new rapala X-RAP

[Andrew Coleman]

its a shiny black and white slashbiat

it is about 3.5in

it also has a red sparkle tail on the back hook.

Any tips on how i should fish it?

kinda new to lure fishing :

[BassFishingMachine]

Jerk Jerk Pause, Jerk Jerk Jerk Pause, Jerk Pause, Jerk Jerk Pause  .

[roadwarrior]

Andrew,

The Rapala X-Rap is described as a "slashbait", which is kind of a subcategory of jerkbaits. These lures can be very effective at times, but since you are new to lures, I suggest setting it aside for now and picking up a couple of others to start with.

This is a short list that will almost guarantee a few bass in the spring:

Original Floating Rapala

Pop'R

Heddon Zara Spook Puppy

Jitterbug

[Guest muddy]

I would like to add one to RW's List

The original Balsa Shad Rap is also great in the spring

in Silver

[Tin]

Jerk Jerk Pause, Jerk Jerk Jerk Pause, Jerk Pause, Jerk Jerk Pause .

Yup, or reel it down to where to want it and STOP. When jerk pause, jerk jerk pause, or jerk jerk jerk pause, are not working.

[Tokyo Tony]

Jerk Jerk Pause, Jerk Jerk Jerk Pause, Jerk Pause, Jerk Jerk Pause .

I actually prefer jerk jerk jerk pause, then jerk jerk pause, THEN jerk pause, pause, pause, jerk, pause.

Just kidding  ;D

Anything will work, but make sure you experiment with different cadences and especially different speeds and pause lengths until you start slammin them.

[roadwarrior]

He just starting out fellas.

Don't you think he should fish a few "user friendly" lures before moving into jerkbaits?

Another lure I failed to mention earlier is a Rat-L-Trap.

[Tokyo Tony]

I think the X-Rap is easier to use than a Zara Puppy, and actually jerkbaits, IMO, are overall a pretty easy bait to use for beginners.  You just cast it out, twitch it any way you want, and due to its attracting qualities you should at least get a couple fish.  I've taken out a couple total beginners, given them a jerkbait (X-Rap), and they've still managed a few.  Of course I was there with them to give them tips, but after a few casts they seemed to get the hang of it.

What about them do you think is not user-friendly RW?

[T-rig]

I think the X-Rap is easier to use than a Zara Puppy, and actually jerkbaits, IMO, are overall a pretty easy bait to use for beginners.

I agree. He might as well give jerks a try, best way to learn how to use a bait.

[roadwarrior]

Jerkbaits are my favorite class of lures, but I think they can be very frustrating for beginners. I prefer something with a steady retrieve (chunk & wind) or something you can see when it's twitched (Puppy). The key to successfully fishing jerkbaits is in the cadence and pause. Without hands-on instruction, this can be difficult. I realize when the bite is aggressive, almost anything will work and simply twitching a X-Rap can too. However, I think the lures I mentioned are better alternatives when starting out.

p.s. You may have noticed I didn't suggest my most productive baits (Senko and Fat Ika) either. That's because new fishermen find them boring and finesse requires patience and "touch". With a little instruction or over a period of time, I would add these to the list, but not straight out of the chute.

[RobbyZ5001]

I agree with RW. I think that jerk baits require a certain feel which is aquired over time. I have it because I have fished for trout all my life with rapalas. I think something with a chuck and wind would be easier in the beginning as well such as a spinnerbait, crankbait and lipless crank. Possibly even a berkley grub on a mushroom head.

[slomoe]

I found the X Rap pretty easy to fish. You just have to be willing to try different retrieves. I usually cast, then reel down to appropriat depth, then twitch randomly while still reeling it in, but verry slowwly.

[rondef]

I just bought three of these the other day and I am looking forward to using them.

[Micro]

The good thing about the X-Rap is that it has a very good action no matter how you fish it.  

Fishing it in the manner of a jerkbait is not that hard to learn.  Look at the Rapala website and see the video.  Find some clear water and practice.   Watch the action in the water and you'll get it very quickly.

On the other hand, the X-Rap has a nice action on a steady retrieve.  It has a nice ungulating action like a lazily swimming fish.  I have found this to be EXTREMELY productive for pickerel, especially in the spring.   I've caught some whopper pickerel swimming this bait over or next to weeds.

[.dsaavedra.]

jerks, pauses, and long stops....just keep it random.  8-) good luck!

[Joel W]

90% of my jerkbait fishing is done with a #10 Rapala X-Rap.  The other 10% is with a #8 X-Rap. However, it seems that I fish it somewhat differently then most of you. After casting it, I crank it down to the depth that I want it at, then I start with my jerk, jerk, pause, etc.  

If one is rather new to Bass fishing, I would recommend that he use a spinning reel and a rod no longer then 6'6".  As for me, I use a spinning setup for #8 X-Raps and a baitcaster for #10s.  

[Micro]

When you say #8 and #10, you are talking about the length? I only know them as the little and big X-Raps. I just bought two of the new (I think they are new) 12 cm X-Raps today.

[Joel W]

When you say #8 and #10, you are talking about the length? I only know them as the little and big X-Raps. I just bought two of the new (I think they are new) 12 cm X-Raps today.

The numbers are how Rapala delineates each size. There are currently 3 standard freshwater X-Raps:

                             

XR08       3 1/8"       1/4 oz       No. 6 & 7

XR10      4"      7/16 oz      Two No. 5

XR12      4 3/4"      3/4 oz      Two No. 5

They also have deep divers, a #14 size, and a Shad series, which looks kind of interesting. But right now I'm resisting the bait monkey.