The Rapala Shad Rap is a staple of the fishing industry and is one of the most widely known and recognizable baits in all of walleye fishing. This iconic bait works on a wide variety of waters and has been a proven fish catcher for decades.
Fish It Like Nick
“The Rapala Shad Rap truly set the standard for what an excellent walleye bait should be,” says Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “The Shad Rap is incredibly effective wherever walleye swim, and I personally prefer it in clear waters specifically.”
The Rapala Shad Rap is a balsa bait and does not feature any rattles, which is why Harrington feels it performs best in clear water situations.
“I really like this bait in clear water, and I also feel it is most effective when fish are in a neutral or passive mood,” explains Harrington. “I feel in clear water fish are feeding more visually, and the presence of a rattle can sometimes deter fish from biting when they are in a negative mood.”
The combination of a tight action and quieter, more visual approach makes this bait particularly effective during cold water periods.
“When the water is that combination of both cold and clear, I feel the Shad Rap is one of the few baits you can convince a walleye to hit,” elaborates Harrington. “That said, it can also catch fish throughout the entire year making it such an excellent option for all anglers.”
The Rapala Shad Rap contrasts the Berkley Flicker Shad as the Shad Rap is a balsa bait that does not feature a rattle, while the Flicker Shad is a plastic bait that does rattle.
“The Shad Rap and Flicker Shad are probably the top two baits to emulate shade,” continues Harrington. “I favor the Flicker Shad in darker or dirtier situations, and the Shad Rap in clearer or more finesse situations.”
The Shad Rap comes in a variety of sizes and colors, including numerous custom colors as well.
“I don’t overthink things when it comes to the Shad Rap,” concludes Harrington. “Keep it natural, utilize it any time situations make sense, and you’re going to catch fish. It’s one of those baits you just know is going to produce for you.”
Bait Details
Profile: Shad
Forage Emulated: Gizzard Shad, Bluegill
Body Composition: Balsa
Favorite Waterbodies: Lake Sharpe, Lake Oahe, Leech Lake
Favorite Sizes: #5 and #7
Favorite Colors: Purpledescent, Blue, Silver
Get Geared Up to Catch More Walleye
Want to learn more about the gear we use when targeting walleye? Whether it’s on the Missouri River, Glacial Lakes region of South Dakota, western Nebraska reservoirs, or anywhere else across the Midwest we share our favorite baits and how we fish them on our Getting Geared Up page!
