Rapala Original Floater

[Avid Angler FL]

Just curious as to peoples' tips and tactics regarding the Original Floater. I haven't used them so much lately, but plan on starting back. How do you fish em? Where do you fish em?

[Hooligan]

Just curious as to peoples' tips and tactics regarding the Original Floater. I haven't used them so much lately, but plan on starting back. How do you fish em? Where do you fish em?

I fish them a lot, still. They're such a great bait for many tactics. I use them as is, twitching on the surface, I use them with SuspendStrips on them as a suspending jerkbait when I need something really quiet, I use them as rip baits ticking the tops of grass... The list goes on and on. I use them in a lot of situations and a lot of lakes and locations. All in all, I've caught more outsize brown fish on Rapala Floaters than any other bait.

[Avid Angler FL]

What kind of tackle do you use? I think my 4'9" UL combo with 6lb Stren is decent for any size Rapala Floater.

[Bluebasser86]

I like them for a surface twitch bait or just a straight cast and retrieve. I mainly use the #11 and #13 and fish them on a 6' 8" M/L crucial with 6 or 8 pound test. If I'm around a little heavier cover I'll switch to a 6' 8" M LTB with 8lb. I don't think I'd use an ultralight unless I was fishing a #7 or smaller.

[Avid Angler FL]

I like them for a surface twitch bait or just a straight cast and retrieve. I mainly use the #11 and #13 and fish them on a 6' 8" M/L crucial with 6 or 8 pound test. If I'm around a little heavier cover I'll switch to a 6' 8" M LTB with 8lb. I don't think I'd use an ultralight unless I was fishing a #7 or smaller.

The ones I use are #s 5 and 7, so they're a little more manageable on my UL

[flipin4bass]

I use the size 9 and 11. I wish they'd bring back the clown color, I've caught more fish off that color than any other.

[backwater4]

Like bluebasser said, it's a great twitch bait. Cast, let sit till rings go away and twitch again. Reel in a lttle and repeat.

They are great baits.

[Bluebasser86]

The ones I use are #s 5 and 7, so they're a little more manageable on my UL

In that case, I throw the small ones, #7 and smaller, on my 6' Avid ultralight and 4lb test. I love tossing the #5 and just trying to catch whatever will bite. I've caught everything from little bluegill and crappie to walleye, wipers, and catfish on them. It's a nice change up from tossing the meat sticks when I'm bass fishing.

[backwater4]

In this case " size doesn't matter " they all work the same. I usually use the size 11 I think. They are nice on light action. It's also a topwater a lot of guys don't think to through anymore or in tournaments.

[NBR]

Like all of the above plus on a C-Rig.

[backwater4]

That's a great early season technique in cold water.

[scbassin]

NBR nailed it, try it on a carolina rig & hold on.

[Andy C]

Change out hooks to one size larger for better hookups.

[Avid Angler FL]

I've never thought of changing out the hooks to a larger size. and the F05 model IS great for catching whatever will bite. There's a pond I go to with a lot of decent bluegills, and during the spawn each summer month, they love hitting any miniature bait. Catching a 8-10 inch bluegill on an ultralight is always something fun! I'll have to try the F05 out and let ya'll know just how good it works!

[Avid Angler FL]

Like all of the above plus on a C-Rig.

How much weight for the Carolina rig? And how long of a leader?

[senko_77]

I use the original floater just like backwater4.....cast it out, let it sit until all the rings settle, give it a tiny twitch, let it sit until the rings die, twitch twice, repeat. FUGLY. I like the #07 in the silver/black back.

[B-Dozer]

I happen to live one of the best Walleye waters around. You can always count on the original floater vto bring the big boys home.

[Ratherbfishing]

You need to let the fish tell you how they want it. Sometimes they want a steady slow retrieve. At other times, a steady fast retrieve. Still, at other times, they want it erratic and unpredictable.. diving, floating up. Wiggling. Barely pushing water, etc.. Sometimes they won't take until it's at its deepest and other times, not until it rises back on the surface and the rings have had a chance to dissipate. Sometimes it doesn't matter what you do- everything works. While at other times, nothing works. But as baits go, it's one of my favorites.

The Rapala knot will give the bait the best possible action. It''s a bit of a pain (until you've done it about a hundred times) but it's worth the effort.

[Avid Angler FL]

I agree with the use of the Rapala knot! It may be a little confusing at first but it does give the lure a more natural action.