What You Didn’t Know About the Rapala Dives To Metal 20 Crankbait, 2.75ft, 7/8 oz
As an equipment specialist with over a decade of real-world experience, I’ve handled my fair share of gear across diverse environments, from dusty workshops to remote field sites. My search for a lure that could consistently reach those mid-depth zones, offering both erratic action and a reliable hook-up, led me to the Rapala Dives To Metal 20 Crankbait, 2.75ft, 7/8 oz. I needed something to tempt bass and walleye that were hugging the bottom just beyond the reach of my shallow divers, but before my deep divers became overkill. This particular crankbait, with its promise of a specific dive depth and substantial weight, seemed like a promising candidate to fill that niche in my tackle box.
My initial impression upon unboxing this Rapala lure was one of practical craftsmanship. The balsa wood construction felt lightweight yet solid, hinting at good casting potential. The integrated lip, long and thin, immediately suggested its digging capability. Compared to some of the heavier, injection-molded plastics I’d previously tried for this depth range, this model felt more refined and purpose-built. My first reaction was one of cautious optimism; it looked like it was designed to do exactly what it claimed on paper.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rapala Dives To Metal 20 Crankbait, 2.75ft, 7/8 oz to the Test
First Use Experience
I first took this Rapala crankbait out on a local lake known for its drop-offs and submerged structure, targeting bass and walleye in the 5-8 foot range. The casting performance was immediately noticeable; its 7/8 oz weight allowed for impressively long and accurate casts, easily reaching points and submerged humps that other lures of similar size struggled to get to. I noticed the lure settled into a nose-down position quickly upon hitting the water, a characteristic that matched its description and helped it begin its descent immediately.
During initial retrieves, the lure exhibited a lively, high-vibration action, cutting through the water with a distinct wobble. It consistently reached its advertised 2.75ft dive depth, and I found it adept at grinding along the bottom without snagging excessively, thanks to that long lip. I did have one minor surprise: the internal rattle chamber produced a fairly loud knocking sound, which I initially worried might spook fish, but as I’ll detail later, it proved effective.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including a particularly demanding trip where it scraped against submerged rocks multiple times, the Rapala Dives-To Metal held up remarkably well. The balsa wood body showed only minor scuffs, and the paint finish, particularly the “Disco Shad” color, remained surprisingly intact. The VMC SureSet tail hooks proved their mettle, consistently keeping fish pinned during aggressive runs and head shakes.
Maintenance has been straightforward; a quick rinse with freshwater after each outing and a careful drying process have kept it in prime condition. Compared to some cheaper crankbaits that quickly develop leaks or lose their paint after a few encounters with structure, this Rapala model demonstrates superior durability. It hasn’t shown any signs of the internal rattle chamber becoming waterlogged or the hooks dulling prematurely, which speaks volumes about its construction quality.
Breaking Down the Features of Rapala Dives To Metal 20 Crankbait, 2.75ft, 7/8 oz
Specifications
The Rapala Dives To Metal 20 Crankbait, 2.75ft, 7/8 oz is constructed from balsa wood, a material prized for its buoyancy and casting ease. It features a long, thin lip designed for aggressive diving and bottom-contact presentations. The lure is weighted to achieve a quick, nose-down descent rate, allowing it to reach its target depth efficiently.
This model incorporates an internal rattle chamber to attract fish with sound, and it comes factory-equipped with VMC SureSet Tail Hooks for enhanced hook-up ratios. The specified dive depth is approximately 2.75 feet, and its weight is 7/8 oz, contributing to its excellent casting distance and stability. The “Disco Shad” color scheme offers a vibrant, attractive profile in various water conditions.
Performance & Functionality
This Rapala crankbait excels at its primary job: reaching and working a specific mid-depth range. Its high vibration and hard action are immediately apparent, creating a significant underwater presence that predatory fish find hard to ignore. The long lip effectively digs into the substrate, allowing for a “grinding” retrieve that mimics distressed baitfish foraging along the bottom.
Its main strength lies in its ability to consistently dive to the 2.75ft mark and stay there with a steady retrieve. The VMC SureSet Tail Hooks are exceptionally sharp and tenacious, providing a significant advantage in securing bites, especially from finicky or short-striking fish. While the rattle is effective, it might be a minor weakness in extremely clear, shallow water where a subtler presentation is required.
Design & Ergonomics
The balsa wood construction gives this lure a unique feel in the water; it’s lively and responsive to retrieve speed. Its 7/8 oz weight provides a solid feel on the cast, making it easy to manage and control. The long, thin lip is a critical design element, not only for its diving capability but also for its ability to deflect off cover, reducing snags.
The overall finish and detail on the lure are typical of Rapala’s commitment to quality. The “Disco Shad” color is applied cleanly, and the hook placement is sensible, minimizing interference with the lip during retrieves. While not explicitly ergonomic in the way a tool is, its balanced design and the effectiveness of its action make it a joy to work with, requiring minimal effort to elicit a strong, consistent swimming action.
Durability & Maintenance
The inherent buoyancy of balsa wood contributes to the lure’s longevity, helping it float on its own if snagged. The VMC SureSet Tail Hooks are robust and have resisted bending or breaking even when encountering larger fish or harder structures. The paint finish, while not indestructible, has proven more resilient than many other crankbaits in its class.
Regular cleaning involves simply rinsing it under tap water and allowing it to air dry completely to prevent any potential issues with the balsa wood absorbing moisture over time. There are no complex parts to disassemble or maintain, making this a low-fuss lure. However, like all crankbaits, its lifespan will ultimately depend on how often it’s subjected to extreme abuse or direct impacts with unforgiving underwater obstacles.
Accessories and Customization Options
This Rapala Dives-To Metal comes ready to fish straight out of the package, featuring the aforementioned VMC SureSet Tail Hooks. While no other accessories are included, its design offers some inherent customization potential. For anglers who prefer a different hook configuration, the existing treble hooks can be swapped out for alternatives, though the SureSet hooks are designed for optimal performance.
The lure’s weight and lip design mean it’s not typically modified for specialized rigging like adding weights or changing the lip angle. Its effectiveness stems from its precise factory tuning, making it a “use as-is” kind of bait rather than a platform for extensive modification.
Pros and Cons of Rapala Dives To Metal 20 Crankbait, 2.75ft, 7/8 oz
Pros
- Excellent casting distance due to its 7/8 oz weight and balsa wood construction.
- Reliably dives to its specified 2.75ft depth, making it ideal for mid-depth targeting.
- High vibration and hard action effectively attract a wide range of predatory fish.
- VMC SureSet Tail Hooks provide superior hook-setting power and fish retention.
- Durable balsa wood body and resilient paint finish for its class.
- The long, thin lip is effective for digging and deflecting off structure, reducing snags.
Cons
- The internal rattle chamber’s sound might be too aggressive for certain ultra-clear or highly pressured water conditions.
- Balsa wood, while offering excellent buoyancy, can be more susceptible to damage from severe impacts than some composite materials.
Who Should Buy Rapala Dives To Metal 20 Crankbait, 2.75ft, 7/8 oz?
This crankbait is an excellent choice for bass and walleye anglers who frequently fish waters with consistent drop-offs, submerged humps, or weed lines in the 3-7 foot range. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a lure that casts exceptionally well and consistently reaches a specific target depth. Anglers looking for a reliable lure that offers an attractive vibration and dependable hook-ups, especially when fish are slightly suspended or hugging the bottom, will find this model a valuable addition.
Those who primarily fish extremely shallow water or prefer highly subtle presentations might find this lure slightly overkill or too loud. It’s also not the best choice for anglers who frequently target extremely heavy, snag-filled environments where a more robust, weedless design might be preferred. I’d recommend pairing this lure with a medium-action rod capable of handling its weight and action, allowing for optimal casting and lure manipulation.
Conclusion on Rapala Dives To Metal 20 Crankbait, 2.75ft, 7/8 oz
The Rapala Dives To Metal 20 Crankbait, 2.75ft, 7/8 oz is a well-engineered piece of fishing tackle that delivers on its promises. Its combination of casting performance, consistent dive depth, and aggressive action makes it a highly effective tool for targeting mid-depth predatory fish. The inclusion of VMC SureSet Tail Hooks is a significant advantage, improving the angler’s success rate.
Considering its price point of $16.49, the value offered by this lure is substantial, especially when factoring in its durable construction and reliable performance. I would confidently recommend this crankbait to any angler looking to expand their mid-depth arsenal. If you’re seeking a lure that can cut through the water and consistently find those active fish just off the bottom, this Rapala is definitely worth considering.