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Buying Guides | November 29, 2024
SAIL
November 29, 2024
Rapala, a beloved favourite among performance-oriented anglers, introduces CrushCity, a new line of soft baits that are truly revolutionary. Born from a collaboration between Rapala and pro-angler Jacob Wheeler, this range of soft baits feature 10 models built with Smart Injection technology, designed to help multi-species anglers land more and bigger catches.
Developed in collaboration with world-renowned angler Jacob Wheeler, Rapala’s CrushCity line features some of the most versatile and effective soft baits on the market. Though primarily designed with bass anglers in mind, these revolutionary baits are equally effective for walleye, pike, trout and many other species.
CrushCity soft baits are equipped with Smart Injection technology, which means specific combinations of colour, flake, salt and scent are added exactly where needed for the perfect presentation.
Their exclusive advanced Super TPE composition provides outstanding flexibility, impressive stretch and elasticity with no memory. This material is also heat stable and resistant to freezing.
In an official communication published by Rapala to announce the launch of CrushCity soft baits, Jacob Wheeler expresses his excitement about the collection and the work behind it: “Rapala came to me and asked, ‘What are the five shapes of soft baits that you most need to win tournaments’.” The professional bass angler shared his list: “number one, you have to have a paddle-tail swimbait,” then “a chatterbait/spinnerbait trailer, a craw, a Ned rig/drop shot bait, and some sort of bug you can use for flippin’.”
After months of testing both off and on the field, notably in fishing tournaments, Rapala’s research and development team was able to design and optimize the first five baits in the CrushCity line.
In addition to its unique appearance (which is highly appealing to fish), the Bronco Bug also features its own special undulating action. Thanks to its centre hinge, it creates a swimming motion similar to that of dolphins, along with a “bronco buck” undulating action when jigged on the bottom.
Despite what its name suggests, this small soft bait delivers enough to enhance the performance and effectiveness of any rod it’s on. It is the ultimate trailer for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. Its aerodynamic profile with small ribs allow it to move fluidly, while its tapered tail with a ribbed point creates a subtle, realistic action as it moves.
As Jacob Wheeler explains, this soft bait is made from “a completely different material than anything else.” The Ned BLT thus “combines durability and high floating, while also retaining maximum action.” The fishing pro adds that the back of the bait stays in constant motion when shaken; “With even the slightest bit of wind, current or angler-imparted action, the tail quivers, which leads to more commitments.”
A true crowd favourite, this craw stands out due to small characteristics that have a big impact on its performance. Its main advantage, according to Jacob Wheeler, is the upside-down position of its legs, which creates remarkable kicking action. “Every time that I move the bait, the legs will start to quiver,” he adds enthusiastically.
This soft bait is called The Mayor because it is reliable, adaptable and effective at all times and in all conditions — exactly the kind of qualities you want to see at city hall! Its subtle action reminds of the way shads, perch, and baitfish swim, with little tail motion.
It wasn’t by chance that Rapala decided to include a forktail minnow in its CrushCity line. The brand’s goal was to create a unique, versatile soft bait suitable for multiple fish species and various fishing techniques. When you hold The Jerk in your hands, it doesn’t take long to grasp its potential; its flexibility, bendability, and nearly constant tail quivering make it an excellent choice for targeting walleye, bass, trout, and other predator fish.
Don’t let the small size of this paddletail fool you. Even though it measures less than three inches, The Suspect is seriously effective in tough conditions and finesse fishing scenarios. With its unique profile and fluid, natural action, it is just as good at attracting walleye, bass, trout and whitefish, as well as smaller species like perch and crappie. No matter the size of the targeted species, this small, well-balanced soft bait will deliver big results.
At first glance, the Heavy Hitter may seem similar to The Mayor, but it stands out, among other things, due to its durable Super TPE composition. Effective in both open and shallow water, it is an excellent choice for bass and lake trout fishing, as well as for targeting predator fish like pike and walleye.
Small yet highly effective, the Creeper creature bait is appealing to a wide range of species, including bass, walleye, trout, perch, crappie and whitefish. Based on an old-school soft bait model from Rapala, this new version pushes the limits of performance and delivers better results than ever. Useful in a variety of fishing scenarios, the Creeper shines especially in finesse situations.
As a true fishing gear specialist, Rapala is behind the creation of an impressive variety of lures with an outstanding reputation (Original Floating, Shad Rap, X-Rap, OG Series, etc.). Since day one, the brand has managed to develop innovative, high-performance products that enhance the experience of countless fishing enthusiasts. Its CrushCity lure line follows this tradition.
Originally designed for bass fishing, the first five baits in the collection are versatile enough to target a wide range of species, including walleye, pike, trout, and panfish. Each CrushCity lure is the result of countless hours of design and development, along with several real-world testing sessions. As Jacob Wheeler explains, a great deal of time was spent perfecting the products to ensure they met Rapala’s high standards.
No matter the targeted species or the equipment they’re paired with, CrushCity soft baits have the power to elevate any fishing experience. Whether you’re ice fishing or casting in the water, they will definitely give you a notable edge over your target. The rest is in your hands! Happy fishing!