Rapala Shad Rap or Berkley Bad Shad

[Jim Sutter]

Of the two lures mentioned above, which one do you prefer and why? Also, what is your preferred colors, 

[Tizi]

Shad Rap, no question.  They just catch fish.  They work excellent trolling too.  I use perch patterns mostly due to forage in the lakes I fish.

 

The Bad Shad is a good lure, I have several and use them in stained or dirty water since they have rattles in them.  
 

Most of the lakes I fish are pretty clear, this is where I believe the balsa and non-rattle of the Shad Rap shines.

[Bluebasser86]

Shad rap, hands down and it's not even close. Not sure why, but I can't catch fish to save my life with the Bad Shad.

 

Another shad style bait that I do like, that I don't think gets much attention, is the Berkley Flicker Shad Shallow. Not a big fan of the regular Flicker Shad for casting for bass, but that shallow version has been a sneaky good bait for me since I found out it was even a thing. I'm fond of the #7 (and so are the bass).

 

[smalljaw67]

The Shad Rap is just a killer and that Bad Shad is just a no go for me too. I use those shad style baits in late winter/early spring as they are awesome in cold water. I have 4 different ones, the Rapala X-Rap Shad, Rapala Shad Rap, Berkley Bad Shad, and the Bagley Balsa Shad. The Bad Shad hasn't produced any fish, the X-Rap Shad works when jerkbaits are working and I use it like that because it suspends. The Shad Rap and the Balsa Shad both produce well and just get bit, I'm trying to figure out which one is better but it is tough. 

[Harold Scoggins]

Shad Rap has been getting the job done for 40+ years.

[scaleface]

I avoid using Shad Raps , they cast like a potato chip . They catch fish but I usually go with something more streamlined like the Fat Rap . The Bad Shad suppose to cast well but I dont need another rattling bait at that depth . I wish Berkely would quit loading rattles in hollow plastic baits . 

[Paul Roberts]

6 hours ago, scaleface said:

I avoid using Shad Raps , they cast like a potato chip . 

:)) That's what I've come to call all "shad-style" cranks: "potato chips". Guess we could just call em flat-sides too.

 

Shad Rap is a killer. I once tried a cheap Cabela's "shad", and it failed. It had noticeably little action.

 

I too like the Flicker Shad shallow. And the X-Rap Shad has been a good one.

[Spankey]

I use the Shad Rap and believe in it. Like Harold I've been using it close to 40 years. But, I have not tried the Berkley Bad Shad. I might buy a couple to compare them. Without using one I feel you'll do well with it. You have to try it and believe it. Make it work for you. It is a reactionary type bait.  

[mrpao]

I haven't tried the bad shad, but usually do pretty good with a shad rap. I usually throw the #5 and sometimes the #7. I throw the #5 on spinning tackle and the #7 on light baitcast gear.

I also like the regular flicker shad. I use the #4, #5 and #7. I like the fact that it has rattles and works better in stained waters. Plus the colors are unlimited.

I also have good luck with the strike king lucky shad. My favorite color is the natural shad. The sexy shad color also seems to do pretty good.

I will alternate between the different lures to see which one catches on a certain day.

 

 

[Jim Sutter]

Thank you, to everyone that responded to my question. I sure do appreciate all your information. I hope all of you have a wonderful and safe evening.