Advanced trapping with Bass pro Shop's XPS Extreme Rattle Shad

Date: |
9/01/03 |
Tackle type: |
Lure |
Manufacturer: |
BassPro |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.50
Introduction:
Bass Pro puts a new spin on
the art of trapping with what they consider to be a souped up rattling shad. We
take a look at the XPS Extreme Rattle Shad to see just what all the noise is
about.
Bass Pro XPS
Laser Eye Extreme Rattle Shad Specifications |
Material |
Plastic, metal bearings |
Weight |
1/2 oz |
Length |
3" |
Type |
Lipless |
Colors/Patterns |
16 Available |
Diving Depth |
Sinking |
MSRP |
$2.49ea (Clearance Price) Regularly priced at $4.99 |
Impressions:
Traps have been around for over 50 years, and Bill Lewis’s original Rat-L-Traps
are undoubtedly the most popular, but Bass Pro's XPS Rattle Shad has been
gaining a devoted following. One common misconception about this style of
lure is that it is only designed to target largemouth bass, but in reality
lipless traps are effective for Muskie, Pike, Bass, Stripers, Reds, and even
some trout. When I first took a look at the XPS Rattle Shad it did indeed look
like a souped up Rat-L-Trap. The XPS design includes a unique profile, scale
texture, and liberal use of holographic layering to increase the flashiness of
the lure.
 |
The XPS
Rattle Shad is very detailed and features use of holographic skin and eyes
in it's construction |
Design:
Rat-L-Traps have
always focused on unique sound and shape all designed to trigger reactions from fish. Basspro believes that by adding in more realistic baitfish features
the XPS can
further increase the effectiveness of this type of lure. Bassp Pro enlists a 10
stage manufacturing process to build each lure. These steps include a
multi-chamber build, construction of the body, holographic laser taping,
attaching the raised 3D eyes, painting, finishing, and coating. The overall
result is a lure that really looks like a genuine baitfish. The holographic tape
does increase the flashiness of the lure, but one very nice addition to add
extra stimulus is the feathertail. The lure certainly looked like a million
bucks, but how well would it perform?
Field Tests: We
tested the XPS rattle shad on largemouth and striped bass in local reservoirs
and the California Delta.
For the tests I used:
Complete
Test Rig
for testing the XPS Extreme Rattle Shad |
Rod |
Bass Pro ETX66MHT-3 (6'6) |
Reel |
Quantum Energy E600PT |
Line |
12lb Trilene XL |
Casting: The XPS
rattle shad is a compact lure that can be thrown endlessly without almost any
effort. The lure is well weighted and the metal rattles will rest in the lowest
part of the chamber, weighting the cast. It is a real pleasure to cast this
lure, because it not only can be cast a long way …but quite precisely as well. This is a
perfect lure to throw with a good baitcaster, as accuracy and speed can help
anglers fish this lure successfully by positioning in the right strike zones.
 |
The finish
is detailed but did take some damage with constant collision with structure |
Retrieving: Part of the reason that lipless crankbaits like the XPS
Rattle Shad are so popular among tournament anglers is due to the ability to
fish the lure at any depth, and at any speed. Unlike many other baits the method
in which you choose to fish the XPS Rattle Shad can be altered with each and
every cast. One of the characteristics of a good lipless crank is the amount of
sound and flash that the lure can generate. Because the lure may be retrieved
deep the visual and sonic elements of the lure must be amplified. The XPS Rattle
Shad accomplishes this nicely with the use of the shiny holographic finish,
enlarged eyes, feather tail, and multi-chambered rattle body.
 |
The top of
the lure features a rigid control fin which helps the lure run true |
When I was first learning how to fish I often
pondered how my more experienced angler partners fishing the same lipless
crankbait, on the same boat, along the same structure, could draw more then
three times the number of strikes then I could. The answer is in the technique.
While you could simply toss the XPS Rattle Shad and retrieve you are much more
likely to catch fish if you properly plan your presentation. During our tests I
found that my formula for trapping bass worked well with the XPS Rattle Shad.
I would first chuck the XPS Rattle Shad out over the structure and make a pass
with a steady fast retrieve. I would repeat this fast retrieve a number of times
to see if I could get a shallow reactionary bite. If there were no takers then I
would count down after the cast, then vary my retrieve to work the middle of the
strike zone for suspending fish. Finally if there was still no action I would
allow the XPS Rattle Shad to drop to the very bottom and pull up on the rod tip,
bouncing and dropping the lure all the way back to the boat. Often times even
the wariest fish will strike at this point either because they view the lure as
an easy target, or are simply annoyed with the bait bouncing within their
dwellings. By doing this 3 phase trapping you will effectively work all areas of
the water column, tapping into multiple strike zones, and presenting to both
active and leisurely fish.
 |
Mustad hooks
and a very nice feathertail are excellent additions |
Durability:
The XPS Rattle Shad is not as durable as flat finished Rat-L-Traps, because the
textured surface is more prone to damage. But overall the lure is very
long-lasting and did a good job holding up to collisions with structure. I was
most impressed by how well the feather trailer held up to the attacks of
Stripers. After 40+ fish the lure only had one noticeable area where some of the
finish had flaked off. The performance of the lure still remained as good as
new.

|
The perfect
lure to toss into schooling Stripers at any depth |
Price: A very good price for such a detailed and feature rich lure. One
of the reasons the price is so low is because Bass Pro is considering to
discontinue this lure now that the new Tri-Vibe lipless crank has been
introduced. But the XPS Rattle Shad remains my choice due to it's proven fish
catching ability and the fact that the Ti-Vibe does not come with a feather
tail. For less then $2.50 this lure is a great deal!
Ratings:
Bass Pro XPS
Laser Eye Extreme Rattle Shad Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Great construction, Bass Pro did a great job
with this entry into the lipless crank market. The holographic finish and
detailed scaling is top notch |
9 |
Performance |
Works great at varying depths. Worked well for
both largemouth and stripers. The feather tail definitely steps up
performance |
9 |
Price |
A fantastic clearance price! originally $4.99,
Basspro recently put this lure on clearance for 2.49 |
9.5 |
Features |
The XPS Rattle Shad has all the features found
in other traps with the addition of a more detailed finish and a feather
tail |
8.5 |
Design (Ergonomics) |
Good design but not as many color choices as
the competition |
7 |
Application |
Good for multiple applications due to diving
depth and action, but limited color choices may limit use on varying species |
8 |
Total Score |
8.50 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Great detail in design |
L
Limited Colors available |
J
Feather Tail adds effect |
L
May be discontinued soon |
J
Flashy holographic finish |
|
J
Great Clearance Price! |
|
Conclusion: The XPS Rattle Shad is among the most flexible lures an
angler can have in their arsenal. This is one hardbait that you can fish at
almost any depth, with retrieves varying from burn to crawl. Not only does this
lure work, but it's priced below the competition! This lure may not be around
much longer as BassPro has put the remaining inventory on clearance for $2.49. I
highly recommend that anglers pick up one of these proven performers before they
are discontinued. Once you own one be sure to vary your retrieves and
consciously plan your attack, as the XPS Rattle Shad is a great choice for
searching fish out at all depths.
Until next time....Tight Lines!
Link directly to Bass Pro XPS Rattle Shad
Clearance Sale Page
