Tuning Rapalas???

[Chris Krikorian]

Hi,

I have quite a few rapalas that are out of tune and float on their side. Even a brand new shad rap Rs that came straight out of the box. Using pliers the way they say do does not always work. I noticed that on most originals you can sand down a bit of the plastic part that makes the lure dive and that will correct it. But for lures like shadraps and wally divers the plastic part is shaped different. Since it is winter here in canada I can't try it right shaving them down. Please tell me what you guys have done to get you lures running right again.Thanks

[Joe]

I have the same problems with shad raps and don't know what to do either.

[WAeyes]

I believe some guys were using a special crankbait tool for this now. Try doing a search or I am sure someone will have more info on it.

[Someday]

I think this is what you want http://www.joebuchertv.com/tackle/accessories.html

[Chris Krikorian]

Has anybody ever used this thing? Does it work everytime?

[Dave S]

If the lure is running to the left, bend the front lure attachment ever so slightly to the right. If the lure is running to the right, bend the front lure attachment ever so slightly to the left. If you overbend it will run out of tune to the opposite side. Sometimes takes several trials before getting it to run straight.

[Mud]

I think you are dealing with 2 issues here. At rest, if the lure floats on it's side, it is probably not weighted properly. Added weight on the bottom (Storm Suspend-Dots or ?) may help it float right side up, or possibly come closer to suspending (which isn't all bad). Tuning the lure by bending the eye will help it run through the water true.

[fishless]

As already mentioned, usually bending the connecting eye left if the lure goes right, and right if the lure goes left will solve any tracking problems, but sometimes if that doesn't work the problem is a result of the line connection restng either too low or too high on the connecting eye. Either try using a knot with an open loop, or try moving the knot a tiny bit up or down on the eye.

I use alot of #5 floaters on 3-way rigs for early season eyes (in the same conditions as you need stingers on jig/minnow rigs to hood a fish) and have found by sliding a tightly tied knot down a tiny bit on the eye produces more wiggle at very slow speeds and produces lots more fish than it would otherwise.

You might also check the alignment of the hook hangers on both the front and rear hooks. IF they're off just a smidge they can mess up tracking too, especially on the smaller lures.

IF the lure actually floats on it's side, something I have never see a rapala do, I'd send it back and I guarantee they'll send you a new one.

[Borch]

Only thing I'd add is the lure that doesn't have any or ha very little action. Bend the eye downward. I've turned worthless raps into very effective one with this. If you have one floating on it's side at rest you've got a bad one(I've never seen this with a rap)take it back and exchange it.

[Chris]

I never said that they were floating on theire side at rest, just when they are swimming. I guess I'll wait untill my pool opens up and then tune them.