dacosta74 Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 Hi Raiders. Bit of an odd one. A few weeks ago I tried out my Xmas pressie, at smallish x-rap (either 10ft or 10metre). And I hooked onto 2 rats off my kayak. So, I had some time off and ventured out in a tinnie that I hired. For some reason, just couldn't get the x-rap to dive down, it was just spinning around just under the surface. Really frustrating because I didn't realise until I'd been towing it around for 3 hours!!! Any hints or tips on how to fish it best? I had braid on the reel, then 20lb leader, swivel, and connected to x-rap with split ring. The previous time i was on much lighter gear, maybe 12lb leader and much lighter rod. But due to the success I convinced myself I was going to catch a whopper so beefed everything up. Is that where I failed? Oh and speed wise, it was a 15hp outboard, and i was trying everything from kayaking pace, to a bit faster. Help appreciated. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tasksta Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 I have used them for years and troll 6-7 knots. I find with the shallow divers you really have to keep the rod tip down especially in choppy sea or they will pop up. They are the bees knees though, my halco lasers have not been touched all season and last sesh the little xrap went 10 nil vs the laser on the dollies! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dacosta74 Posted March 19, 2014 Author Share Posted March 19, 2014 Ah ok, I just put the rod in the holder and trolled around, meaning the rod tip was way up high, maybe that was the problem. Thanks Tasksta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tasksta Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 Yup if i use my gunwale mounted rod holders they are too vertical and lure will pop up. My rail mount holders are almost flat and pull them perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolongeramember Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 Hi Raiders. Bit of an odd one. A few weeks ago I tried out my Xmas pressie, at smallish x-rap (either 10ft or 10metre). And I hooked onto 2 rats off my kayak. So, I had some time off and ventured out in a tinnie that I hired. For some reason, just couldn't get the x-rap to dive down, it was just spinning around just under the surface. Really frustrating because I didn't realise until I'd been towing it around for 3 hours!!! Any hints or tips on how to fish it best? I had braid on the reel, then 20lb leader, swivel, and connected to x-rap with split ring. The previous time i was on much lighter gear, maybe 12lb leader and much lighter rod. But due to the success I convinced myself I was going to catch a whopper so beefed everything up. Is that where I failed? Oh and speed wise, it was a 15hp outboard, and i was trying everything from kayaking pace, to a bit faster. Help appreciated. Thanks. Sounds like there is something out of whack with the lure. The bib, tow point, hooks or something is out of shape or unbalanced. It may have happened when you caught the last fish on it. My 'rule' is any lure that's about to hit the water for the first time of the day and especially when it is a new lure is to trial it beside the boat first where you can see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tasksta Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 I havent seen a single bonito all season. If you can get out a bit wider there are heaps of dollies and striped tuna. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
filthmonger Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 No need for a swivel when using braid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennoz Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 when trolling - ie your rod tip is high - just let out some more line this reduces the angle and lets the lure dive easier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete76 Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 i use both rapala and halcos all the time, both have been excellent.....simple rules to follow...the choppier the water the slower you go, if it bounces, reduce the angle or slow down. Always test it boatside b4 you let out and check it regularly. Make sure ur rod tip is vibrating nicely, thats when its swimming right. Usually on the smaller lures you want to only go 4-5knots. I find the smaller and shallower swimming ones catch me more than the larger deep divers(around the heads) Finally always troll a redhead in your spread & they're patchy but theyre there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichieR Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 This is a great topic - Lots of good info here.How far out from the back of the boat should you troll them ?Also - is there any point cubing pilchards and doing big circles to attract fish to the area you are trolling ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tasksta Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 Yup Pete is spot on, just keep that rod tip vibrating. Do you eat the bonnies? had much luck with the dollies? Cheers Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete76 Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 never cared for them 'til my local japanese rest served them once on a sashimi plate. Ask him how he prepares and he said salt both sides(skin on) and sear on hot plate for 5seconds either side then straight into a ice slurry. Serve as sashimi, tastes great! i say, if this lure doesnt catch them they're not there!! and thats for bonnies, dollies, kingies, salmon & tailor...actually caught a strip tuna on it last week too. Id be keen to hear what other colours people are having luck with, ive had best luck with the RH and the other is a greyish coloured one with a red head and a orange/gold coloured one with a RH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tasksta Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 Totally agree! I have so much confidence in my xraps if they arent working the fish arent there. I have two in pilly and slimey colours, my mates call them the dolly slayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flickn Mad Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 Monday got 3 bonnies on mackerel xrap of south head. bled iced straight home, fillet, bone and skinned, dusted in salt and pepper flour and a quick shallow fry, a bit of lemon and im a happy boy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berleyguts Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 I like the xRap in glass ghost (white). Baz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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