Rapala Shad Rap Elite Crankbaits 5.5cm 7g 2.4–2.7m GDHSD (Gilded Helsinki Shad)

Rapala Shad Rap Elite Gilded Helsinki Shad – Premium Balsa Crankbait for Casting and Trolling

The Shad Rap Elite combines Rapala's legendary balsa craftsmanship with modern wire-through construction, delivering a versatile crankbait that excels whether you cast or troll.

Durable Wire-Through Construction

Built around a heavy-duty wire-through frame, this 5.5 cm crankbait handles hard-fighting fish without compromising performance. The robust design pairs with premium balsa wood to achieve impressive casting distances while maintaining the responsive action Rapala is known for.

Versatile Swimming Action for Any Retrieve

The Shad Rap Elite adapts to your technique: slow retrieves produce a wide, enticing wobble, while faster speeds trigger a tight shimmy. This variable action lets you match conditions and target species throughout the water column at depths of 2.4–2.7 m.

Choose the Right Variant

The Shad Rap Elite series offers two sizes and numerous colour patterns to match local forage and water conditions.

• 5.5 cm / 7 g / 2.4–2.7 m – Ideal for medium-sized predators, lighter tackle, and shallower presentations; Gilded Helsinki Shad suits clear to slightly stained water where a subtle shad profile excels

• 7.5 cm / 12 g / 2.7–3.3 m – Better for larger predators, deeper trolling passes, and when extra casting distance matters

• Gilded Gold Orange, Gilded Firetiger, Gilded Chartreuse Orange Belly – High-visibility options for stained or murky water

• Gilded Perch, Gilded Copper Perch, Gilded Live Roach – Natural forage imitations for pressured fish

• Gilded Silver Shad, Gilded Glass Ghost – Neutral baitfish patterns effective in clear conditions

• Gilded Crawdad, Gilded Mangrove Minnow – Bottom-dwelling forage imitations for structure fishing

• Gilded Night Aurora – Low-light or dark-water specialist

Facts

• Length: 5.5 cm

• Weight: 7 g

• Running depth: 2.4–2.7 m

• Buoyancy: floating

• Body: premium balsa with wire-through construction

• Hooks: 2× VMC 7554 2X Black Nickel treble hooks, size 8

• Hand-tuned and tank-tested

• Lead-free