How to Fish With an X-Rap Well on a Saltwater Dock

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Rapala is well known for producing a wide range of lures that are effective on both fresh and saltwater game fish species. The X Rap is one line of crankbait lures that can potentially prove to be very effective on saltwater fish. The X Rap features a realistic baitfish design and internal foil colors to reflect light. Combined with Rapala's rattles inside the lure, the X Rap is a potent minnow imitation when properly fished.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Rapala X Rap
Spinning or casting rod with matched reel and line

Step 1

Tie on a Rapala X Rap that will hold at the water level where fish are actively feeding. Choose a top water X Rap Walk, shallow running Sureset or deep running Shad Sureset depending on the water depth and level at which fish are feeding.

Step 2

Position yourself along the edge of a saltwater dock so that you have good access to as much water as possible. Look for nearby posts, limbs or other obstacles that could interfere with your casting.

Step 3

Cast the Rapala X Rap into the water and allow it to sit motionless for a few seconds as a strike can occur at this point. Take up slack in the line by turning the reel handle.

Step 4

Retrieve the line to pull the lip of shallow and deep diving lures down into the water to their designed depth. Pull a top water lure across the surface to begin the side to side wobble action.

Step 5

Fish the X Rap series of lures with a crank and pause action. The lures are designed to wobble or walk side to side during the retrieve. Continue to work the lure through the water while maintaining a tight line and keeping the rod tip up but not past an even horizon level.

Step 6

Allow a fish to initially take the lure at a strike. Reel down on the line to take up any slack and raise the rod tip to set the treble hook. Maintain pressure on the fish with a taught line and work the saltwater fish back to you on the dock.

Tips & Warnings

Work the X Rap crankbait lure in open water around the saltwater dock as well as around the pilings and supports of the dock and any nearby structure.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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