Section: lures-of-the-north
Bill RiversRapala MinnowThere is no substitute for quality. |  |
| "Necessity is the mother of invention" is an adage that defines technological progress and product innovation, even in the fishing world. A classic example of need driving technology can be seen in the story of the Rapala - perhaps the tackle world's best known, widely used fishing lure. | |
 | Created in 1936 after years of design modifications and on-the-water testing, the classic Rapala, resembles an injured baitfish in several ways - size, color, and most importantly, its erratic swimming action. Its creator, Lauri Rapala, first hand-carved the original Rapala from cork, covered the body in tinfoil, hand painted the now-famous black back / gold flanks, and white belly, and sealed the bait with a protective coat of lacquer. As most anglers know, every Rapala - then and now - must be tank tested before being packaged and sold. |
| Word of a great new lure and its growing reputation for catching all species of fish, created a demand which Lauri Rapala could not meet. As the lure's reputation grew and worldwide demand increased, Rapala entered into a partnership with Don Weber and Ray Ostrom - the Normark Corporation - which was to distribute the lure throughout North America. The rest, as they say, is history. |  Normark Corporation |
 | Since then, Normark has introduced several lures bearing the Rapala name - Fat Rap, Shad Rap, Rattlin' Rap - each the product of years of research and testing, and each revolutionizing sportfishing. With an unparalleled commitment to quality, Rapala products have earned a well-deserved reputation among anglers throughout the world. |
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