DarrenEm wrote:
I used to drop one and vertically jig when I came across a few isolated marks on the electronics (in the channels, as mentioned above). I've caught a few good ones like that. The great thing about them is that they sink quickly and are precise when using them to "snipe" with electronics. I have tried casting and walking them back to the boat but I have lost many this way because the front hooks are easy to snag on anything. I use them for ice fishing and I always cut the front hooks off now. As far as technique, I think the important part is a quick snap followed by a free fall. I usually do a few quick snap/free falls followed by a pause on the bottom. Punching the bottom has been productive as well.
Rather than fix my post, I'll add to it. for some reason I read Jigging Raps! So disregard the front hook business lol.
Rippin' Raps are my absolute favorite in the winter. As for open water, they are great to cast or vertically jig. I've used them as described above but actually had decent results RIPPING them through weeds also. They're not perfect but strong braid main line helps that happen for sure. For open water, I believe I use #6 mostly. For ice I use #5s and UL #4s. I like the perch pattern but also have a few of the firetiger and UVs. Caught fish on all of them. I find them extremely versatile because you can pretty much do anything with them. From vertically jig, to cast and steady retrieve, lift/pause, etc.
My bad about the first post!