The Rapala Original Floating Minnow: A Timeless Classic Re-examinedThis review dives deep into the legendary Rapala Original Floating Minnow, a lure that has earned its place in countless tackle boxes worldwide. We put this classic to the test, utilizing three different sizes (F5, F9, and F13) to target a variety of fish species, from small crappie to larger bass and pickerel. Our goal was to assess its versatility and effectiveness across different scenarios and prey sizes, under varied fishing conditions. This comprehensive field test explores the lure's performance in real-world situations, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. From its shallow-running action to its ability to attract diverse species, we examine every aspect of this iconic fishing lure.Our rigorous fishing challenge involved a diverse range of target species and fishing techniques. We detail the successes and any challenges encountered, providing a clear picture of the Rapala Original Floating Minnow's capabilities. This review offers an honest assessment, covering the lure's effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value for money. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this in-depth review will equip you with the knowledge to decide if this enduring classic deserves a spot in your tackle box.
Pros And Cons
- Classic lure
- Catches trout, bass, crappie, and other fish
- Effective for catching large numbers of fish and big fish
- Versatile; can be used in various fishing techniques (topwater, shallow running)
- Available in various sizes (small, medium, large)
- Hooks are not the greatest (results in lost fish)
- Price increases with size
Read more: 5 Killer Spinnerbait Fishing Lures You Need
The Rapala Original Floating Minnow: A Classic Choice
The Rapala Original Floating Minnow is a legendary lure, renowned for its effectiveness across various fish species. Its timeless design and proven track record make it a staple in many anglers' tackle boxes. This lure has stood the test of time for a reason – its simple yet effective design consistently attracts bites.
Available in a range of sizes and colors, the Rapala Original Floating Minnow offers versatility to suit different fishing conditions and target species. The shallow-running bill allows the lure to work effectively just below the surface, where many fish feed. This makes it a great option for various techniques.
The Challenge: Conquering Three Sizes
This fishing challenge involved using three sizes of the Rapala Original Floating Minnow: small (F5), medium (F9), and large (F13). The goal was to catch fish on each size, demonstrating the lure's versatility across different sizes. This would test the lure's effectiveness in various scenarios and sizes of prey.
The angler started with the smallest size, targeting crappie, a fish known for its schooling habits. Successfully catching fish on this size demonstrated the minnow's ability to attract smaller fish. The challenge then progressed to larger sizes, targeting larger species like bass and pickerel.
Early Success and Crappie Frenzy
The challenge began with immediate success. Using the small perch-colored F7, the angler quickly caught multiple crappie, showcasing the lure's effectiveness even in windy conditions. The crappie were actively feeding near structure, highlighting the importance of targeting these areas.
The angler noted the crappie's spawning colors, indicating a high level of activity and opportunity for a productive fishing session. Multiple crappie were caught in quick succession, emphasizing the lure's ability to attract and hook these fish.
Moving Up: Medium and Large Sizes
The challenge continued with the medium-sized (F9) Rapala. The angler switched to a silver color, a popular choice for attracting a wide variety of fish. While the smaller lure had been effective for crappie, the medium size offered the potential for bigger catches.
The angler demonstrated the lure's versatility by catching a pickerel, a larger, more aggressive fish. This catch highlighted the lure's effectiveness in enticing bigger game, proving its ability to handle heavier fish and stronger pulls.
Unexpected Bluegill Bonanza
The fishing day took an unexpected turn with a series of bluegill catches. The angler discovered a school of bluegill actively feeding on the surface. The Rapala Original Floating Minnow proved equally effective for these smaller panfish.
A remarkable streak of four bluegill caught on four consecutive casts demonstrated the lure's versatility and ability to attract a range of species. The angler also successfully caught a bluegill using a topwater technique with the lure, emphasizing its adaptability.
Conclusion: A Versatile and Effective Lure
The Rapala Original Floating Minnow consistently proved its worth throughout the fishing challenge. Its effectiveness across various fish species, sizes, and fishing techniques, make it a truly versatile lure. The ease of use and consistent results make this a solid choice for anglers of all skill levels.
While the hooks could be improved upon, the overall performance of the lure was exceptional. The challenge demonstrated the lure's ability to catch both smaller and larger species, proving its effectiveness regardless of the fish's size. Given its versatility, consistent performance, and affordable price, the Rapala Original Floating Minnow is an excellent addition to any angler’s tackle box.