First Impressions of Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure
The Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure is a topwater popper designed to entice fish with its loud spitting action. From the Rapala brand, known for its quality fishing lures, this little guy promises to deliver explosive strikes on the water’s surface.
I needed a reliable topwater lure for my bass fishing trips in weedy, shallow lakes. The promise of a loud, attention-grabbing lure was very appealing to me.
Upon unboxing, the Skitter Pop 05 felt surprisingly solid for its small size. The paint job looked durable, and the hooks were sharp and ready to go.
I was considering the Strike King KVD Splash and the Heddon Pop-R, but the Skitter Pop 05’s compact size and reputation for easy walking action ultimately won me over. Its smaller profile seemed perfect for pressured fish in my local waters.
My first impression was excitement. This little popper looked like it could be a real game-changer.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure at Lake Serenity, a shallow, weedy lake known for its bass population. I fished it on a calm morning with clear skies, using a medium-action spinning rod and 12-pound test monofilament line.
The lure performed admirably in these conditions. The Skitter Pop 05 casted easily and created a satisfying “popping” sound with each twitch of the rod tip.
It didn’t take long to get the hang of the “walk-the-dog” action. A few aggressive bass smashed the lure after only a couple of casts.
My only initial concern was the durability of the plastic lip, but it seemed to hold up well to the aggressive strikes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure has become a staple in my tackle box. It continues to produce consistent strikes, even in slightly choppy conditions.
The paint has held up remarkably well, with only minor scratches from hook rash and the occasional rock. The hooks remain sharp and haven’t shown any signs of rust.
Cleaning is simple. A quick rinse with fresh water after each use is all it takes to keep it in top condition.
Compared to other topwater poppers I’ve used, the Skitter Pop 05 stands out for its ease of use and consistent performance. It has definitely outperformed some of my older, bulkier poppers.
Breaking Down the Features of Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure
Specifications
The Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure is a topwater popper with a length of 2 inches. It weighs 1/4 oz, making it easy to cast with a variety of rods.
The lure is designed for topwater fishing, meaning it’s meant to be retrieved across the surface of the water. Rapala constructs it with a wood body and a unique plastic lip.
The lure type is both a popper and designed for cast and retrieve methods. These specs are crucial because they directly impact the lure’s action and effectiveness.
Performance & Functionality
The Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure excels at attracting fish with its loud popping and spitting action. The unique lip design creates a significant disturbance on the water’s surface.
Its strengths include its ability to draw strikes from aggressive fish and its ease of use. The main weakness is that it can be easily snagged in heavy cover due to its treble hooks.
It definitely meets my expectations for a topwater popper. It has proven to be a reliable fish-catcher.
Design & Ergonomics
The Skitter Pop 05’s build quality is impressive for its size and price point. The wood body feels solid and durable.
Its compact size makes it comfortable to cast and retrieve all day long. The lure is user-friendly, even for anglers new to topwater fishing.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure should last for several seasons. The paint is surprisingly durable, and the hooks are of good quality.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply rinse it with fresh water after each use and store it in a dry place.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure doesn’t come with any accessories. However, anglers can customize it by changing the hooks to different sizes or colors.
It’s also possible to add a feathered trailer hook for increased attraction. The lure is compatible with most standard treble hooks.
Pros and Cons of Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure
Pros
- Easy to Use: Simple “walk-the-dog” action requires minimal skill.
- Effective Sound: Creates a loud popping sound that attracts fish from a distance.
- Durable Construction: Wood body and quality hooks ensure long-lasting performance.
- Compact Size: Perfect for pressured fish and smaller bodies of water.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Can snag easily in heavy cover.
- Plastic lip might be vulnerable to damage from very aggressive strikes.
Who Should Buy Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure?
The Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure is perfect for bass anglers of all skill levels, especially those fishing in shallow, weedy lakes. It’s also great for anglers targeting other predatory fish like pike and musky.
Beginners will appreciate its ease of use, while experienced anglers will value its consistent performance. Anglers fishing around heavy cover might want to consider a weedless version or replace the treble hooks with single hooks.
A good pair of fishing pliers for removing hooks is a must-have accessory. Upgrading the hooks to a stronger, sharper brand could also be a worthwhile modification.
Conclusion on Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure
The Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure is a fantastic topwater popper that delivers on its promise of attracting fish with its loud, attention-grabbing action. Its ease of use, durable construction, and affordable price make it an excellent choice for anglers of all skill levels.
The price is definitely justified for the performance and quality you get. I wholeheartedly recommend the Rapala Skitter Pop 05 Lure.
Add it to your tackle box and get ready for some explosive topwater strikes! You won’t be disappointed.