Rapala Jerkbait Selection

[Ohio Joe]

For those of you that regularly use more than one, how do you decide which Rapala jerkbait to throw between a Husky Jerk, an X-Rap, a Shadow Rap, a Shadow Rap Shad, and a RipStop? 

 

Do you try more than one when you feel a jerkbait is the best presentation for the conditions or do you move spots or change presentations first?

 

I had generally considered the Husky Jerk if I wanted a more subtle action and the X-Rap if I wanted more action or to work it more aggressively but now I’m looking at those plus the Shadow Raps and Shadow Rap Shads I’ve accumulated and having a hard time deciding where they fit in and I haven’t even tried a RipStop yet.

[JediAmoeba]

There are so many variables.  Depending on the temperature of the water, the hooks you put on, the line, the snap or no snap, heavy o ring or light o ring...fast retrieve, slow retrieve, steady retrieve...sinking, suspending, floating.

 

I always feel it's better to have a variety and see what they like that day.  I have never had luck with the ripstop in cold or warm water.

 

 

[jr231]

You don't need the latest and greatest. The original floater , countdown, and shad rap will get her done. 

 

Although I am a fan of the jointed shad rap, And many of their other lures! But that's just because I'm a "nerd" for the stuff. As I've been told by multiple women who have seen my collection. Do what makes ya happy but you don't need more than the first 3 I listed. 

[Sphynx]

Sometimes the fish want an extremely erratic motion on the jerk, other times they want something more subtle, one knocker vs rattles, faster or slower cadence, sometimes even a straight retrieve works well, maybe today they want it suspending, but tomorrow they won't bite it unless it's slowly rising, or sinking, and of course one color vs another might matter, way too many subtle differences that will make themselves clear with trial and error, when the fish start smashing the jerkbait your throwing, you know you've got the right one tied on...typically I decide if it's a good time to throw a jerkbait, then I start playing around with the various models I keep in my box until I get bit.

[Deleted account]

On 8/13/2019 at 7:42 PM, Ohio Joe said:

For those of you that regularly use more than one, how do you decide which Rapala jerkbait to throw between a Husky Jerk, an X-Rap, a Shadow Rap, a Shadow Rap Shad, and a RipStop? 

See above.

[pauldconyers]

If you had to pick a 3 hook Rapala jerkbait to fish cold waters in which you'd traditionally throw a jerkbait which model/size would you choose?

[smalljaw67]

Trial and error, it really is that simple. 

[MN Fisher]

13 hours ago, pauldconyers said:

If you had to pick a 3 hook Rapala jerkbait to fish cold waters in which you'd traditionally throw a jerkbait which model/size would you choose?

Can't pick just one - they might be shallow, mid or deep. You have to find where they are and use one suited for the depth they're at.

[hobson232]

While just considering the activity of the fish, I can speak to the shadow rap and he shadow rap shad. The shadow rap is a slow sinker but almost neutrally buoyant. This is designed more for the cold water and less active fish. The shadow rap shad is a riser and will float to the top if allowed and is designed for fish that might be a little more active. SR Shad does not allow you to fish it quite as slow when the bass are wanting the cadence of a 10-15 second pause in the cold conditions (or longer but I wouldn't have the patience). 

 

I have never fished one, but buddy of mine absolutely crushed me on a rip stop one time. They are pretty erratic and will stop on a dime. I'd maybe throw this for more active fish? Just my .02.