Fishing the Rapala

[stu]

Hi there
I've just bought my first rapalas but am not exactly sure how best to fish them.
Are they best retrieved across the current and in fast runs do they fish down and across?
Also - I've seen some anglers use a half moon shaped lead with them - in what circumstances would you use these??

Any suggestions greatfully received.

[donnieW]

I find them best fished either square across or slightly upstream but they will work across and down as well. Fast, slow or in between - they will work. Everyone has their own way of fishing the Rap but I would never use a weight of any kind. As I've said on other threads, they are so finely tuned that they need to be fished as they come out of the box. If you feel the need to get really deep then use a countdown, for distance the x-rap is good (providing you are using fine diameter line such as braid) and I would also recommend fishing them with a fairly fast retrieve. You might be surprised at how deep a floater will go.

[turrifftackle]

Most important thing- you need to use the Rapala knot or some clips. They will not work at their best if you do not.

The new ones have a split ring on them, this takes away the need for the Rapala knot.

Frank

[smokiesalmon]

ball bearing swivel thats what i find best .should pick them up at your local tackle shop

[donnieW]

It may be obvious to most people but it amazes me how often I pick up lures/spinners on the riverbed and find that the nylon has been tied directly onto the split ring. Disaster waiting to happen.

[billytheghillie]

I true enough Donnie, down here on Tweed we put a hole in the plastic bib with a hot needle and thread line through it and the split rings then tie on 1 treble, you dont lose any action. Reason being the 1 hook rule on Tweed.

[donnieW]

I've seen that done before and would have to admit it's the only modification to a rapala that doesn't really affect the action. Was so impressed I took photos of it but haven't actually knocked holes in my own raps yet. If I was restricted to one treble, I would prefer to keep the middle one but don't know what you would do to make that work.

[billytheghillie]

I we use middle ring for treble with a twist of lead wire on tail one. When salmo takes the rap slides up like a tube fly so cant use for leverage

[juniorspey]

to keep on the middle one, put a wee twist of lead on the other two loops, one of the best anglers i know does this!