Rapala's new Clackin' Rap

[Micro]

Earlier this week I tried Rapala's new Clackin' Rap. I didn't catch any fish on them, but I did get an initial impression of them.

First, it's a heavy lipless. It's 7/8 oz. It seems very nose-heavy, more so than any other lipless I've fished. It sinks incredibly fast, nose first almost in a vertical dive. I don't know how many people ever jig a lipless. But I do occassionally with Rat-L-Traps and it's productive under the right conditions. But I don't think the Clackin' Rap is suitable for that due to its incredibly fast, nose first dive. You have to see it. Rat-L-Traps sink fast, but the Clackin' Rap sinks like a lead sinker.

Second, it's a big bait. Not so much long as thick. It's almost twice as thick as the Lucky Craft LVR D-10 lipless. It definately presents as a beefy baitfish.

Third, the clacking part seems more subtle. It has a sound chamber with what sounds like a single , or maybe two, beads. It does rattle, but it doesn't have that "gravel in a tin can" sound of Rat-L-Trap, Yo-Zuri, or LC. You can very barely hear it as you reel it up (I can hear a Rat-L-Trap or Yo-Zuri many feet from my boat).

Fourth, it doesn't cast like a bullet like a Rat-L-Trap. It casts a long way, but it doesn't seem to cast in the same manner as other lipless cranks. I never caught the front hook on the line, though, so I found the casting is acceptable.

Fifth, the action is more subtle. You have to burn it to get it going. I tried retrieving it on my crank outfit (7'3" MH/MF rod, 5.4:1 reel) and it seem very actionless unless I really cranked it fast. Like most lipless, I think it will do much better on a faster outfit.

Sixth, it has a nice finish and outstanding hooks. It sports Rapala's current treand of a transparent body with a reflective insert. I have no doubt this lure will stand up well over time. The hook are sticky-sharp VMCs, a sure-set on the bottom, and a regular treble on the rear.

I don't know quite what to make of it yet. It seems substantially different from other lipless cranks. I suspect with time it will either come across as very refined or full-of-suck. Might make a very good striper bait. It definately looks like a substantial meal.

Lucky Craft for comparison...

[Speed Worm]

This bait feels more like a swimbait than it does a lipless crank. Unless you are fishing really deep structure, it is a no go.

Let's hope rapala comes out with a 3/8 version and 5/8 version of the bait.

[Muddy]

Hey Micro, if you go to Rapala's site they show small video of the factory action. The bait apparently is made to fish with a deep nose down slope. I bet this bait will rip up small schooling Cocktail Blues in the early summer 8-)

[Micro]

I hadn't seen the video.  See how it sinks?  Like a sinker, straight nose down.  I think it will turn out to be a good bait.  It will just take some getting used to since it behaves unlike most other lipless.  It's a great looking bait and definitely looks chunky.  

[BassinBoy]

Looks like a great bait.  Seems to come with really nice hooks too which is always a plus on buying and trying a new lure.

[Muddy]

This bait feels more like a swimbait than it does a lipless crank. Unless you are fishing really deep structure, it is a no go.

Let's hope rapala comes out with a 3/8 version and 5/8 version of the bait.

When did you fish it? How Deep?

[Stringjam]

Thanks for taking the time to post a proper review, Micro.  

FWIW.....you just saved me $10.  

[Micro]

I'm not saying it's bad.  I really didn't have a chance to fish it much.  I suspect it will turn out to be a good bait.  

I let it sink in cold water to see how it stands on the bottom and it does stand relatively on its nose.  Here's a pic.  Sorry, I couldn't find anything clear that was deep enough, but I think you can see it enough to get a good idea how it stands.  

[T-rig]

you just saved me $10.

x2

[21farms]

i have one in the bone/chartreuse color and must say that i'm pretty disappointed in it so far. unless you're using a fairly fast retrieve, it doesn't wiggle or rattle. in this regard, the xcaliber one knocker does a better job.

[ntrojack]

I've bought two of these and I did catch fish in the back of a pocket last weekend in shallow water and was moving it relatively fast. I like the colors they have - especially the Firetiger. I agree with Micro on having to reel it fast to get noticable wobble. I still couldn't hear anything close to the boat like a regular rattle trap type bait. I'm not sold on it just yet, but I did have one with both sets of hooks across the mouth so he wanted it for sure.

I'll be using it again this weekend in a club tourney as long as the water temp stays in the 50's. I'll also give it the Guntersville test in the Spring for the real test.

Tight lines..

[MNBassguy]

I picked up a few of these baits this fall before the ice came.I wasnt impressed at all.This spring will be the test like ntro jack said!

[farmpond1]

This bait looks like a specialty bait designed to fill a rather specific niche.  I don't think it's designed for the masses.  As to whether it's a good marketing strategy, I don't know.