Rapala X-Rap Long Cast Shallow (12cm, 36g) | The Ultimate Distance Lure

When the birds are diving and the predators are smashing baitfish just out of reach, you need a lure that can bridge the gap. At Gerry’s Fishing, we’ve seen plenty of lures claim “long cast” status, but the Rapala X-Rap Long Cast Shallow is in a league of its own. Weighted extra heavy for its size, this 36g beast is designed to fly like a bullet, even into a stiff coastal headwind.

This isn’t just about distance, though. The “Shallow” designation means it’s perfectly balanced to work the top layers of the water column. It features a classic X-Rap darting baitfish action that triggers aggressive strikes from Bass, Pollack, and even tropical species like Tarpon or Snook. One of its most lethal traits is the flutter on the drop—when you stop your retrieve, the lure shimmies down through the water, perfectly mimicking a stunned or dying prey fish.

Built with heavy-duty construction to withstand the most violent takes, it comes factory-fitted with VMC In-Line single hooks. These aren’t just better for the fish; they provide a much more secure hook-up and significantly reduce the chance of your lure getting snagged on kelp or shallow reef.

Technical Specifications

Pro Tip from the Gerry’s Team

To get the absolute most out of the X-Rap Long Cast, don’t just “crank and wind.” Try a “Stop-Start” retrieve. Give the rod tip two sharp jerks to make the lure dart erratically, then pause for two seconds. Because this lure flutters as it sinks, that pause is often exactly when a following Bass will decide to nail it. The inline single hooks also mean you can “skin” over the top of submerged weed beds where trebles would constantly foul up.

Example of Where to Use

The X-Rap Long Cast Shallow is the king of the shallow reef and estuary mouth. If you are fishing over “gulley” ground or shallow rock plateaus where the water is only a few feet deep, this lure stays in the strike zone without snagging the bottom. It’s also an essential tool for Boiler Rocks or Island Marks where the surf is heavy; the 36g weight keeps the lure stable in turbulent “white water” where lighter lures would get tossed around.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does it have single hooks instead of trebles?

In-line single hooks offer several advantages: they provide a much stronger “lever” once a fish is hooked, they are safer for the fish (and the angler!) during unhooking, and they allow the lure to have a much more pronounced, natural action. They also snag far less weed than trebles.

Does the 36g weight make it sink too fast for shallow water?

Not if you keep it moving! While it is heavy for casting distance, the internal weighting is balanced to keep it in the top 2 feet of water during a standard retrieve. The weight actually helps it “bite” into the water in windy conditions.

Can I use this for tropical fishing?

Absolutely. The X-Rap Long Cast is built with heavy-duty internal wire and VMC hooks specifically to handle hard-hitting salt species. It’s a favorite for anglers heading to the Mediterranean or the Tropics for Leerfish, Bluefish, and Jacks.

What line setup do you recommend?

To maximize that extreme casting distance, we recommend a thin, high-quality 8-strand braid (around 20lb–30lb) paired with a 2ft–3ft fluorocarbon leader. The low diameter of the braid allows the 36g lure to really reach its full potential.