How to Cast With Rapala Lures

Rapala lures are used to imitate small bait fish. They move in the water like a small fish and are effective when targeting large predatory fish. Rapalas are primarily used for trout and bass but they can be used for a variety of species. There are many popular techniques used to fish and cast rapala lures and they are all useful. It is important to have a strategy and make a stealthy approach before making a cast. The successful rapala fisherman knows the quarry and how to properly use the lure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Choosing the Lure

Things You’ll Need:

Rapala lures
Fishing rod and reel
Mono-filament fishing line

Step 1

Determine what fish you're trying to catch. The size of your lure will depend on the species of fish you are targeting and the body of water being fished. For areas with large, aggressive trout and bass, use large lures. When targeting smaller pan fish or trout, choose a smaller lure. If the water is calm it is beneficial to use a small lure. This will lessen the impact on the water and help prevent spooking the fish.

Step 2

Choose a color. The color of the lure you choose will depend on the bait fish you wish to represent. The flashy color combinations represent bait fish well. When fishing in low light conditions, consider using a darker lure. Dark lures are visible in low light and can be very effective.

Step 3

Tie a clinch knot to connect your lure to line. This knot requires you to feed the line through the eye of the hook, make six to seven wraps, and take the tag end through the loop at the bottom of the wraps before pulling tight.

Overhead Casting

Step 1

Determine where in the body of water you want the lure to land.

Step 2

Cast overhead toward your target by moving the rod in an upward, arching motion over your head. Hold the line tight while making this motion.

Step 3

Release the line from the reel and stop the rod at one o'clock. The lure should fly outward.

Sidearm Casting

Step 1

Determine where in the body of water you want the lure to land.

Step 2

Cast in a short sidearm motion toward your target, using a moderate amount of force. (Sidearm casting requires more practice and control than overhead casting. Use a sidearm cast to place the lure under overhanging branches and in tight places.)

Step 3

Release the line when you stop the rod at the end of your casting motion.

Step 4

Stop the line when the lure has reached the desired destination by making a full revolution on the reel.

Step 5

When the lure has landed on the water pause to let it sink then retrieve the lure using the reel. For extra motion, "bump" the rod to vary the motion of the lure.

Tips & Warnings

It is important to practice casting a lure that does not have a hook before going fishing. Hooks are sharp and dangerous. They are best used by those who have experience and control.

Resources

Pro Bass Fishing Resource

Article Written By Zach Lazzari

Zach Lazzari is an outdoor writing specialist. He has experience in website writing as well as standard newspaper writing. He wrote an outdoor column for the Silver World in Lake City, Colo., and articles for Colorado-mountain-adventure.com. Lazzari is currently completing his bachelor's degree online through Arizona State University and lives in southwest Montana.

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