Today let’s take a look at the Rapala DT-6. Specifically, a DT-6 in one of the Ike’s Ink Patterns. You have probably heard that this is one of the main baits that Randy Howell used to win the 2014 Bassmaster Classic.
The version that he was using was Ike’s Demon. For our testing we used Ike’s Penguin. You’ll notice in the photos that the underbelly has an orange tint to it. We use this because there are so many pumpkinseed in our local waters that it makes sense to have a little bit of that color in our baits to, “match the hatch”.
What are the spec’s?
As far as the spec’s for the DT-6, they are 2 inches in length and weigh 3/8 of an ounce. The Ike’s Ink patterns all make use of subtle colors that are blended with extra fine glitter sprinkles and finished with a pearly gloss that enhances the reflective qualities of the glitter.
Unfortunately, pictures sometimes just don’t capture the depth of a particular finish as is the case with this series of baits.
You really have got to get them in hand, out of the package to appreciate the subtlety of these finishes. Yes, that means a trip to your local tackle store. Oh well, guess the yard work will have to wait for a couple of hours.
While I would like to see them expand there color palette, the patterns that are available to the angler is a decent variety that will provide most of us a couple or three that will mimic some form of prey in our local waters.
Randy Howell, in his post competition interview, mentioned that he was using this bait to target fish at particular depths.
One of the applications that crankbaits are designed for is reaching and searching specific depths. You’re not just throwing this thing all over the lake hoping for a bite. You are targeting a specific depth range. Maybe a ledge or rip-rap or some form of cover that the fish are holding on.
Do they get to their advertised depth?
In the case of the DT series, it has been our experience that they all, using 10 pound co-polymer line, will get to their rated depth. You can get each a little bit deeper by either using smaller diameter line or switching to fluorocarbon.
We have all used cranks that are advertised to reach a certain depth but cannot get there on their best day. This can be frustrating given that you are targeting fish in a specific zone.
The Rapala DT series takes all the guess work out of the equation by offering models in 4, 6, 10,14,16 and 20.
The shape of the DT is one that is modeled after a sunfish as opposed to other types of baitfish. It’s tall with a big belly and narrow behind. This design accentuates its unique wobble as well as the way it deflects off of cover.
The other thing the angler needs to keep in mind is that this is not a plastic bait. Rather this uses balsa as the material for the body. That combined with a unique internal rattle gives it both its one of a kind swimming action and sound.
The Rapala casts well for its weight and more importantly, gets to its running depth quickly. You gotta remember that the sooner you can get your bait to your desired zone and keep it there, the better off you’re gonna be! Provided of course that the fish are at that depth … but that’s another discussion for another day.
Where and when to use the DT
You have to remember that this bait, like most shallow to mid-range cranks, is made to deflect off of cover. Just because it doesn’t have a square bill doesn’t mean that it’s only intended for open water fishing.
We’ve been using this just the way we use other cranks. That being to either dig into the bottom and stir up silt or to run it into underwater obstructions like wood and rock. We reel it down fast, run it into whatever we can find then when we feel it hit something kill it for a second before restarting our retrieve.
Often times, the strike will occur right after the deflection so you need to be ready. We’ve had ‘em try to rip the rod out of our hands they hit the thing so hard!
In our time with the DT-6 we’ve had no issues with the durability of the bait. We’ve heard people complaining about the bills being less durable then other cranks but that hasn’t been the case for the baits that we have.
I suppose if you’re one of those guys that we see and hear across the lake slapping his crank on the water to clear the hooks that you could break a lip.
We don’t recommend this practice for any crankbaits as to us this is at best a good way to throw the bait out of tune, at worst an excellent way to tear up a lure.
All of the baits that we obtained have run true out of the package. They have all been fishin’ ready. Open the box, tie it on and get to work. No worries.
The Rapala DT-6, particularly in the Ike’s Ink patterns, is a wonderful departure from plastic baits. Its action is a little bit different which makes it a good alternative as well as providing the angler with a different action. A great bait for mixing things up that also excels as a search bait.
We give the Rapala DT-6 3.75 stars.
See ya’ on the water …
