Shad Rap Tweaks to Catch More Bass

Ever since it’s introduction in the early 1980’s, the Rapala Shad Rap has been cherished by anglers chasing bass and most other gamefish as well.

A combination of materials (balsa & premium components), shape, and profile, gave the Shad Rap a tight wiggling action that mimics a wide variety of bait that triggers strikes when wide wobbling baits fail to do so. Add in the range of colors patterns and sizes and Rapala produced a lure to catch just about any fish that swims under a variety of conditions.

Though the Shad Rap catches bass any time of year, many bass anglers rely on it during the cold water period, from late fall through early spring.

As great as the Shad Rap is out of the box, a few modifications or tweaks can enhance the lure’s productivity in cold water when bass tend to be lethargic rather than aggressively feeding.

Finesse Cranking for Cold Water Bass

Most bass anglers realize that flat-sided crankbaits can be fantastic bass catching baits when the water temps fall down into the mid 40s. 

A rare few "bass-perts" also realize the "king" of cold water, flat-sided cranks, the Rapala Shad Rap, can excel even when water temps plummet into 30s!

One of those finesse crankin' experts is Ott Defoe who took the time to create an in-depth finesse crankbait fishing tutorial discussing:

• Types and sizes of bait
• Proper rod combo types and reel speeds
• Correct line type and size depending on fishing conditions
• Boat position and depth considerations
• Presentation depth, cast angles & more

Want to learn more?

Carve out about twenty minutes of your fishing prep time, get your notepad ready and listen to Ott detail his finesse cranking system for cold water bassin'

One thing to keep in mind. Ott intros this technique for February which works well if in the southeast. 

If you live up north like me this system will most likely apply late March-early April once the ice cover vanishes ;)

Fishing for Cold Water Bass Using Finesse Crankbaits

Bass fishing in the cold water periods requires different baits and presentations to optimize your chances for a successful day on the water...

One of the best crankbaits to throw when pursuing cold water bass, is the thin-bodied, tight wiggling, shad shaped crankbaits like Rapala's Shad Rap or Berkley's Flicker Shad...

Take a moment and listen to FLW Pro Terry Bolton explain how to select areas to present these thin-bodied crankbaits for more cold water hook-ups...

I know there are several tips from this video I'll be putting to work the next time out on the water...

How about you?

Optimized Cold Weather Crankbait Fishing

Though many bass anglers key on one particular crankbait style for wintertime fishing, John Crews thinks you may want to broaden your selection to catch more cold water bass...

Take a moment to watch this video and see what John is talking about!

In addition to traditional squarebill cranks, thin-bodied crankbaits like the Rapala Shad Rap and Spro Little John rock during the cold weather period...

Are you stocked with crankbaits for cold water conditions?