Keep Risto Raps??

[eye_geek]

I'm doing my final reorganization of the tacklebox and came across an assortment of risto raps. I bought them a couple years ago out of the bargain bin. I can't remember ever using them. Should I keep them in the tacklebox and make an effort to try them sometime this year? Or should I take them out and use their spots for other cranks?

Eye Geek

[T-Mac]

I have actually found an application where they will catch walleyes. I have caught nice fish banging bottom with them (size9) primarily trolling downstream along channel breaks in rivers in 18-24'.

I am not looking to get more Risto-Raps, however. :)

[Box]

We paint them with perch like stripes, and honestly can't keep the pike or bass of off them. Haven't caught as many eyes, but we have caught some nice eyes casting them over weed points. They cast great and far, and let you get to shallow fish without spooking them, using long casts.

The ristos are pretty indestructable as well :) But I would rather use Shad Raps or the Mag Shad raps, if buying new. For trolling for pike, though, they work great for us.

-Box


http://www.walleyecentral.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=103808

[Terroreyes]

Give them a try and if they don't work have them repainted to match a pattern of one of your successful lures. Never know, you might stmble onto something really good.
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[Spiderman]

I have had good success with them on the missouri river at Pickstown, South Dakota. The technique sounds strange but it works for eye's!!! I troll just fast enough to make progress upsteam with my big motor (less than 1 mph)and troll risto raps in the current from about 1/4 mile below the dam all the way up to the No Boats Past This Mark sign. The bait stays in the strike zone for a long time and by going against the current, the lure works it's magic. Very good during tough bite situations. You must kick out enough line to let the bait beat the bottom now and then. Give it a try!

[clm]

I bought several of them also in a bargain bin once and have used them on several bodies of water with little success. We did however try them once on the lake we usually fish in canada and found them to be the hot bait. This was an open water application over the main lake basin and they still continue to be a good bait for us on that particular lake.

[Steve B]

I've had some real successful days trolling the Baby Ristos on Mosquito Lake for walleyes. Honey Mustard flavor.

[Ristorapper]

If you find no use for them or want to replace them, drag them along on an outing or two where you may find youself running into some young fisherman. Give them a toss in the youngsters direction and see what kind of smiles you may generate!


I still bring them along mostly for those bass type lakes; store them all in one plano, take them with if I expect to use them on a particular system and leave them in the back of the tow vehicle if no plans for getting them wet.

[JLDII]

Personally speaking, I've only found one time and place for them and have found other cranks that work in that scenario, and even better. Sooo, I'd sell them for what you can get and pick up some #4 or #5 jointed shad raps and enjoy catching fish again. You might need lead line to reach some of those fish, but that shouldn't be a problem for you.

[eye4aneye]

The #5 Chartruese and Blue on 90' of Fireline might suprise you...alot. Fairly clear water.

[eye4aneye]

The #5 Chartruese and Blue on 90' of Fireline might suprise you...alot. Fairly clear water.

[Rush]

I haven't tried Risto Raps for trolling for walleyes, but I really like them for bass. They cast well and are very responsive. The smallest size is a great shoreline bait and the bigger sizes work well in deeper water, especially around rocks. I think the fish like them because they are different from what most other bass fisherman are using. If I see them for sale at fishing shows I usually buy the smaller ones up. I was mad they quit making them.

[eye_geek]

Looks like the Ristos are staying. :D

Many thanks to all that replied.