Plastic Shad Raps?

[jerkbait]

I have a couple of the plastic Shadraps, think they are model RS, might be wrong, anyhow, what do you of the plastic models actions compared to the balsa? Have you guys caught any fish on these?

Aren't all of the jointed ShadRaps also Plastic?

[jaketomberlin]

Sorry for the late response to your question. On a site like this, when you ask a question like that you should get a quick answer.

Yes, all the RS shad raps and jointed shad raps are made of plastic.

The shad rap RS #5 is one of my favorite Rapala lures ever made. It has great action, great profile, and represents a shad very well. I have not had as much lucky with the shad rap RS #7... but I'm sure it is a great fish catcher as well.

However, the regular balsa shad rap is a much better all-around bait in my opinion. It floats, which means you can crank it to the bottom and through brush and sticks better. With the plastic suspending shad rap, if you get into a big brush pile, you're gonna get stuck. Plus... the balsa shad rap has better action and is more lifelike. And the only time I throw a plastic shad rap over a balsa shad rap is when I need my lure to suspend... to let the fish get a better look at it, especially in cold water.

Here's a comparison of the two Shad Raps.

Shad Rap RS "rattlin suspending" "plastic" ------ Plastic body, casts better, suspends on the pause, better for dirty water, better for cold water, great fish catcher in early spring when the water is cold and bass are feeding on baitfish.

Original Shad Rap "balsa wood" ------ Balsa wood body, does not cast as good, it floats, better for clear water, has better action and looks more like a real "shad" than the plastic one, this lure catches fish from January to December, I always use this balsa wood shad rap over the plastic one UNLESS I need my lure to suspend in cold water.

I hope this helps. Long story short.... I would say the balsa shad rap catches more fish and is a better lure.... but the plastic shad rap definitely has it's place.

[jerkbait]

Thanks for a good response. Looking forward to throwing both this fishing season and seeing what Mr.Bass thinks about 'em.