how to fish a DT rapala?

[cdj711]

Hi guys.

although i have a few different rapala in my collection, my experience in fishing them is quite limited.
ok, i have used Fs, a CD once, H13s, DRFR 5+7, SSRs, and some others.

what i would like to know is, can you fish the dives-to in running water?
these seem to be used mostly in still water. do they dive to and run at the same depth in running water as in still water?
are they going to run straight in heavy or turbulent flow?

and is there much difference between the flat series and the normal ones?

thanks,
w.

[muskiehunter]

Hi Wolfgang,

Yes these can be fished in running water.I've used them with descent success in the river by my house for smallmouth's.Also they run pretty descent in fast water as well.I believe they might run a little shallower due to the current lifting them.

The difference in the flat and normal dt's is basically the diving lip the flats have a coffin shapped lip which helps them bounce off of snags better than the standard lipped dt.Also the flats have a different profile than the standard dt they are longer and obviously thinner.

I hope this helps you out a little.

Steve

[shadrap712]

Crankbaits will dive deep with the current and shallower going against the current. Casting a lure upstream you need a faster retrieve to pick up the slack to force the bait to dive. The current runs over the top of the bait pushing it down. Casting downstream you use a very slow retrieve since the current will push the bait from side to side more and faster reeling will blow the bait out. The current will push the bait up, The dive curve will be less. Casting cross current will end up being just like casting down stream. Your current is greatest on the surface and will get less as the lure dives. Finding current seams or wings are slack water lines that the crankbaits do work the best and are the top fish holders. Read the surface water to determine your fish holding areas and which way the current is running. Hope this helps. Jeremy