Possible Rapala F-11 replacements?

[new2BC4bass]

The F-11 is a favorite lure where I fish with my brother-in-law in Florida...................but at 3/16 oz. and not very aerodynamic it is hard for me to get much distance with on the baitcast rods I keep there.  Is there another lure, or lures, that would imitate the size, shape and action of this lure, but be heavier?

 

I've got casting rods at home that would work with it, but I already keep several rods there and shipped 3 more down this year.  I don't want to impose any more than that on my relative's hospitality by shipping another rod for them to store for me.  (Probably already imposing too much.)

[Bluebasser86]

You might like the Rapala BX Balsa Extreme minnow. There's one that is similar in length at 4" long, but weighs in at 3/8oz instead of 3/16oz. 

 

I have not personally fished it, but I've heard it's similar action to the original Rapala. 

[Deleted account]

There are some very good floating minnows in both wood and plastic, but I haven't found one to replace the floating Rapala, when there are no clouds or wind, and the fish don't want to play. I think it is exactly that they cast like a potatoe chip, that makes them quiver just so with the slightest of input.

 

[J Francho]

1 minute ago, reason said:

they cast like a potatoe chip

Perfect description!

@new2BC4bass, as reason recommended, a ml, or light power spinning rod with 4-6# mono works for me.  I don't like a whippy rod for this, though. 

[Gundog]

Try adding some weight by using lead and balancing out the lure. SuspenDots or strips will add some weight along with heavier hooks and split rings. 

[Paul Roberts]

Try the #13. I use the #11 in really calm conditions, but go to the 13 the rest of the time. Also, the jointeds also work well as a twitched topwater, one way I use the original Rapala's. That rolling twitch of the straight Raps is exacerbated in the jointed model. The jointed doesn't work so well as a jerkbait though.

[new2BC4bass]

Appreciate the suggestions given so far.  Thanks.

[craww]

Megabass XJ-100....Gets a lot of bites. Not cheap, but they slay and cast better than a F11. Its hinged, but I fish it just like a soild bait- doesnt wiggle as wide as a broken back. I think the great thing about the rapalas is they have such a subtle touchdown in shallow water though. They dont give off the negative cues a "sploosh" from a 5/8 bait will.

[frogflogger]

I'd use a mh spinning rod with 20# braid and a mono leader of 8 - 15# test - will handle big fish in cover if you keep your cool.

There are no real substitutes for the original rapala.

[new2BC4bass]

I have a MH spinning rod I've kept in Florida for several years.  It won't throw a 10.5 inch Zoom as far as my casting rods will (both with 40# braid) so no way will I try an F-11 on it.  I seldom take it out.  Should sell it as I prefer baitcast anyway.  That way I could ship a BC rod down that can handle the Rapala. 

 

I did ship a MF spinning rod down this year and have been using it with braid and a 7 inch trick worm on a 1/0 hook.  Has caught a few fish.    Could try the Rapala on it.  I did bring an extra spinning reel spooled with mono.

 

I will take a look at the Rapala BX Balsa Extreme and Megabass XJ-100.  Can't hurt to give each a try.  Quite sure I will have to order both Online.  Thanks guys.

[Subaqua Adinterim]

Take a look at the Dynamic lures J Spec or some of their other lures.  I'm partial to the glimmer trout color.   I'm in NY and have no affiliation with this Colorado based company other than having used their lures which work well.  Good luck. 

[new2BC4bass]

Thanks.  I see they weight 5/16 oz.

[snake95]

@new2BC4bass another thought is to try out a Yo Zuri floating minnow such as the crystal minnow.  

 

Can't say I have tried it extensively myself but I'd give it a shot because:

 

- floats/minnow shape/natural colors

- weight transfer system for casting

- good hooks, some have saltwater hooks 

- widely available at Walmarts in Florida in the $5-8 range vs much more expensive elsewhere; can also be found at Florida Dick's

[new2BC4bass]

Day late.    Was at Dick's and BPS in Daytona yesterday.  I like that price. 

 

However, I am only a few minutes from a Walmart (who isn't).

[Dwight Hottle]

Ima flit 120 series available as a floater or suspender. Weighs 1/2 oz. 

[WRB]

The original floating Rapala minnow F series comes 9, 11, 13, up to 18. For bass the F13 works better for me. In the sinking CD series ( Count Down) also come in the same sizes and is heavier, the CD 11 is easier to cast and is a good bass catching lure as is the CD 13.

Tom

[new2BC4bass]

Thanks Tom.  Will be visiting Walmart today or tomorrow and will see if this one carries the CD series.  Also look at going bigger with the F-13

[Joshua Vandamm]

On 3/23/2018 at 9:26 PM, Paul Roberts said:

Try the #13. I use the #11 in really calm conditions, but go to the 13 the rest of the time. Also, the jointeds also work well as a twitched topwater, one way I use the original Rapala's. That rolling twitch of the straight Raps is exacerbated in the jointed model. The jointed doesn't work so well as a jerkbait though.

I wind mono or copoly around the joint to fill the body gaps and keep it straight. Works just like a normal jerkbait.