How to Cast With Rapala Lures
Rapala's fish-imitating lures are made not only to swim like live fish, but for easy casting over distances to reach the spots where fish are hanging, without spooking them. While the lures can be used for a variety of fish, casting technique becomes most critical when fishing for species such as bass that stay close to cover.
Weedy shoreline, dock pilings, rocky rip-rap and points all present unique challenges to casting. While your technique need not be professional level, there are certain points to remember for the most effective use of these versatile lures.
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Instructions
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Choose Your Weapon
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Choose your lure. Rapala has dozens of styles to choose from, but it is best to match the fish that your quarry is likely to be feeding on. Before leaving the launch, walk along the shallows and look for small baitfish.
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For small, shy or inactive fish, choose a smaller Rapala lure. To hook aggressive fish, a larger lure may trigger a reaction strike.
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For deep structures such as rocks or submerged weed beds, select a sinking lure. For shallows and shoreline, use a floating Rapala.
Tie One On
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Tie on your chosen lure. There is no need for a leader; you can tie it directly onto your main line.
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Use 10-lb. to 20-lb. line so that you can pull the lure loose from weedy snags.
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Rapala lures work best when they are free to move, so an open loop is the best knot to use. Make sure the loop is small enough that it will not become entangled in the lure's hooks.
Cast Away
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When you have located a likely spot, come in slow and silent. If you are using a gas motor, turn it off and row the last 50 yards. Be sure to respect other fishermen in the area.
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Once you are in position, take a moment to see if you can spot any fish activity. Give any spooked fish a chance to relax and drop their guard.
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Never cast your lure directly on top of the fish. Startled fish don't feed. If you are fishing off a point of land (a favorite bass hangout), park your boat to one side and cast far past the point. Then retrieve your lure across the area.
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If you are fishing a shoreline, cover the weed line first. Work from one side to the other, in a fan-shaped casting pattern. If you get no strikes in the weed line, move outward to submerged weed beds, logs or rocky cover.
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If the shoreline is not producing bites, try deeper water. Tie on a sinking Rapala and cast around pilings, or troll open water near shoals.
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Tips & Warnings
Be prepared. When you feel the tap or tug of a bass inhaling your lure, give a hard pull to set the hook.
When setting the hook, be sure to pull to the side and not directly upwards--if a bass hasn't taken your lure, you don't want it flying out of the water into your face! This is one good reason to wear eye protection when fishing.
