F-7 Rapala

[fisherhall]

I am trying to find the F-7 Rapala lures because I heard they're good for big rainbows, but I can't seem to find them on Cabela's.com. Could somebody please provide a link to the page they sell them on (if they even do sell them). Thanks in advance.

[dilbert]

The "F" means it's the floating ones. 7 is the size (2 3/4", 1/8oz).

link at Cabela's

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

Rapalas come in Floating, Husky Jerks (neutral density) and Countdown (sinking ones). They have different "go to" depths.

The sparkly "glass" colors are attractive to trout.

[fisherhall]

Thanks for the help. I was kind of confused about the F-7 part but know it's cleared up.

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

Now to work your way thru all the colors.

[Gisteppo]

Can't reccomend the glass ones enough. Glass shad rap has caught me every single species ive hooked in this lake, of various colors.

E

[wolverine]

Sportco in Fife has a very good selection of F-7's.

[lskiles]

Can't reccomend the glass ones enough. Glass shad rap has caught me every single species ive hooked in this lake, of various colors.

E

Thanks for the tips...what colors would you recommend a fellow start with?
I printed out the page from Cabela's web site to be sure I get what I go for at Sportsman's...I am so easily distracted by shiny things...
I plan to start with the (541)glass perch. At over six dollars each I can not afford to "load up" on colors all at once.
I figure I will try the perch color and branch out from there.

The sizes listed are:
1-1/2", 3/16 oz
2", 5/16 oz
2-3/4", 7/16 oz
I am torn between the 2-3/4" and 2"...do not want to go too small, because I want to catch big fish, do not want to go to big for the fish. I usually lean to the small side.

I seek your opinion, because I know you are a fisherman of renown!

EDIT: Hey, Fisherhall. I hope you do not mind me hijacking your thread a little. This is just what I need to learn about..no disrespect intended.

[Gisteppo]

Here is a REALLY good deal at Cabelas online:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... hasJS=true

Nice short URL eh?

They aren't Rapala lures, but they are close, and the price is unbelievable, esp for someone wanting to get a start with cranks. 6x2" and 6x2 3/4", in the most popular colors.

As for the true Glass Shad Rap, look at what fish are in your lake and buy accordingly. We have a tremendous number of bass, perch, crappie, whitefish and trout. I have Perch print, firetiger, and white cranks, mostly 2" but I have white ones in the larger size.

My absolute go-to lure is the perch print. I think its pretty widely usable as it mimics plenty of fish, and the motion seems effective. Im a huge fan of the glass shad rap because that holographic part inside the body seems to attract more bites than a standard painted lure. We fished several colors side by side, one painted, one glass rap. The glass lure outfished the painted one at least 70% of the time.

1) perch
2) white
3) crawdad
4) green metallic to mimic smallies
5) blue back (really seems to get the crappie biting)

The little 2" lures seem to catch the majority of the fish, and have put 3-4lb smallmouth in the boat. Oh, and the white one put a 5lb 8oz blackmouth salmon in one day as well..................

E

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

Are you sure these (shad raps) are the best for trout? I think they are good for bass and walleye. I favor the cigar shapes for trout.

[Gisteppo]

Lets say they are comparable to worms. I think spoons, worm trailers, bladebaits, bobber/mallow, and some other random stuff is as good at them as well. Glass raps are a very all-around bait.

E

[VooDuuChild]

HOLY MOLY that's an awesome deal Gisteppo!!!! On my next order FO SHO! I also saw the floating ones, but the reports were not as good as the ones you linked to, people were having trouble getting them to run true and couldn't tune them, think I'll just go with the ones you suggested, the suspending ones.

[fisherhall]

EDIT: Hey, Fisherhall. I hope you do not mind me hijacking your thread a little. This is just what I need to learn about..no disrespect intended.

No problem.

[lskiles]

Here is a REALLY good deal at Cabelas online:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... hasJS=true

Nice short URL eh?

Thanks for the link!

Ordered them today! Wife said, "Oh, OK, honey." Hmmm...she must have bought a purse lately.

I really need to get to using artificial baits. It is something I need to conquor.

[Fisherman_max]

I really need to get to using artificial baits. It is something I need to conquor.

i would try brown power worms texas rigged for some bass in round lake. it works like a charm for me. but when using those new cranks i would try to run them past submerged logs and such to get some reaction strikes. once the water warms a bit mayube around 50-60 degrees you should hammer the bass on crankbaits.

[FishingFool]

I almost picked up a couple of the floating rapalas to catch some trout. I was going to grab one of those F-07s, due to the higher weight, so i can cast them farther.... but I think that's a bit big for trout, no? 2.75". Especially if the local trout are less than 13". I can see a 15"+ grabbing one... but those arent common at the lakes i visit....

So i grabbed a couple of the CountDown versions instead, due to weight/length ratio. But i still want a nice top water/ floating lure that's small.

[trout slayer]

i wouldnt worry about the size to much in the last 2 years i have toatally switched to useing rapalas for trout. have never been happier you can rig them to work in any situation. i have caught many many 8"trout useing 6"rapalas not the fish a was trying to catch but the little ones still hit it.

[trout slayer]

sorry for the double post but i forgot.. i was recently at rufus woods and the floating rapalas blew the countdowns out of the water same depth and everything i think fatter countdowns action isnt as good

[HillbillyGeek]

Are you sure these (shad raps) are the best for trout? I think they are good for bass and walleye. I favor the cigar shapes for trout.

I agree. Trout seem to favor slim profiles. During the early spring, trout hang out in the top 2 feet of water and I can catch little planters all day using small floating rapalas and ultralight gear. It's a hoot! The perch pattern is my favorite.
When the fish are deeper, you can still use the same lure with a 1 ounce dropper weight and a 3-way swivel. The Rapala husky jerk (neutrally buoyant) is perfect for this type of fishing and they work equally well on trout and smallmouth bass. When the fish are not actively feeding, this rig will get them to bite if you fish it slooow with lots of long pauses.