Anyone Tried The Jointed Rapala Floater As A Wakebait?

[Quillback]

Curious if anyone has tried these on the Rock. I hate the Fin, yeah I know they work, but looking for something that is better quality and runs true out of the box. Rapala has a jointed floater that's 5 1/4", some of the ratings on BPS say it works as a wake bait, but will it work on the Rock?

[*T*]

Quillback, Yes, actually commented on this a while back. Have used Jointed Floating Rapala as wake bait for years. It's not going to give as much of a wake as a Redfin, but it lands much softer and has a great soft wake, both things which can help on very flat, quiet water. Post-spawn bite, like right now, should be vgood. Little bit different bait than Redfin for use in a different situation, but a good one.

[Gavin]

The J13 has a goofy lip....but the J11 and smaller models can be turned into a wake bait by heating the lip up with a heat gun and bend it down to 90..

[abkeenan]

The J13 has a goofy lip....but the J11 and smaller models can be turned into a wake bait by heating the lip up with a heat gun and bend it down to 90..

I have one and broke the lip off it and replaced it with another lip but glued it in at around a 80 degree angle and it has AWESOME wiggle to it and looks to be killer. Only problem is that it is 1/4oz and I can't throw it far at all being that light, balsa wood and no casting system like today's newer baits. If it was 1/2oz or better yet 3/4oz it would be just perfect.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Many years ago I found one that had the lip broken off and I couldn't resist seeing what it would do. It ran the same way on top as it would have under water.

[Champ188]

If you want something that runs true out of the box and requires no fiddling, pick up a Jackall Mikey Jr. Just take $30 with you.

[Jacob W]

+1 on the mikey Jr. But I personally have had good look with the buckeye wake bait. Just add feathers and flash to the tail hook.

[Jason Essary]

champ, what color of mick jr you like? Have one but havent done well on it. Its a clearer grey color.

[jdmidwest]

Define "wakebait"? I typically fish the floating rapalas when fish are hitting topwater in this way. I cast and let it settle till the ripples move away, then jerk in small jerking motions. That creates a wake. The jointed one are a little more deadly as the back end droops down and creates a little more enticement. I do this about halfway to the boat then start cranking it in. I do this with the J7 on creeks an the J13 on rivers and lakes.

During the spring, I tend to cast them and reel them in as a subsurface bait as fish are usually striking subsurface.

[Jason Essary]

wake bait is one that stays right at the surface swimming side to side back to the boat leaving a v wake on the way. Not on top, but not under the water, just right under the water. Looks like a shad just under the surface trying to escape.