What Makes Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT Stand Out?
The Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT is a finesse fishing bait designed to entice even the most finicky bass. Manufactured by Rapala, this bait utilizes a unique TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) material, offering exceptional durability and buoyancy, while its tapered, ribbed tail provides subtle, enticing action with minimal movement. The “Ned rig” style is known for its effectiveness in clear water and heavily pressured fishing locations, making the Ned BLT a versatile addition to any angler’s tackle box.
I needed a bait that could perform in clear, pressured water. The local lake gets hammered, and the bass have seen every crankbait and spinner in the book. The Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT seemed like a good option with its subtle action and buoyant material.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the texture. The TPE material feels incredibly durable, yet surprisingly soft. The ribbed tail looked like it would provide fantastic action in the water.
I considered other Ned rig options like the Z-Man Finesse TRD and the Strike King KVD Ned Minnow. However, I chose the Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT because of its TPE construction, which promised better durability, and Rapala’s reputation for quality.
I was definitely excited to try the Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT. The design looked promising, and I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT on a clear, sunny day at my local lake. I fished it on a 1/16 oz Ned rig jig head with a slow, dragging retrieve along the bottom.
The Ned BLT performed admirably in the clear water. Its subtle tail action and buoyant material presented a lifelike profile that triggered several strikes, even with a slight breeze.
The Ned BLT was incredibly easy to use. I didn’t need any special techniques to get it working, a simple cast and drag produced bites almost immediately.
The only surprise was how durable the bait actually was. After catching several fish, it showed minimal signs of wear.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT has held up exceptionally well. It remains a go-to bait when fishing clear, pressured waters.
The TPE material is incredibly durable. After catching numerous bass, the Ned BLT still looks nearly new, with no tears or significant damage.
Maintaining the bait is simple. I store it in a plastic bag with other TPE baits, away from standard plastisol lures to prevent melting.
The Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT has outperformed other Ned rig baits I’ve used in the past. Its durability and realistic action make it a superior choice for consistently catching fish.
Breaking Down the Features of Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Rapala
- Material: TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
- Length: Approximately 2.75 inches
- Design: Tapered body with ribbed tail
- Buoyancy: Positive
- Additional Features: No
These specifications are important because they directly impact the bait’s performance. The TPE material makes the bait both durable and buoyant, allowing it to stand up off the bottom and attract fish. The ribbed tail provides subtle movement, which is especially effective in clear water conditions where fish can be easily spooked by more aggressive baits.
Performance & Functionality
The Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT performs exceptionally well as a finesse bait. Its subtle action and buoyant presentation are highly effective at enticing strikes from pressured bass.
The Ned BLT’s strengths lie in its durability and lifelike action. One weakness might be that it could be too subtle for murky water conditions where a bait with more vibration would be more effective.
The Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT has met and exceeded my expectations. It has become a staple in my tackle box for clear-water, finesse fishing situations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ned BLT’s build quality is excellent. The TPE material feels premium and is clearly designed to withstand repeated use.
The bait is incredibly user-friendly. Its simple design requires no special rigging or techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT is designed to last. The TPE material resists tearing and damage from fish, hooks, and the environment.
The bait is easy to maintain. Just keep it separated from standard plastisol lures to prevent melting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT does not come with any additional accessories. Anglers can pair it with a variety of Ned rig jig heads, typically in the 1/16 oz to 1/8 oz range.
The Ned BLT is compatible with most standard Ned rig accessories. Anglers can also experiment with different colored jig heads to further customize the presentation.
Pros and Cons of Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The TPE material withstands repeated use and abuse.
- Subtle Action: The ribbed tail provides lifelike movement, perfect for clear water.
- Buoyant Material: TPE allows the bait to stand up off the bottom, attracting attention.
- Easy to Use: Simple design requires no special rigging or techniques.
- Versatile: Effective for a variety of finesse fishing situations.
Cons
- May be Too Subtle for Murky Water: Its subtle action might not be effective in low-visibility conditions.
- Price Point: The TPE material might make it slightly more expensive than standard plastisol baits.
Who Should Buy Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT?
The Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT is perfect for anglers targeting pressured bass in clear water. It is also an excellent choice for those new to Ned rig fishing.
Those who prefer more aggressive baits with a lot of vibration should skip this product. Anglers fishing in murky or heavily stained water might find other options more effective.
A must-have accessory is a selection of high-quality Ned rig jig heads in different weights and colors. These allow for optimal presentation in various water depths and conditions.
Conclusion on Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT
The Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT is an outstanding finesse bait that delivers exceptional performance and durability. Its TPE construction and subtle tail action make it a highly effective option for enticing strikes from pressured bass.
The price of $9.49 is justified by the bait’s durability and effectiveness. It represents a solid value for anglers seeking a reliable Ned rig option.
I would absolutely recommend the Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT. It’s a versatile and durable bait that will undoubtedly help anglers catch more fish in clear water conditions. Add the Ned BLT to your tackle box and experience the difference!