The Rapala Jointed Minnow
Everyone needs a lure that works whenever they can't catch fish. A "confidence lure" if you will. I first introduced to the Rapala Jointed when I was about six-years-old. My dad had the silver and black shown above in two different sizes. I've been a fan ever since. The Rapala Jointed Minnow is available just about anywhere you can get tackle and retails for about $10 depending on the size and color. For that, I think it's a steal.
Pros:
My favorite thing about this lure is the ease of use for new anglers. You can get fancy with different retrieves, but at the end of the day if you cast and reel, you can catch fish. The treble hooks are sharp out of the box and I have yet to lose a fish when the hook was properly set ( I have however had to cut the hooks out of my jeans on more than one occasion). Available in several colors, plenty of selection to match the baitfish in your area. Very versatile for multiple species. I have mostly used it for bass, but some walleye fisherman love to troll with these.
Cons:
My biggest complaint is that some of the smaller sizes are so light they become difficult to use with a casting setup. As with any lure with lots of hooks, if you pull it through heavy cover, you're gonna bring a lot back with you. Sometimes this can get stuck in the o-rings at the joint. Not a deal breakers by any regard. One personal note, although I have caught a ton of fish on this, none of my biggest were with the Jointed.
How to Fish it:
Just about however you want. A handful that I've had good luck with:
1. Retrieve with slow, steady reeling, swimming it a 1-2 feet below the surface.
2. A jerk-jerk-stop up the slack pattern pattern allowing it float to the top as you take up the slack. Largemouth love to strike as it floats to the surface, so make sure your line is tight.
3. Trolling, with or without planar boards.
4. Holding the rod tip up, slowly retrieving with occasional jerks.
Final Thoughts:
If you are going to have 5 lures, for me this is one of them. I have probably caught more on the Rapala Jointed than most other lures combined. It's available at almost every store that sells tackle, and is fairly affordable. If your goal is quantity, it is definitely a go-to.
4.5 full live-wells/5
Quention