Rapala Shad Rap Review: The Ultimate Fishing Lure

Posted on by Terminal Tackles

Rapala Shad Rap Review: The Ultimate Fishing Lure

If you’re looking for a versatile and effective fishing lure, the Rapala Shad Rap is one of the most popular options on the market. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a closer look at the history, features, and customer reviews of the Shad Rap to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your fishing needs.

History and Overview of the Rapala Shad Rap

Rapala is a well-known fishing brand that has been in operation since 1936. The Shad Rap was introduced in the late 1980s and has since become one of the company’s most popular lure designs. The Shad Rap is a classic “crankbait” style lure, which means it has a realistic fish shape and a lip that causes it to dive and wobble through the water.

The Shad Rap comes in a variety of sizes and colors, making it versatile for different types of fish and water conditions. Some of the most popular colors include silver, gold, and firetiger.

How to Use the Rapala Shad Rap

One of the best things about the Shad Rap is its versatility in terms of fishing techniques. You can use it for casting, trolling, and jigging, depending on your preferences and the type of fish you’re targeting.

To use the Shad Rap for casting, simply attach it to your fishing line and cast it out into the water. The lip of the lure will cause it to dive and wobble, attracting fish to bite. You can vary the speed of your retrieve to change the depth and action of the lure.

For trolling, you can attach the Shad Rap to a planer board or downrigger and slowly move it through the water. This technique is great for covering a large area of water and targeting fish that are deeper in the water column.

Finally, for jigging, you can drop the Shad Rap to the bottom of the water and then quickly reel it up a few feet. This motion will cause the lure to dart and swim erratically, mimicking the movements of a wounded fish.

Pros and Cons of the Rapala Shad Rap

Like any fishing lure, the Shad Rap has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the pros of using the Shad Rap include:

  • Versatility: The Shad Rap can be used in a variety of fishing techniques and conditions, making it a versatile choice for anglers.
  • Durability: The Shad Rap is made with high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the wear and tear of fishing.
  • Effectiveness: Many anglers swear by the Shad Rap as a go-to lure for catching a variety of fish species.

However, there are also some potential downsides to using the Shad Rap. These include:

  • Price: The Shad Rap is not the cheapest lure on the market, so it may not be the best choice for anglers on a tight budget.
  • Difficulty for beginners: Because the Shad Rap can be used in a variety of ways, it may be more difficult for beginners to master.

Customer Reviews of the Rapala Shad Rap

One of the best ways to gauge the effectiveness of a fishing lure is to look at customer reviews. Here are some examples of positive and negative reviews of the Shad Rap:

Positive Reviews:

  • “I caught my personal best bass using the Shad Rap in firetiger color. It’s my go-to lure now!”
  • “I’ve been using the Shad Rap for years and it never fails to produce fish. Great lure!”
  • “The Shad Rap is my favorite lure for trolling. I’ve caught everything from walleye to salmon with it.”

Negative Reviews:

  • “I found the Shad Rap to be difficult to use. It kept getting snagged on rocks and weeds.”
  • “The price of the Shad Rap is too high for me. I can get similar lures for much cheaper.”
  • “I didn’t have much luck with the Shad Rap. It didn’t seem to attract many fish.”

It’s worth noting that negative reviews of the Shad Rap are relatively rare compared to positive reviews. The majority of anglers who have used the lure report good results.

Comparison to Similar Lures on the Market

There are many other crankbait-style lures on the market that are similar to the Shad Rap. Some popular options include the Bomber Model A, the Strike King KVD Square Bill, and the Rebel Wee Crawfish.

While these lures share some similarities with the Shad Rap, there are some key differences to consider. For example, the Bomber Model A is a bit wider and flatter than the Shad Rap, while the KVD Square Bill is designed to bounce off cover and trigger strikes. Ultimately, the best lure for you will depend on your individual preferences and the type of fishing you plan to do.

Conclusion

Overall, the Rapala Shad Rap is a top-quality fishing lure that has been proven to produce results for anglers of all skill levels. While it may be a bit pricey for some, the versatility and effectiveness of the Shad Rap make it a worthwhile investment for serious anglers. If you’re looking for a new lure to add to your tackle box, the Shad Rap is definitely worth considering.

Remember to experiment with different colors and techniques to find what works best for you. And if you have any experience with the Shad Rap, be sure to leave a review in the comments below!