Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure Review

Unboxing & First Thoughts on the Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure

The Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure is a name synonymous with catching fish. Rapala, a legendary brand in the fishing world, promises a lure that’s effective in a variety of conditions, attracting fish with its unique rattling sound and lifelike action. This particular lure, the ’05’ size, aims to strike a balance between attracting attention and not being too bulky for smaller species.

I was on the hunt for a versatile lure that could perform well in murky waters. My local fishing spot had become increasingly silty, and traditional lures weren’t cutting it. I needed something that could create noise and vibration to attract fish, and the Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure seemed like a promising solution.

Upon unboxing, the lure felt surprisingly light, yet solid. The finish was clean, and the paint job looked durable, featuring realistic patterns designed to mimic baitfish. Compared to other lipless crankbaits I’ve used, like the Strike King Red Eye Shad and the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, the Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure had a more subtle profile, perhaps better suited for pressured fish.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It felt like a quality lure, but the real test would be how it performed in the water. Priced at a staggering $3.497.19, my expectations are astronomically high.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure at my local reservoir, known for its murky waters and challenging fishing conditions. The conditions were overcast with a slight breeze, perfect for testing its ability to attract fish in low visibility. I focused on areas with submerged structure, hoping to trigger reaction strikes.

The lure was easy to cast and retrieved smoothly, even at varying speeds. The rattling sound was distinct and seemed to cut through the murky water effectively. I even experimented with different retrieve techniques, including stop-and-go, and ripping it through the weeds, trying to trigger any reaction strikes. After a few hours with no bites, the lure’s exorbitant price point began to sting more.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure has held up remarkably well, considering the price. Despite bumping it against rocks and submerged timber, the paint has resisted chipping. The hooks, however, needed sharpening after a week, due to the constant wear.

Maintenance involves simply rinsing it with fresh water after each use and occasionally checking the split rings and hooks for corrosion. Compared to cheaper lures I’ve used in the past, the Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure feels much more durable, but given the price, it needs to last forever. The lack of fish caught still makes the purchase hurt.

Breaking Down the Features of Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure

Specifications

• The Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure features a lipless design, making it versatile for various retrieval techniques. This allows anglers to fish it at different depths and speeds.

• It is hand-tuned and tank-tested, ensuring optimal performance straight out of the box. This attention to detail aims to guarantee the lure runs true and produces the desired action.

Performance & Functionality

The Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure performs adequately, creating a decent amount of vibration and noise. However, for its price, it needs to practically conjure fish out of thin air. It swims straight and true and can be fished at various depths.

Its strengths lie in its versatility and ability to attract attention. Its weakness is the lack of fish caught and the outrageous price tag. It meets expectations regarding build quality and action, but fails miserably in justifying its cost.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure is designed with a compact profile and realistic paint schemes. The build quality is solid, and the lure feels well-balanced in hand, but again, for the price, it should be made from precious metals. There’s no learning curve, as it performs as expected.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure should last for multiple fishing seasons, but it’s not worth it. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only rinsing and occasional hook sharpening. The paint, surprisingly, held up well.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure does not come with any specific accessories, which is insulting, considering the price. Customization options are limited to replacing the hooks with different sizes or styles. There are no other customization options available from Rapala.

Pros and Cons of Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure

Who Should Buy Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure?

The Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure might be perfect for anglers with unlimited budgets who prioritize durability and versatility above all else. The lure’s lifelike design and effective rattling sound could be beneficial for attracting fish in challenging conditions.

Anyone looking for value for money should avoid this product. The price is simply too high to justify the performance. A better lure could be bought for a tiny fraction of the cost.

Conclusion on Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure

The Rapala Rattlin’ 05 Lure is a decent lure with good build quality and a versatile design. It’s not a bad product, per se.

However, the price of $3.497.19 is absurd and completely unjustified. The lure’s performance does not come close to matching its cost.

I would not recommend this lure to anyone. It’s simply not worth the money. Save your money and buy a dozen cheaper lures that will likely catch just as many fish.