I caught the swim bait bug, but after losing a couple of expensive baits ($20) I spotted some big Rapalas in the salt water section at BPS. $8 for trusted brand name big bait sounded like it was worth the test. Apparently bass don't know they are for salt water.

My catch rate and weight with big saltwater Rapalas is similar to the few true swim baits I have tried so far. I think the swim baits have a slight edge for the moment. I have not had a lot of time on the water with each yet, but I am very pleased so far.

I just wanted to share this incase there are other Rapala fans who are considering or starting swimbaiting.

ps bigger bait does = bigger fish

please share which lures you used...

i have one of the big 5.5" xrap jointed shads, made for fresh or salt water (has saltwater hooks).

i have not fished it because i havent had a rod that could cast it, but now i do, and i am curious how it will work out.

SR09 caught a 3.5 lber

XJS13 caught a 6.25 lber  This might be the lure you have.

The SR09 looks similar to a Norman 22, but slightly larger.  The XJ13 really looks like  a salt water lure.  I notice now on the Rapala web site these are in the fresh water category.  At BPS they were in the saltwater isles.

this is the lure i have

i do believe it is the same lure.

i cant wait to fish this. i think it will do well.

how were you fishing it?

this is the lure i have

i do believe it is the same lure.

i cant wait to fish this. i think it will do well.

how were you fishing it?

that's the one

how were you fishing it?

Cast and steady retrieve near some pads.  It felt like I snagged a log and was reeling down on it.  Then the log twitched.

I rarely do more than the steady retrieve or troll.

Just grabbed a cheap Marathon Saltwater 7" jointed minnow at Dicks for $2.   It looks like a jointed saltwater Bomber A.  

Rapala Xrap Jointed #13 Slashbait is the best jointed Rapala model.