I’ve used and collected Rapala lures for many years and like other collectors of Rapala lures, I always admired the workmanship that went in to their balsa lures. One feature that Rapala balsa lures were known for was the “through wire” construction. When word of the VMC acquisition got out, many of us collectors/users raced out and stocked up on as many of our favorite lures as we could get our hands on. Shad Raps were a primary target as rumors spread that the quality of these lures would suffer under a corporation as large as VMC.  It was only few years after the acquisition when a rumor started going around among collectors that the newer VMC Shad Raps lacked the “through wire” form that earlier Rapala balsa lures were known for. Having fallen into the rumor mill myself, I developed somewhat of a grudge towards VMC for supposedly ruining the Rapala family’s creation. Well, I have dispelled that myth by cutting open a brand new, VMC Rapala Shad Rap that I ordered a few months back for this purpose. (Rained all day anyway.) What did I find? Look at the pictures. The “through wire” form is there and it also runs down and up inside a metal plug, forming the front hook hanger.  I’m not sure what the plug is made of, maybe zinc or zinc alloy. There is also a separate wire form molded into the dive lip that forms the line tie. (Note how deep into the lure body the dive lip goes.)

I am impressed with the quality and workmanship of this new Shad Rap. From the inside out, this is the same Shad Rap that was thrown by your father and grandfather. I’ll not only be adding these lures to my collection, I’ll be fishing them too.

Nice,very informative.

Yea thanks for this 

Good post & informative. Rapala bought VMC rather than VMC buying Rapala. Your comments almost sounded like you thought VMC control would change the quality of Rapala.  

1 hour ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Rapala bought VMC rather than VMC buying Rapala.

Well, we're both right, kind of. The Rapala family members running operations sold their interest in the company during the 2000 merger. Yes, I was under the impression that quality would suffer and as I mentioned above, there was a lot of talk among "Rapala Nation" collectors that quality would suffer after the corporation was formed and European factories were closed and reopened in Asia. These rumors are what moved a lot of collectors, myself included, to stock up on pre VMC lures. (I know I have a few large totes stashed away full of NIB pre VMC lures.) However, I can tell my thinking towards Rapala VMC lures has changed since I put this Shad Rap "Under the Knife," yesterday.  

   Thank you. Sometimes it's nice to get good news.    jj

Neat post. I took apart a couple of beater Rapalas and Bagleys when bored a few winters ago, but wasn't as surgical as you were about it, and made a fine mess... Might have been the water damage, but the Rapalas seemed better made.

Awesome! Thank you. Shad Rap has always been a favorite of mine since I was a wee youngster.