I don't think I have ever had to tune a Rapala out of the box. I got a floating jointed Rapala a while ago and just got to try it day before yesterday. Couldn't get it to run true . I've never used a split ring or Rapala knot on one before. Could this be the problem or did I just luck out and get the only bad one (if it weren't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all :'()....

                                                          As Ever,

                                                           Skillet

I usaully tweak the line tie to tune baits. Bend it the opposite way it is favoring too. If that doesn't work I will mess around with the hook hangers. Its pretty rare though to not get a crank running well with a little line tie tweakage.

How do you like that word "TWEAKAGE".

I'd try a loop knot or a small snap just to see if that fixes it before I'd start monkeying around with the lure. Otherwise, try bending the line tie like boondocks said. If you can't fix it, send it back to Rapala for a replacement.

I fished alot of Rapalas over the years and all will catch fish but few seem to run true or the same for that matter. Keep trying it until you're sure it won't catch anything. Sometimes a bait that is not running true to it's make or model will produce. For example, I have a splattered brown Bomber model A that was caught in a tree that I tried yank out. When it finally came loose, it snapped back at me and hit the boat hard. Anyway, it is banged real good but it catches more fish now than it did when I bought it.

First, try a Rapala knot or a very small split ring. I always use a Rapala knot and usually fish these baits very, very slow so I usually don't notice how true they run. That said, when I have cranked them in faster they have always ran true out of the box. I'm sure Normark would replace it, maybe if you called them they's send you a new one?