Rapala’s X-Rap is one of the most successful and effective saltwater jerkbaits of all time. The realism of the plug is unparalleled, with lifelike eyes, scales, and even a lateral line, and for surfcasters, the thing casts like a bullet.
And when it comes down to catching fish, the Rapala X-Rap is no slouch, either. That said, you need to know how to work it, and an X-Rap is your friend in that corner too. Here are several excellent X-Rap techniques, broken down.
Burn It
The easiest way to work a Rapala X-Rap is to cast it and rip a straight retrieve back to the boat. This simulates a baitfish that is frantically fleeing from some threat and stimulates the predatory instincts of nearby gamefish.
This is most effective when the lure is cast to structure, to a school of bait, or where predatory fish are already feeding.
The Slow Wobble
Another straight retrieve is the “slow wobble.” Just cast the lure to structure or anywhere else you suspect fish will be hiding, then begin a slow, steady retrieve.
The slow wobble can be highly effective in cooler water when fish are more sluggish, as well as at other times when they are cautious or skittish for any reason.
Twitch and Pause
The twitch and pause is arguably the best technique of all time for a suspending jerkbait. Simply present the lure, let it pause for a few seconds, crank it to get it to the desired depth, then give the rod tip a series of short pops to twitch and jerk the lure, then let it sit.
The Rapala X-Rap is a suspending jerkbait, so it will stay right where you put it in the water column when you pause it, which is just when you’ll get smashed – most strikes will happen on the pause.
Slash It
Slashing a Rapala X-Rap is another highly effective technique which also relies on a stop-and-go cadence for its efficacy.
Cast the lure, then aggressively jerk the rod tip to the right or left. This will cause the lure to dart sharply in one direction or the other before coming to a pause.
It is deadly on fish that are feeding and can even stimulate strikes from somewhat cautious fish – as usual, most strikes will come on the pause, even when fish actively pursue your lure.
Load Up Your Tackle Box with Some Spare Rapala X-Raps
It’s a wonder how “two is one and one is none” is more closely associated with the military and disaster preparation than with fishing. Everyone knows if you don’t occasionally lose a lure on a snag, you’re not getting close enough to structure to catch fish.
That being said, losing one of these pricy plugs is never a happy moment. That’s why you should always have several spares in your tackle box or bag to make amends. Visit Johnny Jigs today and don’t just get one, get two or three Rapala X-Raps in the same size and pattern before you hit the water again.
