Rapala Rippin Rap

[Jim Sutter]

Do you like this lure? If you do what size do you prefer and what are your favorite colors? Thank you for your help.

[jimmyjoe]

  I use the 7/8 size. It runs deep, which I need only rarely. It catches fish, but it's not a spectacular fish-catching machine or anything. Just another lure that I can use when I need it. I use chrome, gold chrome and Helsinki shad.      jj

[Cgolf]

I have used the 1/2 ounce model and it seems to very hit or miss. When the fish are on it, it is a very good bait, but the bite is not consistent. I can throw a Red eye shad and get a more consistent bite.

 

I did try the ultra tiny ultralight rippin rap and caught a creek chub on it trout fishing. The interesting thing was it tracked pretty well in strong current and I have to say I was impressed. Even though tiny, I may try it for bass this summer.

[JustJames]

I only use the ultralight version 04, it is only 1.5” but weight @3/16oz. I use this targeting crappie but bass like it as well. For bass I prefer RES over any others, it effective both yo-yoing or straight slow retrieve. The color I choose is for crappie so might not suitable for bass.

 

[Jim Sutter]

Jimmyjoe,cgolf and Bass_Fishing_Social,

Thanks for your replies. From what you folks have said, I don't think i am going to run out and buy a bunch. 

[Ogandrews]

Had some truly incredible days throwing the rippin rap in rivers for walleye. Never on a straight retrieve mostly small hops off the bottom with pauses. Both in half and 7/8. Had success on a lot of colors, just depends on water color. Never had a huge amount of success with it for bass, just feels like there’s a lot better options when it comes to working a lipless. If I want to bottom hop a bait I’m a lot more likely to throw a blade bait or a jigging rap, pretty much same thing for walleye too. The jigging rap can be absolutely lights out for vertical jigging on fish you have marked on a graph, not many baits out there that have the action and nobody is throwing it for bass especially in open water.

[Dave Margerum]

They work great for ice fishing>

[The Bassman]

I've used the #5 a lot. It's been very productive for me both with a straight or yo yo retrieve. Been giving it a rest lately as I've been doing real well with a MB Darksleeper. I mention the other bait to make the point that a lure's effectiveness requires that I'm using it. Sounds silly I know but nails down the fact that in a lot of instances the best bait is the one we're focusing on. Too many lures, so little time.

[Jim Sutter]

Ogandrews, Dave Margerum and The Bassman,

Thank you for your replies to my question. For the time being, I think, I will stay with my Red Eye Shads for a lipless crank bait.  

[jimmyjoe]

4 hours ago, Jim Sutter said:

For the time being, I think, I will stay with my Red Eye Shads for a lipless crank bait.  

    Smart move.   ?    jj

[TnRiver46]

Rapala makes another lipless with a rounder shape that I’ve caught lots of big smallmouth and nice walleye with. I can’t remember what is called........

 

edit: ripping rap is what I was thinking of, it’s my favorite lipless . The ones side by side in the pic. I’ve never done much damage with the more elongated rapala lipless 

[Cgolf]

5 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Rapala makes another lipless with a rounder shape that I’ve caught lots of big smallmouth and nice walleye with. I can’t remember what is called........

 

edit: ripping rap is what I was thinking of, it’s my favorite lipless . The ones side by side in the pic. I’ve never done much damage with the more elongated rapala lipless 

Due you change out the hooks or leave the smaller hooks on? I have left on the smaller hooks when I throw them What cracked me up is the silent version has much bigger hooks.

 

I know the bait has super flat sides compared to other lipless cranks, and maybe that is why it is so hit or miss for me.

[camman]

I use the largest one to jig for stripers and does really well.  It’s a relatively compact size for the weight.  I’ve switched out the hooks for the single owner hooks as well.

 Never had much luck on largemouth and sat unused until I tried them on stripers

[TnRiver46]

1 hour ago, cgolf said:

Due you change out the hooks or leave the smaller hooks on? I have left on the smaller hooks when I throw them What cracked me up is the silent version has much bigger hooks.

 

I know the bait has super flat sides compared to other lipless cranks, and maybe that is why it is so hit or miss for me.

I don’t but I bet I should. I got a 20” smallmouth on the first cast right out of the package with one and it bent 3 of the 6 hooks 

[Ogandrews]

8 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Rapala makes another lipless with a rounder shape that I’ve caught lots of big smallmouth and nice walleye with. I can’t remember what is called........

 

edit: ripping rap is what I was thinking of, it’s my favorite lipless . The ones side by side in the pic. I’ve never done much damage with the more elongated rapala lipless 

The elongated one your talking about is called the rattlin rap. It’s made to be a straight retrieve bait were the rippin rap is made to be ripped. I’ve had a huge amount of success with the rattlin fishing it around emerging grass. Very similar to the cotton cordel spot which is another great straight retrieve bait. The rattlin rap comes in a 3/4 oz that has a bigger profile but still runs pretty shallow for its weight. Killer early season pike and musky bait as well as bass. I like that it has a much more elongated profile than most lipless as it gives a different profile and matches the shape of perch better which is a really common bait fish around here. Give it a try for shallow application, it’s only like 6 bucks which is nice too.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

My favorite were the silent ones a favorite of the pike in the lake as well.