Alluring Classics To Be Retired

Sun., April 30, 2000

Rich Landers Outdoors Editor

Rapala, a 54-year-old Finland-based lure company, is entering the new millennium by casting aside three popular lures.

At the end of this year, all patterns of the Husky and Rattlin’ Fat Rap, plus the silver-gold pattern of the shad RapG will be discontinued.

The lures will join other classics—including the Original Floating Rapala carved by Lauri Rapala in 1936—at the Rapala Hall of Fame in Vksy, Finland.

This marks the first time an entire Rapala lure line will be retired indefinitely, said Tom Mackin, company vice president, from the Rapala Normark corporation’s American headquarters in Minneapolis. “Although we have discontinued lure patterns and sizes in the past, never before have we broken the mold,” he said.

The company had to trim its lure lineup in order to satisfy demand for new and innovative products, Mackin said.

“We realize our decision will not be popular among many anglers,” he said. “But we are confident this decision will benefit anglers in the long run by leading to a more balanced line of lures.”

“There is no question the retired lures are among the company’s most versatile, having been among the most productive lures on the pro tournament trails,” said pro walleye angler Gary Roach. “Anyone will tell you the Shad Rap is a productive lure for walleye. But it’s the distinct patterns, particularly Silver Gold, that make it such an irresistible lure.”

The Rapala Husky, introduced in 1977, has been a staple in many American anglers’ tackle boxes. The Husky is geared to heavy-duty casting for walleye, bass and pike without impairing Rapala’s “wounded minnow” action.

According to Jerry Calengor, Rapala president, the company considered discontinuing the Husky in 1987. “The news was not popular at all,” he said. “We had to bring it back the next year.”

The Rapala Husky, Shad Rap SG and Rattlin’ Fat Raps will be available at local bait and tackle shops while supplies last.

Rapala officials said they will discontinue production of the lures on Dec. 31, regardless of demand.

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