Rapala Maxrap Fishing Lures - A Complete Overview and Guide

An Introduction to Rapala Maxrap Lures

Fishing lures come in all shapes and sizes, but few are as versatile and effective as the Rapala Maxrap. Part of Rapala's extensive Max Rap line, the Maxrap combines several key features that make it a go-to lure for anglers targeting both freshwater and saltwater species. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes the Rapala Maxrap such an excellent all-around fishing lure.

What is the Rapala Maxrap?

The Rapala Maxrap is a minnow-shaped crankbait featuring a wide, erratic wobble and long-casting design. It was originally introduced in 1992 and quickly became popular thanks to its ability to attract strikes from gamefish like bass, walleye, pike, and muskie. The lure is known for its versatility, coming in a variety of sizes and several different depth ranges to adapt to different fishing situations.

Some key features of the Rapala Maxrap include:

• Realistic minnow profile that imitates forage fish
• Exaggerated side-to-side wobble and rolling action
• Internal long-cast system for increased casting distance
• VMC black nickel hooks designed to penetrate fish jaws
• 3D holographic eyes and scales for added fish-attracting flash

The Maxrap minnow profile combined with the wide wobble makes it excellent for triggering reaction strikes. The lure's movement mimics injured baitfish, triggering predatory instincts. The Maxrap is also versatile, coming in floating and sinking models ranging from shallow to deep divers up to 20+ feet.

Best Uses for the Rapala Maxrap

Here are some of the best applications for the Rapala Maxrap fishing lure:

Bass Fishing

The Maxrap is deadly for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lure's wide rolling action mimics fleeing shad and bluegills, making it excellent for targeting bass on shallow flats, around structure, and at varied depths. It can be ripped aggressively to trigger reaction strikes or worked more slowly with a stop-and-go retrieve.

Pike & Muskie Fishing

Big pike and muskie love the large profile and big flash of the Maxrap lure. The lure's large size can attract fish from a distance, while triggering their prey drive. Burning the lure just below the surface or working it along weed edges is extremely effective for these toothy predators.

Walleye Fishing

Walleye will home in on the tight wobbling action and flashing scales of the Maxrap. Trolling deep diving versions over structure or contour changes is deadly for suspended 'eyes. Casting Maxraps that run 15+ feet dive deep over breaks where walleye feed is also highly productive.

Saltwater Fishing

Big gamefish like striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel can't resist the Maxrap when worked quickly. The lure's wide wobble and deep diving models work well when trolled offshore or cast toward surface feeding schools busting bait. Even nearshore species like snook, redfish, and speckled trout will crush this minnow imitation.

Top Rapala Maxrap Models

With so many options, what are some of the best Maxrap lures to have in your tackle box? Here are a few standout models:

Rapala Maxrap 12

At nearly 12 inches long, this magnum-sized lure is designed for the biggest freshwater fish like muskie, pike and largemouth bass. It has an exaggerated rolling action and dives 3-6 feet, perfect for triggering follows and blow-up strikes.

Rapala DT Maxrap

This deep-diving version dives down to 15+ feet, making it excellent for targeting suspended fish out deep. DT models have more subdued actions for colder water, but still trigger fish with a tight wiggle.

Rapala X-Rap Max

With extreme flash and vibration, the X-Rap Max is perfect for pressured fish. It has one of the most intense actions in the Maxrap line, driving fish mad with its erratic movements.

Rapala Scatter Rap Crank

Technically not a Maxrap but similar profile, the Scatter Rap has a wide erratic scatter and dive from 3-12 feet. The oversized baitfish profile drives fish into a frenzy.

How to Fish the Rapala Maxrap

While versatile, there are a few retrieves that are especially deadly with the Maxrap:

Stop & Go

Pausing the lure during mid-retrieve triggers reaction strikes. Let the lure sink on the pause before ripping it forward erratically.

Burn and Kill

Burn the lure as fast as possible below the surface, then kill it to let it float up. Repeat to mimic injured baitfish movements.

Yo-Yo Retrieve

Pop the rod tip up and down to make the lure "dance" in place. This can be deadly when fish are holding in a specific spot.

Deep Trolling

Use deep diving models to reach fish holding deep offshore. Let out enough line to tick off bottom structure.

Conclusion

With its unique wide wobble, sharp rattle, excellent castability and proven fish-catching ability, the Rapala Maxrap series has cemented itself as one of the most effective all-around fishing lures. Anglers targeting anything from bass and walleye to giant pike and saltwater species would do well to keep a selection of these lures ready to go in their tackle box. Just be prepared for the hard-hitting strikes this lure is known for getting!

FAQs

What species can you target with the Rapala Maxrap?

The Maxrap is effective for targeting a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater gamefish including bass, walleye, pike, muskie, stripers, snook, redfish and many more.

What makes the Maxrap such an effective lure?

Key features like the exaggerated rolling action, sharp rattles, long casting system and realistic baitfish profile all combine to make the Maxrap incredibly effective at triggering savage strikes.

Where is the best place to fish the Maxrap?

Target areas like weed edges, downed timber, rock piles, breaklines, and anywhere predators hunt for ambushing baitfish. It can be cast or trolled effectively.

Should you use a steel or fluorocarbon leader?

Fluorocarbon is best for clear water and when casting. Steel leaders help prevent cut-offs when fishing toothy pike or muskie that can bite through line.

What rod and reel combo works best?

A 6-7' medium or medium-heavy rod combined with a moderate to fast reel is ideal. Braided line with a fluorocarbon leader also helps maximize action.