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Learn More »A Tackle Shop Guide to the Rapala Crush City Trickster
For a long time, fishing a crab lure in heavy structure was a choice between two problems: you could use a hardbody crab, which costs a lot when you inevitably snag it, or a standard soft plastic, which gets its claws nipped off by the first small fish. The Rapala Trickster is a modern solution to this. It's made from TPE, a tough, stretchy material, and it's buoyant, making it a very practical soft plastic lure for estuary fishing.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"Anglers fishing our local waters like Lake Illawarra or St. George's Basin know how picky bream can be, especially around oyster racks and rock bars. The problem is, that's where the crabs are. This Trickster crab is a good answer for this. Its TPE body is very tough, so it holds up to the oysters, and its buoyancy is the main thing. When you pause it, the claws float up in a defensive pose. For a fussy bream, that's a trigger that a lure just lying flat on the bottom doesn't have."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm) | 20+ years industry experience
Decoding the Trickster Crab Features: What Matters
This lure is built differently from standard plastics. Here’s what those features mean for you:
Pro-Tips: How to Fish the Trickster Crab
A finesse, or "do-nothing," approach is often the most effective.
- The "Dead-Stick": This is a very popular method. Cast it near structure (bridge pylons, boat hulls, oyster racks) and let it sink. Once it's on the bottom, just let it sit. The buoyant, scented claws will waft in the current, and fish will often pick it up while it's sitting perfectly still.
- The "Slow Drag": On sand or mud flats for flathead, use a slow retrieve. Drag the lure 30-50cm across the bottom, then pause for 5-10 seconds. This mimics a crab moving between cover and is a very effective way to get an ambush bite.
Technical Specifications
| Lure Length | 1.5 inches (3.8cm) |
| Lures Per Pack | 6 |
| Construction | T.P.E. (Thermoplastic Elastomer) |
| Scent | 12X Strong Crab Scent |
| Recommended Jighead | VMC Rise-R Jighead (Size 4 hook) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Trickster Crab different from other crab plastics?
Two main things: its toughness and its buoyancy. The TPE material is far more durable than standard plastics. Its buoyancy is what allows it to stand up in that natural defensive pose, which is a key strike trigger.
What jighead should I use?
It's specifically designed to work with the VMC Rise-R Jighead (Size 4 hook), which has a head shape that helps it stand up. For most shallow estuary fishing, a 1/12oz or 1/8oz weight is a great starting point.
Do I have to store this TPE lure separately?
Yes. This is the most important rule for all TPE plastics (like Z-Man as well). You must not store them in the same tackle box compartment as your standard soft plastics. The different chemical compositions will react, and your lures will melt into a sticky mess. Keep them in their original packet or in a TPE-safe tackle tray.
Is this lure only for bream?
No, not at all. Bream are a prime target, but this lure is very effective on any estuary species that eats small crabs. This includes flathead, estuary perch, and even whiting, which will often pick at it when it's sitting still on the bottom.
Do I have to use the VMC Rise-R jighead with this?
That's a common question. You can certainly use a standard ball jighead, and its toughness and scent will still work. However, you will lose the 'defensive stand-up' action. The VMC Rise-R is designed with a flat bottom and hook angle to *make* the buoyant plastic stand up. A normal round head will just let the lure lie flat on its side, which looks less natural.
Does the 'defensive pose' really matter to a fish?
That's a fair question. For an aggressive flathead that's just hitting anything that moves, it may not matter as much. But for a fussy, smart estuary bream that has seen hundreds of lures, it's a different story. Those fish will often sit and watch a lure before committing. A normal plastic lies flat and 'dead,' but this one stands up with its claws floating, looking alive. It's that small, natural detail that can convince a wary fish to strike.
Does the "12X Scent" last forever? Do I need to add more?
The scent is infused into the plastic, so it lasts a long time. But after a few hours in the water, it will naturally fade. It's not a 'rechargeable' scent. We find a good tactic is to add a fresh dab of a scent gel (like S-Factor or Pro-Cure) into the lure's body grooves every 30-40 minutes to keep that scent trail strong in the water.
A tough, buoyant, and scented crab imitation for fussy estuary fish. Select your colour and add the Trickster Crab to your cart.
