Way back in 1936, a man by the name of Lauri Rapala managed to carve a rough-looking lure that produced an off-center and enticing wobbling action. As a fisherman whose livelihood depended on the successful catching and selling of fish, Lauri studied the habits of predator fish in the clear waters of his local lake, and noted that they would take a slower or off-balance baitfish in preference to apparently healthier fish – and thus Rapala’s famous Wounded Minnow Action was created to mimic this discovery.
Since those days the company has launched countless fishing lure classics that delight fishermen all around the world. Be it made of wood, plastic or metal; a Rapala fishing lure is a product of excellence, synonymous with research, development and superior quality. Every Rapala lure is designed by fishermen like you, with the memory of that first Original Finnish Minnow engrained into the back of their mind.
Whilst some things in history are born perfect and will forever remain unchanged others mature over time and just keep getting better. Rapala’s innovative Shadow Rap® was launched to consumers last year. This lure has moves that other lures only dream about: a horizontal struggle with a big kick, plus a vertical fade that perfectly mimics a minnow in its last, quivering moments before the end. The kick, the snap back to life and the slow fading fall all trigger fish to hit the Shadow Rap, and hit it hard. Most lures continue on in a forward motion after each twitch, but not the Shadow Rap®; no, it kicks almost 180 degrees to the side on the pause, staring its follower in the eye, as the lure slowly fades away in its last dying moments. It’s this “I’ve given up” action that often lures the predator in to seal the kill.
The superb Rapala Shadow Rap
What else is new you ask? Anglers would be familiar with the Rapala Scatter Rap® series, which incorporates an unusually curved lip, designed to produce the Escaping Minnow Action, different to what a traditional lip would create. First launched in 2013, the 2016 Scatter Rap® series sees Rapala’s famous Tail Dancer body shape join the ranks, as well as the Scatter Rap® Shad Deep depth expansion on the previously released Scatter Rap® Shad.
Rapala Scatter Rap
Innovative lure designs and concepts are certainly something Rapala is known for, although the discerning angler understands that there’s more to “what makes a good lure” than just getting the shape and action right. Technologically advanced processes, when in the hands of the best lure painting team in Finland, have allowed Rapala to design and release their new Custom HD Live Series patterns; with realistic imitations such as an impressive Live Rainbow Trout, Live Largemouth Bass; and Live Perch, just to name a few. These Custom HD colors are currently only available in selected original models including the Rapala CountDown, Shad Rap and Original Floater.
Colour expansions are extremely prevalent in Rapala’s new releases for 2016 across many lure models. The brand shows a notable focus towards UV patterns, particularly on saltwater lures such as the X-Rap Magnum.
Rapala X Rap Magnum Single Hook
To see these, and everything else that’s new and exciting from Rapala, make sure you visit www.rapala.fishing and REMEMBER! There’s a selection-boxful of Rapala lures among the prizes for the FishingMagic writing competition. Send in your stories before the end of May and put yourself in the frame for one of three excellent prizes: a selection of Rapala lures; a Wychwood Carp Rod and Reel Combo and a day barbel fishing on the River Wye (+ accommodation) with former guide, Graham Elliott.
