Essential Guidelines for Lure Fishing

1. BALANCE YOUR TACKLE TO THE SIZE OF THE LURE
Every Rapala lure is tank tested before it leaves the factory to ensure that it swims straight out of the box. To get the best from your lure always use the lightest tackle that you reasonably can. This will ensure that your lure performs correctly. The use of heavy tackle with light lures will impair the action of the lure, and reduce its fish catching qualities.

2. KEEP SINKERS AT A DISTANCE
Sometimes it is necessary to use sinkers. Always keep them as far away from the lure as possible. Split shot can be added at least 20 cm away from the lure, but heavier sinkers should be at least 50 cm up the line. Always use the minimum amount of extra weight you require.

3. CHECK THAT YOUR RAPALA IS TUNED
Always check that your Rapala lure is swimming correctly before you start fishing. Also try various retrieve speeds to find out the best speed to retrieve your lure. Each lure has a “best speed” when the action is at its most enticing. With experience you may vary the retrieve speed to suit the conditions.

4. KEEP WATCHING
If you are trolling keep watching your line and rod tip. Make sure that you are trolling at the correct speed for your lure. Watch the vibration of the rod tip. If it stops, check the lure for weed. If you hook up on the bottom, check the hooks before fishing again.

5. HANDLE YOUR RAPALA WITH CARE
Your Rapala lure is finely tuned. Do not subject it to undue strain. Avoid using it as a handle to lift fish into a boat. Take care of the hooks. If you look after them they will catch plenty of fish. If you ignore them they may catch you instead.

6. USE THE CORRECT KNOTS FOR EACH LURE
The use of the wrong knot can affect the action of the lure. Use the Rapala Knot when necessary or a Jam Knot for the other lures. See the section explaining knots in “Tips From The Pros”.

Reproduced by kind permission of Rapala ©Rapala