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Rapala "Dives-To" Series..... Diving to fish since 2004!

Data for Review

Date – August, 2005
Manufacturer – Rapala (Normark)
Reviewed by - Andrew Ragas

About Rapala DT Crankbaits:

Rapala DT Series lures, designed by crankbait authority David Fritts came to the angling world in 2004. These crankbaits were made to dive faster and stay in the strike zone longer than any other crankbait on the market. Numerous tournament wins and record catches in the series' maiden year attest to its superior design and fish-catching function. DT Series lures are made from the top seven percent of select balsa wood. This is a perfectly consistent wood combined with carefully placed internal weights, a tapered fuselage and a thin tail which creates the ultimate crankbait action.

The DT Series lures were designed for precision fishing with all of the details only a professional angler could know.  A thin polycarbonate lip drives the DT Series into the water and quickly places the lure within the strike zone depth.  Carefully positioned internal weights, a tapered fuselage and a thin tail create the ultimate crankbait action.  The lure moves from side- to-side, and an internal rattle creates a rhythmic sound inside the balsa wood lure that fish can’t resist. 

The DT Series is the first series of lures designed to hit a specific strike zone and stay there.  Two DT Series lure sizes – the DT10 and DT16 - are offered to reach the ideal strike zones, between ten and 16 feet deep, depending on fishing conditions. For the depths they run, these lures are the smallest in their class. 

Impressions:

When I had the opportunity to first see these lures in tackle outlets, they didn't strike me as being a special lure. At first, I thought these lures were ugly, and no different than the ancient Rapala Fat Rap. However, on that one night in January, 2005, I found the DT series cranks on sale at a Target close-out sale for a bargain-buy of only $2.00. It was here where I decided to take up on this opportunity of fishing a weird bait which I thought would underachieve.

However, it wasn't until a tough August, 2005 season of fishing in Northern Wisconsin when I discovered this lure's full potential. Today, this particular lure (DT-6 series) and its brothers and sisters are a mainstay for my tackle box.

On the water uses (casting, durability, and presentation)

Casting & Durability

I first began using crankbaits almost exclusively in the summer of 2005. My favorite conditions for using crankbaits are during cold-fronts and windy conditions. The forms of structure where these baits are put to use are along breaklines, weedlines, and whenever I mark suspended fish on my electronics. These baits became a main player for me in August, '05. At this time in Northern Wisconsin, the fish move towards deeper water to avoid the summertime heat, which results in fishing underwater structure, and finding the suspenders.

With the DT lure, I find casting to be a real pleasure. I prefer using casting equipment over anything else, simply because with the DT's weight-forward system, you are able to launch these baits farther than any other crankbait out on the market. This method becomes especially valuable as you will be in-search for fish that are cruising the depths.

As far as the durability factor goes, this lure is an underperformer. Despite the fact that it is made from high-quality material, it will fall apart at random times. For instance, I have had hooks break off, as well as the lips completely come apart from the balsa body. I don't know whether this happens from catching too many fish on one lure, but if that happens, I guess you must be using the lure in its most proper ways.

Watch out for lure deficiencies. This will happen, unfortunately.

Presentation

While fishing the DT cranks, I found that they work best with a simple "launch - wait - burn" presentation. With the weighted balsa material, this bait stays in the strike-zone longer than any other crankbait as well as being able to be casted for distances.

When it comes to fishing crankbaits, there really is no need for a science to be applied toward fishing these lures in a successful manner. Here are the variables which will make fishing with DT crankbaits a success for you:

- Crankbaits are used as search lures for finding & fishing structure.

- Work best when slightly rubbing bottom/ bouncing off structure.

- Work great in windy/ pre-frontal conditions.

- It is best to "match the hatch" / Pay attention to the forage species of the body of water you are fishing.

- Match the diving ability of lure to the depths you are fishing.

Andrew, with a suspender taken on the Baby Bass pattern, DT-6 model.

This 17" Largemouth was taken while suspended on a windy day.

Yet another suspender, taken in 10ft of water on a DT-6 Bluegill pattern.

Extra Features (Knot Strength & Available Colors)
 

We really don't have much to report on for this category. Overall, whatever knots you use for this lure, they will hold up. I religiously use the palomar knot on all my crankbaits and after numerous fish caught, it held up.

Now on regard to the availablility of colors, this particular bait excels! No further questions needed as you will find your baits that match the forage fish on the lakes you fish as well as the crayfish species you see in your waters.


Rapala DT Series Crankbaits - (0/5)

Construction & Quality: Constructed from excellent materials as well as sharp VMC hooks. However, expect a few misfortunes to occur over-time with this particular bait. 4/5

On The Water Uses: Excellent weapon of destruction for fishing the breaklines, drop-offs and when in search of suspended fish. 5/5

Design (ergonomics): The weight-forward system makes this lure a castin machine. Sharp hooks will stick the fish hard! 5/5

Presentation: Look at the title, "DT" (dives to) - You can rip it, cast it, burn it, suspend it, jerk it and launch it. If you need a good quality fish catching crankbait for your day on the water, don't pass up on this gem. 5/5

Price: At $5.99, this may seem to be somewhat expensive, but knowing how large of a corporation Rapala is, they try keeping their products reasonably priced. I would also take this lure over a $15 Lucky Craft crankbait any day. 4.5/ 5

Total Score - - - 4.8/5


Positive and Negative Thoughts

Positive
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- Casts far.

- Can be trolled for Walleye as well.

- Once you get lure down to preferred depth, it will suspend.

- Very sharp hooks.

- Excellent selection of colors.


Negative

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- Lips will break off.... When it will happen is unknown.

- Larger selection of colors needed. Walleye perhaps?