Jointed Minnows?

[RedHeadAngler]

I would like some tips on how and when to fish jointed minnows such as the Rapala BX extreme.would they fall into the jerkbait category?

[WRB]

Jointed Rapala lures have been around for decades, the newer versions like BX have brighter colors, the Shad version a wider profile then the original minnow style.

Jointed Rapalas get over looked and work very good with a slower steady retreive similar to a swimbait. Very natural swimming action that triggers strikes, may be one of the best pond lures for open water areas.

Tom

 

 

[Paul Roberts]

Ditto WRB's comments.

I've also used the original floater as a clear water topwater -(esp effective in early spring when water is still cool). Paused between twitches it's killer. Both the straight and jointed work as the buoyant balsa makes the bait do a killer flashing roll when twitched or tugged. The jointed version does the same but with an added wriggle that can be killer too.

I also modify the F-ll jointed into a waking topwater for calm surfaces in summer. I use a lighter to heat the lip just enough that I can bend it down. This keeps the bait from diving so it just crawls across the surface. The jointed version adds a snaky wriggle.

The BX Extreme looks great, but one advantage to the originals is how light they are -being all balsa- so they land very quietly; something really important in high visibility (for the fish) conditions.

I also use the original floaters as an active jerk bait. Since it floats I must keep it moving but in warmer water that's often just what's needed.

Then there's the big F-13 which can make a good swimbait as WRB mentions.

I love those Rapala's. And they are so beautiful  -works of art. I always wanted to collect every model and frame them, but nowadays there are so many models they would require a heck of a frame!

[badhatharry]

A broken back Rebel minnow in natural perch pattern (no longer avail) is my #1 go to bait 75% of the year.  I have caught around 50 6 lb+ bass in my life and probably 30 of them have been on this bait.  Most strikes occur when fished topwater. If not topwater then on the slow erratic retrieve.  Fav size is J20 but I go to J30 in big fish water.  Next best patterns are baby bass, and rainbow.   Good luck

[Paul Roberts]

On 12/17/2015 at 6:36 AM, RedHeadAngler said:

...would they fall into the jerkbait category?

Hmmmm.... What most consider hard jerkbaits are minnow plugs that suspend. One can use a floater as a "jerkbait" -yanked and darted- but it would not hang suspended during pauses which is often needed in cold water where suspending jerks shine. One can definitely use a floater but it would be an active horizontal retrieve. One can also weight floaters to slow the rate of ascent, which can help where fish are lethargic. This works for crankbaits too. 

As to floating jointed minnow plugs as "jerks"? Sure, why not, however they tend to roll or turn immediately rather than dart forward on a tug, which is part of the draw of "jerkbaits". One could rip a jointed though. Give it a shot, play around with it. You may find something that works for you.

[Dwight Hottle]

The original J-11 rapalas are great smallmouth baits. The J-13 makes a very productive pike bait when trolled along weed edges. They are not what I would use for jerkbait presentations as they already have a unique action slowly retrieved or as as a stop & go retrieve. The same holds true for the BX extreme.

[jr231]

The rapala jointed minnow is what made me fall in love with artificial for bass ! Other than the slow steady retrieve, (Which definitely works) I use a retrieve with soft pulls . Usually back and forth with a slow sweeping retrieve. NOT jerked like the xrap , but using soft pulls to move the bait and reel in the slack as you give it a pause. This has been my most successful method by far. 

[Paul Roberts]

I used the jointed as a topwater. A twitch makes it do a half roll that can be just killer. I also use the J-11 as a wake bait, heating then bending the bill down 90deg. Killer on calm surfaces on dark days.

[jr231]

@Paul Roberts never tried the bill trick. I'll have to do that ! 

[Swamp Rat]

You cannot go wrong with a J9, J11, or J13 Rapala. As has been said, use them really slow like a wake bait...and, oh yeah...hang on! I generally only have 3 colors that I use, and I have in my box F7, F9, F11, F13, J9, J11, and J13 in the old S(Silver/Black back), G(Gold/Black back0, and P(Perch). Depending on where I am throwing them, I use either 12lb mono or 30lb braid.

[fishwizzard]

I struggled with the jointed Rapalas for weeks before I tied them on with a loop knot.  It was amazing the difference it made in the action.  Question, would attaching a split ring to the lure allow me to tie a standard knot and still retain the action?