Entering into a reasonably congested market, I was intrigued to check out the unique elements on offer with Rapala’s new CrushCity softbait range. They are made from TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) material that provides a nice mix of suppleness, stretch, and durability. The TPE material is buoyant which enhances underwater movement, works in saltwater and freshwater conditions, and is heat and cold-resistant so it will hold its softness and shape whether chasing summer snapper in the Far North or winter trout in Tekapo.

Although other brands offer softbaits made of similar TPE materials, the CrushCity baits are infused with exclusive slow-release scents. What is particularly cool is the baitfish imitations (The Jerk, Heavy Hitter, and The Suspect) are infused with a baitfish-specific scent, while the shrimp imitations (Creeper and The Imposter) are infused with shrimp scent. While TPE-based softbaits will not offer the same level of scent dispersion as water-based softbaits, they are far more durable. If you’ve done a bit of softbaiting before, you know how frustrating it can be when your water-based softbait tails keep getting bitten off and you’re quickly burning through your supplies!

The CrushCity range covers most bases with a solid variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. The CrushCity offering is particularly strong in the sub-5” size category, meaning there are plenty of options for when the fish are slow on the chew or you want to target species like trevally that feed on smaller prey. My favourite in the range is the Creeper – a small grub with a swag of paddle-style legs to add movement and vibration in the water. This bait produced some nice snapper for us recently when the bite was very slow.


The CrushCity softbait range is particularly strong in the sub-5" size category.

Fortunately, there are some nice larger options, too – notably the 7” Jerk and the chunky 4” Heavy Hitter which are both great options for tossing into the kelpy shallows for big snapper or casting at kingfish.

The colour range is great for all shape varieties, and the infused shiny flakes are a worthwhile addition. The general two-tone approach with each CrushCity bait creates an attractive contrast for predatory fish – a characteristic that has proven itself to be effective in triggering strikes for as long as fishers have been using artificial lures. You’ll find a colour/translucency to fish in a range of water clarities and mimic all the usual prey species.

Rapala’s CrushCity softbaits are available now in various colours, shapes, and sizes from all good tackle retailers.
 

Shape varieties

The Heavy Hitter softbait is designed to stand up to aggressive predators. Numerous body modifications during the testing phase of the Heavy Hitter have perfected the action resulting in a body roll coupled with a bite enticing side-to-side sway from the paddle tail.

The Jerk softbait is true to its name – twitchy, fidgety, and erratic even with the slightest rod twitch. This forked-tail jerk minnow’s tail will quiver with the slightest current or rod twitch.

The Creeper softbait is a curl-tail grub with a difference. One of the most popular shapes of soft plastics on the market, the curl-tail grub works with the slowest of retrieves and flutters seductively when dropping. The Creeper takes the curl-tail grub to the next level with the addition of multiple paddle-style legs under the body to add movement and vibration.

Living up to its name, The Imposter softbait is a great prawn or shrimp imitation that will hop and dart with rod twitches or simply swim seductively with its legs and appendages vibrating in the water. When rigged weedless, The Imposter utilises the back slit to help hide the hook point, allowing anglers to fish it deep into snags where predators lurk.

Designed to resemble the usual suspects of baitfish found in any water body, The Suspect Softbait is a slim-bodied soft plastic baitfish imitation. It makes a versatile option due to its shape and tight shimmering action.

- By Nick Jones