The balsa-wood minnow lure that made Rapala famous. It floats at rest and wobbles like a hurt baitfish when reeled, and people pick it because it catches trout, bass, walleye and pike in many waters.
Specs
- Body: balsa wood, natural minnow shape
- Hooks: VMC black nickel trebles
- Each lure hand-tuned and tank-tested
- Sizes: 5 (2", 1/16 oz), 7 (2-3/4", 1/8 oz), 9 (3-1/2", 3/16 oz), 11 (4-3/8", 3/16 oz), 13 (5-1/4", 1/4 oz)
- Running depth: 3 to 5 ft (sizes 5 to 9), 4 to 6 ft (sizes 11 and 13)
- Colors at Tackle Warehouse (size 9): Chrome Blue, Metallic Silver, Nordic Perch, Gold, Silver
- Price at Tackle Warehouse: $9.49 to $11.99 (Oct 2026)
What reviewers say
Anglers mostly use it two ways: twitched on top like a struggling minnow, or reeled slow as a shallow runner. Store reviewers report it working on picky trout when other baits failed, and some call the larger sizes strong bass baits. One common tip is adding a split ring to the nose for more wobble. We found no formal lab test; its reputation rests on decades of steady results.
Good
- Works on many species
- Simple to fish for beginners
- Floats up over snags when you pause
Not so good
- Light lures are hard to cast far, especially in wind
Who it's for
Anyone who wants one proven lure in the tackle box for trout, bass and walleye. Skip it if you need a lure that dives deep.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-19. Specs from the maker; review notes summarized in our own words.