as many of the DT series as you can, they are on sale for $4.95.

As far as other tight wobble crankbaits, it all starts with the shad rap. The shad rap is right up there with the flat's as being the most productive crank in fall and spring. Also check out:

Bomber A family, Rattle Traps, Norman N family

Vinny, you should be able to find them for $3.99 at the Gander in Eden Prairie. I've bought a bunch from there, and they are continually restocking it with new colors.

[Vinny Chase]

Hands down my go to square bill crank when the bite is hot...I say that because it has a wide wobble to it that has it's time and place. When I want a more subtle wobble I will turn to the DT flat..

All in all, spend the extra few bucks, you will not regret it.

Vinny, your posts are always informative!

While were on the topic, what other cranks do you suggest for a more tight wobble? I am trying to become more proficient of a cranker this season, as last season I found myself holding my jig rod far too often (too often only because they WEREN'T BITING it)

Thanks CollegeFishing12,

Do you have any Gander Mountains in your area? If so, I would go there as soon as you can and pick up as many of the DT series as you can, they are on sale for $4.95.

As far as other tight wobble crankbaits, it all starts with the shad rap. The shad rap is right up there with the flat's as being the most productive crank in fall and spring. Also check out:

Bomber A family, Rattle Traps, Norman N family

Vinny, you should be able to find them for $3.99 at the Gander in Eden Prairie. I've bought a bunch from there, and they are continually restocking it with new colors.

Yeah, I need more dt's like a need a hole in my head! Thanks for the heads up though

[Hooligan]

I can get DTs locally, but man it seems like finding DT Fats is next to impossible.  I luck into one here and there, but that's about it, and it's never the color I want.  My only problem with the bait is I fish it in nasty cover and lose a few here and there.  It seems like it's a snaggy bait at best; but they catch fish.

[mozy]

Oh, and just so you guys know, Rapala has a promo going on now where if you buy 5 Rapalas you can mail in the upc's and get a free lure.

[Vinny Chase]

Oh, and just so you guys know, Rapala has a promo going on now where if you buy 5 Rapalas you can mail in the upc's and get a free lure.

Thanks for the heads up! Just gives me a reason to get some xraps

[Five-Alive]

I love the DT Fat 3 but have had 3 to break off at the bill (each on a cast and not on a fish).

[Flip4Braid]

I love the DT Fat 3 but have had 3 to break off at the bill (each on a cast and not on a fish).

I think it will be a while before I purchase more Rapala lures.  I have lost my confidence in their build quality.  I have had too many in the last year or two break lips when contacting a structure and such.  I used to be a big fan, but can't put my faith in them at this time.

[Gangley]

I have had recent success with the DTFAT01 SS.  I dont care for the SS hooks but they haven't failed me yet and haven't snagged on anything yet either so I can't really complain too much about them.  The lure has a VERY wide wobble, almost looks like a super-duper-uber fast "walk the dog".  The fish that I catch off of it lately have been in 2-3 feet of water

[Rangerphil]

A few years back I had the privilege to talk to David Fritts about the bills breaking off on the dt series. He began to explain to me how they build the lips very thin so the lure can achieve the proper depth and have the correct action. He said to me to be gentle with them and they will perform for you. So I began taking extra care while fishing them, I try and not hit the shore or do not slam the lure on the water to clear the grass off of it. I have not broken on since. Also I have never broken one under water while fishing it off of stumps or rock!

[.dsaavedra.]

dt fat 03 is my favorite crankbait.

[scaleface]

Resurrecting an 11 year old post . This has been an extremely bad year for catching bass on crankbaits . Up until now I have not caught a single bass on a lipped crank .I had a Rapala DT Fat 3 in the box that had never been used . Started throwing it around some yesterday and caught a half dozen fish . 3 decent two lbers slammed it hard while fishing standing timer . It felt nice , tight action ,   the right weight for accurate cast . I'll be giving her another go next time out . Now I want a Fat 01 .to try above the chara algae.

[Munkin]

3 hours ago, scaleface said:

Resurrecting an 11 year old post . This has been an extremely bad year for catching bass on crankbaits . Up until now I have not caught a single bass on a lipped crank .I had a Rapala DT Fat 3 in the box that had never been used . Started throwing it around some yesterday and caught a half dozen fish . 3 decent two lbers slammed it hard while fishing standing timer . It felt nice , tight action ,   the right weight for accurate cast . I'll be giving her another go next time out . Now I want a Fat 01 .to try above the chara algae.

 

Aren't they discontinued?

 

Allen 

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, Munkin said:

 

Aren't they discontinued?

 

Allen 

Nope - still available though the 01s are currently 'Out of Stock'.

https://www.rapala.com/rapala/lures-by-type/crankbaits/dt-fat/DT+Fat.html?cgid=rapala-luresByType-crankbaits&taglist=Rapala|Lures By Type|Crankbaits

[WRB]

Rebirth of Fred Young’s Big O that was selling for over $100 back in it’s day.

Tom

PS, original Fred Young Big O on eBay $800!