First Impressions of Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure
The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure is a name synonymous with triggering strikes in a variety of conditions, and I was eager to see if the reputation held up. Rapala, a trusted name in fishing for decades, promises a versatile, hard-vibrating lure designed to excel in both clear and stained water, and across different retrieval techniques. This lipless crankbait’s distinctive rattle and slender profile immediately caught my eye, sparking a curiosity to see its effectiveness firsthand.
I was looking for a lure that could effectively target bass in weedy areas and around rocky structures. Many lures get snagged easily in these environments, making fishing frustrating. My hope was that the Rippin’ Rap‘s design would allow me to cover these areas more efficiently and entice more strikes.
Upon unboxing, the Rippin’ Rap 05 felt solid and well-constructed. The textured scales and gills, along with the 3D holographic eyes, gave it a realistic appearance. The VMC black nickel hooks looked sharp and ready to set on a fish. Compared to other lipless crankbaits I’ve used, the Rapala stood out with its slender profile and loud rattle. It seemed like a premium lure ready to perform.
I considered other similar lures, like the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap and the Strike King Red Eye Shad. I chose the Rippin’ Rap 05 due to its reputation for a more pronounced vibration and its ability to maintain a true track even at high speeds. It also appeared to be better suited for ripping through vegetation than some of the wider-bodied competitors.
My first impression was definitely positive. The lure felt substantial, looked great, and had the key features I was looking for in a lipless crankbait. I was excited to get it out on the water and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure on a local lake known for its dense weed beds and submerged timber. The water was slightly stained, providing a good test for its sound-generating capabilities. I primarily used a ripping retrieve, pulling the lure sharply through the water column and letting it flutter back down.
The lure performed admirably in these challenging conditions. It vibrated aggressively on the retrieve, sending out a clear signal even in the murky water. I could feel the lure working, even when it contacted vegetation. Importantly, it didn’t snag as easily as other lipless crankbaits I’ve used. There was a slight learning curve to mastering the ripping retrieve, finding the right balance of speed and force.
I did experience one minor issue on the first outing. The lure occasionally fouled on the front hook during very aggressive rips.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Rippin’ Rap 05 has proven to be a reliable and effective lure. The finish has held up surprisingly well, with only minor scratches despite frequent use around rocks and timber. The VMC hooks remain sharp, requiring minimal maintenance.
Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each use is usually sufficient. Compared to previous lipless crankbaits I’ve owned, the Rippin’ Rap‘s durability is significantly better. It consistently outperforms others in its ability to attract fish and withstand the rigors of heavy cover.
Breaking Down the Features of Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure
Specifications
The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure features a tall, skinny body shape that allows for a pronounced fluttering action on the fall. It’s a lipless design, meaning it doesn’t have a diving lip, enabling it to be fished at various depths with different retrieval speeds. The lure is equipped with a distinctive loud BB rattle system that generates a high-frequency sound to attract fish.
The lure is designed for long-casting, allowing anglers to cover more water efficiently. It comes equipped with fast-piercing VMC black nickel hooks, known for their sharpness and strength. The body features textured scales and gills for a realistic appearance.
Performance & Functionality
The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure excels at attracting fish with its loud rattle and aggressive vibration. It can be fished effectively with a variety of retrieves, including a straight retrieve, a ripping retrieve, and a yo-yo retrieve. The lure is particularly effective when targeting bass in and around vegetation, rocks, and timber.
Its strengths lie in its versatility and ability to trigger strikes in tough conditions. One weakness I noted earlier is that it can occasionally foul on the front hook during aggressive retrieves. Overall, it meets and often exceeds my expectations for a lipless crankbait.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rippin’ Rap 05 features a slim profile that helps it cut through the water and reduces snags. The textured body and holographic eyes give it a realistic appearance that can entice wary fish. Its compact size and weight make it comfortable to cast for extended periods.
The lure is user-friendly and requires minimal prior experience to fish effectively. Experimentation with different retrieves is encouraged to find what works best in specific situations.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure is constructed from durable materials that can withstand the abuse of fishing in heavy cover. The finish is resistant to chipping and scratching, and the hooks are corrosion-resistant. Maintenance is simple; rinsing the lure with fresh water after each use and occasionally sharpening the hooks is sufficient.
Based on my experience, this lure should last for many fishing seasons with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Anglers can customize the lure by changing the hooks to different sizes or styles. Adding a split ring to the line tie can also improve the lure’s action. The lure is compatible with standard split rings and hooks from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure
Pros
- Exceptional vibration and sound: The loud BB rattle system and aggressive vibration attract fish from a distance.
- Versatile retrieve options: Can be fished with a straight retrieve, ripping retrieve, or yo-yo retrieve.
- Durable construction: The finish and hooks are designed to withstand the rigors of fishing in heavy cover.
- Effective in stained water: The loud rattle makes it a great choice for murky conditions.
- Long-casting design: Allows anglers to cover more water efficiently.
Cons
- Front hook can occasionally foul on aggressive retrieves.
- Limited color options compared to some competitors.
Who Should Buy Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure?
Perfect for: Anglers targeting bass in weedy areas, around rocks, and in stained water will benefit most from the Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure. It’s also a great choice for anglers who prefer a lure that can be fished with a variety of retrieves. Pro anglers and recreational fishermen alike will find the Rippin’ Rap 05 a valuable addition to their tackle box.
Who should skip this product? Anglers primarily fishing in clear, open water may find other lures more effective. Those who prefer extremely quiet lures may not appreciate the loud rattle of the Rippin’ Rap.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality pair of split ring pliers will make it easier to change hooks or add a split ring to the line tie. A fishing line specifically designed for crankbaits can also improve the lure’s action and sensitivity.
Conclusion on Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure
The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure is a versatile and effective lipless crankbait that delivers on its promises. Its loud rattle, aggressive vibration, and durable construction make it a valuable tool for any angler targeting bass in challenging conditions. The occasional hook fouling is a minor issue that can be mitigated with adjustments to retrieve style.
The price of $5.61 – $9.99 (depending on size and color) is justified by the lure’s performance and durability. It provides excellent value for the money, especially when compared to other premium lipless crankbaits.
I would definitely recommend the Rapala Rippin’ Rap 05 Lure to any angler looking for a reliable and effective lure that can trigger strikes in a variety of conditions. Add it to your tackle box and get ready to rip some lips!