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Learn More »Finally, a Crab Lure That Doesn't Quit: Rapala Crush City Trickster
Are you tired of losing expensive hardbody crab lures to snags or watching soft plastics tear apart after just one bite? Do you struggle to entice those suspicious, structure-dwelling fish that you know are feeding on crabs?
The Rapala Crush City Trickster Crab Lure is the definitive answer. This isn't just another soft plastic imitation; it's a difference-maker engineered to solve the most challenging inshore fishing situations by combining true-to-life realism and potent scent with exceptional, long-lasting durability.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"As passionate anglers who fish our local waters like Lake Illawarra, the Shoalhaven River, and St George's Basin, we understand the frustration. Targeting Bream and Flathead in these often abrasive habitats demands a lure that's realistic and tough. The Trickster is that lure. It combines a perfect defensive presentation with the durability to survive oyster racks and rock bars, which is why it's a go-to for us."
- The Team at Fishing Tackle Shop
Key Features That Give You the Edge
- Defensive Stand-Up Action: Mimics a threatened juvenile crab with upright claws, triggering instinctive strikes from wary Bream, Flathead, and Whiting.
- Super Tough T.P.E. Construction: Far more resilient and tear-resistant than standard plastics, extending its lifespan in harsh conditions like sharp oyster beds.
- 12X Crab Scent Technology: Infused with a potent, long-lasting scent that creates a strong trail to draw fish in and make them hold on longer.
- VMC Rise-R Jighead Ready: Perfectly designed for pairing with the VMC Rise-R jighead to achieve the most realistic defensive posture on the bottom.
- Perfect 1.5-inch Profile: Ideally matches the size of native crabs that Australian estuary species naturally prey upon.
Why T.P.E. is a Game-Changer for Crab Lures
| Feature | Trickster T.P.E. Lure | Standard Soft Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Extremely tear-resistant, often lasting for many fish. | Easily torn by small fish or snagging on structure. |
| Buoyancy | Naturally buoyant, allowing claws to float up defensively. | Typically sinks, leading to an unnatural, flat posture. |
| Action | Soft and flexible for lifelike claw movement. | Can be stiff, resulting in less natural action. |
Ideal For
Pro-Tips: How We Fish the Trickster
- For Wary Bream: Cast past structure like bridge pylons or rock walls and let the lure sink on a slack line. The lure will naturally drift into the strike zone. Use very subtle twitches or let it sit completely still ("dead-sticking"). The scent and stand-up action will do the work for you.
- For Ambush-Ready Flathead: On sand or mud flats, use a slow "drag and pause" retrieve. Drag the lure a foot or two across the bottom, then pause for 5-10 seconds. This mimics a fleeing crab and gives the flathead time to find and engulf it.
- For Aggressive Perch or Jacks: Cast tight into snags or mangrove roots. Use a more aggressive "hop and drop" retrieve to get their attention, but always let the lure settle and stand up on the pause, as this is when the strike most often occurs.
Technical Specifications
| Lure Length: | 1.5 inches (3.8cm) |
| Lures Per Pack: | 6 pieces |
| Construction: | Super T.P.E. (Thermoplastic Elastomer) |
| Scent: | 12X Strong Crab Scent Infusion |
| Recommended Jighead: | VMC Rise-R Jighead (Size 4 hook) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Trickster Crab different from other soft plastics?
Its T.P.E. construction makes it significantly more durable and tear-resistant. It's also specifically designed to stand up in a defensive pose when rigged with a VMC Rise-R jighead, a feature that makes it irresistible to predators.
What size jighead should I use?
It's optimised for the VMC Rise-R Jighead with a size 4 hook. For general estuary fishing, a 1/12oz to 1/8oz weight is a great starting point, but always match the weight to your target depth and current.
Does the scent really last?
Yes. The potent 12X Strong Crab Scent is infused directly into the T.P.E. material, not just coated on the outside. This means it continuously releases a strong scent trail throughout your fishing session.
How should I fish this lure?
A finesse approach works best. Rig it on a VMC Rise-R, cast near structure, and let it sink. The most effective retrieves are a slow, subtle hop-and-pause or simply letting it sit and waft in the current, allowing its natural defensive posture to entice strikes.
Ready to experience the difference and outsmart those suspicious estuary fish? Select your favourite colours, add the Rapala Crush City Trickster Crab Lure to your cart, and raise your inshore fishing game!
