Rapala X-Rap

[Kevin Beachy]

I would like to know what some of our thoughts on the rapala Xrap slashback are. I would also like some advice on how to use them.

[ColdSVT]

Solid!

Work em like any other jerkbait

[Jar11591]

Solid!

Work em like any other jerkbait

Yep!

[DirtyDeuceGoose]

One of my confidence lures. Throw it out, twitch twitch pause SLAM.

[primetime]

Not sure you can fish it wrong.....Burn it, Dead stick it, Twitch twitch pause, or flat out walk the dog....XRAPS are great for both Freshwater and Saltwater and very durable....IT's all about figuring out the cadence they want, and that can change daily, hourly and sometimes they want it still.....My biggest fish on Jerkbaits have come from letting an Xrap sit for a good 15-30 seconds and all of a sudden...Game on!!!

 

Good Luck. Key to this lure is not to be afraid to lose it in cover or weeds/Rip Rap...It is great for working breaklines and weedlines and if shallow, I often bang it into the sand or mud aggressive, and the lure is well built, so have fun and experiment, I have never met 2 Fisherman who fish a Jerkbait exactly the same all the time.

[OntarioFishingGuy]

Great jerkbait. Very durable finish. I would recommend it over any other jerkbait.

[gnuisance]

I don't feel they are durable at all. I have had a number of them that have had the lips break off. I prefer others like the storm twitch stick that are better made IMO

[primetime]

I like the Twitch stick as well, only it has never suspended like the package says....For only a few bucks, it is a great lure, and I love it as a floating jerkbait, and I am not sure I have not broken lips off of most lures and brands.I like to work cranks and suspending jerkbaits hard at times, and if catching fish and hitting rock, I think any lure can break and most of my favorite lures do not have any paint left on them...Some were expensive, some are super spots, old rattle traps...But I would dive in the water if snagged because they are fish magnets.

 

I know that there were bad batches of Max Raps going around and were poorly made fakes, but Rapala VMC. owns Storm lures and I also find Storm to have some great designs...As far as suspending Storm Jerkbaits I have yet to find one that actually suspends...I do like them and fish with them as they are priced very well and the wiggle wart is a must, and so is the smash shad imo...

[dam0007]

Xrs8 size I run a fast crank bait retrieve. A confidence lure of mine on one lake here

[tatertester]

I've had good luck going twitch , twitch , RIIIIIIIP!, pause....You often get a smashing hit.I mean an aggressive rip that any bass in the area is alerted to.

[iceintheveins]

Great jerkbait, one of my absolute favorites. I don't use jerkbaits much when the water is over 60, but they will work all year, especially on smallies. Largemouth love them too though.

[macmichael]

Here are 3 colors that are recommended by the Linder brothers. Clown, hot pink, and hot head.

I'll be bringing some down to start off with.

[SirSnookalot]

X-raps are one of my favorites but not the most durable.  The lips break off quite often, I do some fishing near bridges and pylons and the cast is not always perfect.  Other lure brands hold up better but I don't think they catch as many fish.  The tail hook chips and breaks the plastic, don't find that to be a deterrent in catching fish. 

When it's hook replacement time I use only 3x for freshwater and 4x for saltwater.

[Crestliner2008]

Here are 3 colors that are recommended by the Linder brothers. Clown, hot pink, and hot head.

I'll be bringing some down to start off with.

I saw that segment! I've always tossed the more natural patterns, but will have to get a couple of these to try.

[ww2farmer]

I like the x-rap just fine, but it's my third or fourth choice for a jerkbait. I like the Strike King KVD best, then the Storm Twitch Stick, then the X-rap. Tip for those who use the Storm Twitch Stick and want it to suspend. Upgrade the stock light wire hooks to a 1x strong short shank hook. Keep the back hook the same size and go UP one size on the front, and fish it with sinking fluorocarbon line and or leaders. That's all it usually takes for me to get the 10 size to suspend in 45-50 degree water. I have not played around much with the smaller one yet. The great thing about the twitch stick, is that every one I have had is a slow riser... I can work with that. Like I said before, a sinker is junk IMHO.