When the Rapala Clackin’ Rap was released in 2009 it was available in only one size, the 3-1/8″ 7/8 oz, which many anglers found to be too heavy to manage on their light to medium power rods. Shortly thereafter Rapala added a 2-1/2″ 7/17 oz Clackin’ Rap to its lineup, which quickly became a staple in my fishing arsenal despite its undesirable price tag. Just recently along with the introduction of the new...

Rapala has just released two new additions to its lineup for 2010: the Clackin’ Crank and the Clackin’ Minnow. Both lures incorporate the “Clackin’” rattle, which was first introduced by Rapala in 2009 with the Clackin’ Rap. Both new baits are very similar to those that we have seen in the past from Rapala; the Clackin’ Minnow in particular is essentially an X-Rap with a thicker mid section...

Throughout my years of bass fishing all over New England I have spoken to many anglers and read many articles endorsing the Rebel Crawfish as the ultimate Smallmouth bass lure. I’ve had a couple of them in my tackle box for as long as I can remember but never took the time to tie one on and give it a spin until last spring fishing the Connecticut River. I had spent a couple of hours flipping small plastics along a rocky backwater...

Having fished Rapala lures since the first time I ever handled a fishing rod I am excited each year to check out their new lure selections, and with the massive success of the Rapala DT (Dives-To) series, the DT Thug is a natural addition to my tackle box. The Rapala DT Thug is VERY similar to the original DT in body shape but differs in lip design, sporting a lip very similar to the new Crankin’ Rap by Rapala. The sharp angle in the...