Observations From
The Rapala Brothers
Dear First-Time Rapala User:
Because all of us grew up with the Rapala and have been catching salmon,
trout and pike with it ever since we can remember, we feel that we might
have some insights which will help you in the correct use of the lure. As
successful as the Rapala has been in taking all kinds of fish from all kinds
of water, there are certain practices to be avoided, others to be encouraged,
if you want to start catching fish with it right away.
I. The first cardinal rule we discovered is to use
the lightest terminal tackle possible. And to tie your line directly to
eye of the lure if you can with a Rapala knot for most applications.
If you must use a leader, snap, swivel or combination of these between line
and lure, make sure that you use the lightest and finest gear available.
The reason for this is that each Rapala has been individually tested and
balanced as it is delivered to you in its box. In hand-carving his earliest
models, our father had as his ideal to make the lure as natural and life-like
as possible. This meant precision, lightness and balance which, when put
into motion, would yield the most natural simulation of a swimming baitfish
ever discovered.
It stands to reason, then, that most of this attention to precision will
be destroyed by hanging the lure on anything that would impair the balance
and precision: i.e., a heavy wire leader or an assortment of weights, snaps
and swivels that would cause it to run less than true.
True, it sometimes may be necessary, particularly with the larger models,
to use some intervening tackle when retrieving at unusual speeds and depths
or seeking a fish that would make short work of a non-metallic leader. In
these cases, make the slightest compromise possible in favor of life-like
action.
II. The second cardinal rule involves the use of sinkers
for applications where extra depth is necessary. Keep the sinkers as far
from the lure as practical to reduce interference with the built-in action:
When using three-way rigs involving extra weight, we recommend at least
18 inches of mono or line between swivel and lure. We can recommend much
more, and for good reason: a sinker close to the natural eye of the Rapala
impedes action as much as extra snaps and swivels.
1.) The smallest weights, tiny split shot, can be as close as 6 inches
to the lure, but no closer.
2.) Larger weights should be at least 18 inches up the line or leader.
To achieve extra depth, there are several approaches in using Rapala
lures. The Original Floating model can be used as above with various sinker
applications; or the extra depth can be achieved, especially in casting
situations, with the use of the weighted sinking CountDown model Rapala.
Another option can be the use of the floating, diving models such as the
Fat Rap and the Shad Rap which achieve considerable depth when trolled or
retrieved. The main thing is: do not burden the action of Rapala lures with
heavy hardware and sinkers in close proximity to the lure as it seriously
reduces the fish-catching action.
III. The third cardinal rule pertains to the action
of the lure: Before you use your Rapala for the first time, we recommend
that you check its action, from the boat or a dock, so you can visually
confirm the best speed and rigging to give it the most life-like swimming
action.
If you have used weight and line properly, the only other variable to be
concerned with is speed. As you watch, vary the speed of the retrieve, noticing
that there is an optimum rate at which the Rapala looks exactly like a bait
fish struggling for its life! Of course, as you gain in experience and confidence,
you might want to vary the speed, modifying the action for certain conditions
and species. But, generally, the Rapala catches gamefish like no other artificial
lure because it imitates baitfish better than any other.
IV. A corollary to rule number three is that when
trolling, slowly play out the Rapala from the boat, keeping visual contact
with the lure for as long as you can to make sure that it is trailing properly
with the correct action.
This visual check will also allow the skipper to find the correct trolling
speed for optimum action. If you are trolling near vegetation, pick up periodically
to make sure that no bit of weed is impairing your action. The Rapala is
too perfectly balanced for hitchhiking debris.
V. Cardinal rule number five deals with the care and
handling of your Rapala. It deserves special consideration because of its
precision balance and the basic material from which it is manufactured.
As innovator of the now-immense family of "Minnow" type lures,
our father ultimately selected balsa as the wood for the plug body after
much experimentation.
Balsa is light. It gave him the specific gravity in the finished product
very close to actual forage fish. But balsa is also soft. Because of its
precision and balance, please do not use the Rapala as a "handle."
You'll probably catch lots of fish with it. But don't use the lure to lift
your fish into the boat. land your fish by hand, in a net or with a gaff.
Always spare your Rapala any undue strain. Also use care in removing your
catch from the mesh of a landing net. A twisting, turning fish with a Rapala
still firmly embedded in its mouth can easily damage the lighter hooks when
they are anchored in the net.
Also understand that the Rapala probably has the world's sharpest hooks!
They are custom-made with needle-like points. Designed to catch fish, they've
also been known to snag unwary fishermen. So please use common sense. Be
careful of your fishing partners and yourself; then you'll be able to keep
your lure in the water and ready for the nearest fish. We also suggest carrying
a small pair of needle-nose pliers or a Hook-Out disgorger to help free
the lure from fish.
VI. The sixth rule is this: Do use a Rapala
knot when you want your Rapala to perform more freely and spontaneously.
Do not use a jam knot unless you are trying to control the action of the
Rapala.
In practice, the experienced fisherman may use a jam-knot. This allows him
to control or vary the action for surface fishing or very slow trolling.
However, in normal fishing applications, use the Rapala knot. In certain
situations, other varieties of knots can and should be used. For detailed
instructions on how to tie them, turn to the chapter on knots in this book.
The Rapala Knot, for example, gives the lure a wider latitude to move when
precise control is not as important as in the examples cited above.
With the Rapala, as in all other kinds of fishing, knowledge and confidence
come with experience. If you observe the do's and don'ts outlined in this
letter, we are sure that you will avoid some of the pitfalls that have slowed
the development of other fishermen.
We know you will share our excitement as you read on. That is the beauty
of fishing. There is always something new to learn. And there is always
a new thrill waiting on the next cast or at the next bend in the river.
Very Sincerely Yours,
ENSIO RAPALA
RISTO RAPALA
ESKO RAPALA
The Rapala knot
Tie an overhand knot. Leave 5" of free end. Run free end through
the eyelet.
Run free end back through overhand knot.
Wrap free end around standing part of line 3 times.
Thread free end through back of overhand knot.
Pass free end through loop that is formed.
Moisten line and draw up tight. Trim excess.
Back Home
Rapala Lures
