iCast 2017 brought out a huge diversity of classic fishing favorites and groundbreaking innovation. Here we show a few classic and cutting edge products from Rapala and their associated brands.
What’s New: New Rapala® X-Rap® Magnum® 40
The adrenaline-pumping action of the Rapala® X-Rap® Magnum® has brought continued success to anglers battling behemoth fish on the open sea. New for 2018 is the X-Rap Magnum 40, a bait that consistently dives to 40 feet, a full 10 feet deeper than any other Rapala.
The bait combines an extreme action with a controlled, deep-diving, aggressive swimming motion created by its large diving lip. The X-Rap Magnum 40 is 7 inches long, weighs 3-3/8 ounces and can be trolled as fast as 13 knots without rolling or kicking out. It also features an irresistible rattle that calls in coveted gamefish to strike. Crafted with a translucent body and 3D holographic eyes, its two premium No. 5/0 VMC® 4X Perma Steel® Hooks ensure when fish bite they hang on tight.
MSRP: $24.99
Available: July 2017
What’s New: New Storm® 360GT Coastal Lineup
An expertly designed softbait lure series, the new Storm® 360GT Coastal lineup delivers fish-catching actions for any saltwater angler. The five different lures in the coastal lineup all feature bodies inspired by common saltwater forage species, belly slots and back slots that are specifically placed for easy rigging.
The Storm 360GT Coastal products are all available in two rigging options — a solid jig head or a VMC® Weighted Swimbait Hook — to maximize action for a variety of conditions. Whether resting on the bottom, using a lift-drop technique or slowly swimming, the jig head with its 60-degree line tie is a versatile choice, featuring a holographic eye and tight-grip bait keeper. The preferred selection for weedless presentations and when a slower retrieve or horizontal fall is required, the weighted swimbait hook is equipped with a tapered screw bait keeper and a balanced keel weight. Both rigging options boast a resilient VMC® Coastal Black® Hook.
Storm® 360GT Coastal Shrimp
The new Storm® 360GT Coastal Shrimp’s lifelike profile delivers pure fish-catching action and easy rigging. Featuring a segmented body that displays a natural-looking tail action, its legs swim and kick on the fall while its flat-bottom design keeps the bait upright when resting on the ocean floor, creating an ultra-realistic presentation that saltwater species can’t resist.
Storm® 360GT Coastal Largo Shad
The Storm® 360GT Coastal Largo Shad drives trophy fish wild as it swims with a slow body roll and exaggerated tail swing. An ultra-versatile softbait, its shad profile can be customized by cutting or removing the “tail tendon” for a wider-ranging presentation. Enticing both on the retrieve and in free-fall, the Largo Shad is designed with belly and back slots to provide easy rigging and a maximized hook gap.
Storm® 360GT Coastal Trick Tail
A great choice for the classic jerkbait fishing technique, the Storm® 360GT Coastal Trick Tail glides and changes directions like a fleeing baitfish when rigged with an accompanying VMC® Weighted Swimbait Hook. When paused, the bait’s entire body rocks and its tail wiggles on the descent, inviting fish to attack for an easy meal. Simply remove the bait’s “tail webbing” for a more exaggerated wiggle on the fall.
MSRP: $4.99
Available: July 2017
What’s New: New Sufix® 832® Advanced Superline® Coastal Camo
Sufix® 832® Advanced Superline® is the strongest, most durable small diameter braid on the market. Building on the product’s unbeatable strength, Sufix 832 will soon be available in Coastal Camo, a dynamic new line color perfect for the avid saltwater angler. Designed to tango with the toothiest fish in the sea, Coastal Camo is an ocean-blue line color that does exactly what camouflage is supposed to do: blend into its natural environment.
This hard-to-detect line color promises to help anglers lure in wary fish that only strike a deceptive presentation. Aside from a must-have new color, the new 832 Advanced Superline in Coastal Camo offers anglers the same qualities that make 832 a go-to braid option. Formulated with eight fibers — seven Dyneema and one Gore® — at 32 pics (weaves) per inch, Sufix 832 is the only fishing line to combine both Dyneema and Gore polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fibers. R8 Precision Braiding and fiber technology provide the line with superior strength, roundness and line consistency. GORE® Performance Fibers improve abrasion resistance, increase casting distance and accuracy, and reduce line vibration. HMPE fibers provide high strength and sensitivity, hydrophobic water-repellent protection and a small diameter. The Coastal Camo 832 Advanced Superline is available in 6- to 80-pound test and spools ranging from 150 to 3,500 yards in length.
MSRP: $15.99-$349.99
Available: July 2017
What’s New: New Storm® Arashi® Cover Pop
Maximize the time spent in the strike zone with the new Storm® Arashi® Cover Pop. The lure emulates prey struggling just below the water’s surface, splashing and popping through the water with minimal forward movement. Ideal for target fishing, the lure can be cast close to laydowns, docks, rocks and other active bass spots for continued success.
The Cover Pop’s aerodynamic shape and tail-weighted design help to increase casting distance and accuracy, allowing the lure to enter the water tail first without splashing and frightening timid fish. Each lure comes standard with rotated hook hangers for improved action, 3D holographic eyes, VMC® Black Nickel Hooks and a flash feather teaser tail to entice big bass. The new product is available in nine eye-catching colors.
MSRP: $7.99
Available: July 2017
What’s New: New VMC® Weedless Neko Hook
The new VMC® Weedless Neko Hook combines a fluorocarbon weed guard with the popular Neko hook design to help anglers avoid the tedious task of fixing tangled line, so they can spend more time catching fish. A new addition to VMC’s Neko lineup, the hook’s weed guard helps anglers avoid underwater snags when fishing in heavy cover. Anglers can dress the hook with a live crawler or plastic worm, starting from the head and threading it down to the barb to entice huge strikes. Featuring a long shank and wide gap, the hook will ensure that when fish bite, they won’t shake the bait loose. And, for even more action, set up a Neko Weedless Wacky Rig by adding a VMC Neko Weight and Wacky Ring to your setup.
MSRP: $4.99
Available: July 2017
What’s New: New Rapala® 50 lb. High Contrast Digital Scale
Ensure you know when you’ve hauled in the next record-setting hawg with the new Rapala® 50 lb. High Contrast Digital Scale. The new product is packed with features to make the life of every angler easier. Its reverse-image LCD illuminated screen makes it easy to read the weight of your catch, even on bright, sunny days, while its directional pad operation provides intuitive navigation through a variety of menu options — including quick reference for minimum and maximum bin size, as well as total weight. The product also comes with a fish-friendly gripper and alternate stainless steel hook for fast, safe weighing.
MSRP: $39.99
Available: July 2017
What’s New: New Rapala® RipStop
The new Rapala® RipStop with fast-ripping, hard-stopping action is described as a cross between a hard plastic jerkbait and a soft-body swimbait. It incorporates a unique tail design to create a fast-ripping flash and hard-stopping action fish will find irresistible. Built with a lip on the front and a tail at the back of its lifelike profile, the lure can stop on a dime when being retrieved, and presents a subtle shimmy before coming to a rest and slightly lifting its head with a super-slow rise.
An extraordinarily versatile bait, the RipStop may be fished as a twitch bait, popped and ripped like a jerkbait, or cast and reeled in with a steady or variable-speed retrieve, providing a host of options to make sure all species of gamefish strike. The bait features Rapala’s new Dual Control System design, which enhances action by offering greater stability and unbelievable control at any speed.
An integral part of the lure’s design is its plastic boot tail, which creates a hard-rolling, slashing action that mimics the live-minnow movements of a soft plastic swimbait. Weighing 1/4 ounces, RipStops cast far with little effort and dive 3 to 4 feet. Featuring a modified flat-sided body, they cut easily through the water and give off maximum flash. Featuring two-part plastic construction with a non-inserted lip, they measure 3 ½ inches and come armed with two sticky-sharp VMC® light-wire treble hooks. They are available in 14 color patterns.
MSRP: $9.99
Available: July 2017
