Ice fishing season brings fresh opportunities… and fresh gear! Every winter, manufacturers refine proven designs and introduce new baits that solve real problems on the ice. This season, Rapala and VMC have rolled out three new ice lures that stand out for their versatility, efficiency, and multi-species appeal:
Each of these lures fills a specific role in an ice angler’s lineup, from aggressive search baits to finesse presentations when fish are neutral or pressured. Below is a breakdown of what each lure does best, how to fish it, and where it shines on the ice.
Rapala Nano Rap: A Downsized Jigging Rap with Big Potential
The Rapala Nano Rap takes everything anglers love about the Jigging Rap profile and scales it down for finesse ice fishing. At just ¾ inch long and 1/16 oz, this bait is compact, fast-falling, and incredibly easy for smaller fish to commit to.
Key Features
- Compact Jigging Rap profile
- Horizontal swimming action with tight darting movements
- Available in 14 proven colors
- Works with or without added bait
When to Use It
The Nano Rap excels when:
- Fish are pressured and hesitant
- You’re targeting crappies, perch, trout, or eater-size walleyes
- You need a bait that triggers reaction strikes without overpowering fish
Because of its size, the Nano Rap is especially effective in clear water or when fish are tight to the bottom. It can be fished clean or tipped with a wax worm or maggot to slow the fall and add scent.
Why It Works
Small forage dominates many ice environments. The Nano Rap mimics that perfectly, offering just enough flash and movement to draw attention without spooking fish. It’s an ideal “confidence bait” when you want action fast.
VMC Tungsten Torpedo Spoon: Speed, Sound, and Flash
The VMC Tungsten Torpedo Spoon is designed for anglers who want to get down fast and call fish in from a distance. Made from tungsten, this spoon packs more weight into a smaller profile and features a willow-style blade that adds vibration and sound.
Key Features
- Tungsten construction for fast drop
- Willow blade for added flash and vibration
- Four sizes: 1/8 oz to 5/16 oz
- Excellent for deep water and aggressive fish
When to Use It
This spoon shines when:
- Fishing deeper water
- Fish are spread out and need to be called in
- You’re targeting walleyes, perch, trout, or aggressive panfish
The Torpedo Spoon can be fished plain or tipped with a minnow head, wax worm, or maggot. Its blade adds attraction even with subtle rod movement, making it effective both for active jigging and controlled lifts.
Why It Works
The combination of tungsten weight and blade-driven vibration allows anglers to cover water quickly and keep fish engaged. When fish are moving fast, or you only have a short feeding window, this spoon helps you capitalize.
VMC Tungsten BugBite Jig: Precision Finesse for Tough Bites
The VMC Tungsten BugBite Jig is a finesse tool built for situations where fish demand subtlety. Its bug-inspired profile and tungsten head create a compact, realistic presentation that excels when fish are tight-lipped.
Key Features
- Tungsten head for sensitivity and quick drop
- Bug-style profile with treble hook
- Two sizes: 1/32 oz and 1/16 oz
- Available in 10 colors
When to Use It
This jig is ideal when:
- Fish are neutral or negative
- You’re targeting panfish and trout
- You want a bait that excels with live bait tipping
Tip the BugBite Jig with wax worms or spikes. Its compact shape keeps bait close to the hook, increasing hookup percentages even with light bites.
Why It Works
The Bug Bite Jig combines realism with efficiency. It gets down quickly for its size, shows well on electronics, and offers a natural profile that fish are comfortable committing to, especially in pressured waters.
Choosing the Right Lure for the Conditions
These three baits complement each other:
- Nano Rap: Best for finesse jigging and reaction bites on smaller forage
- Tungsten Torpedo Spoon: Best for covering water and triggering aggressive fish
- BugBite Jig: Best for slow, precise presentations when fish are cautious
Having all three allows anglers to adjust quickly based on fish mood, depth, and activity level without changing rods or locations.
Final Thoughts
Rapala and VMC continue to refine ice fishing tackle by focusing on efficiency, versatility, and real-world performance. The Nano Rap, Tungsten Torpedo Spoon, and Tungsten BugBite Jig each bring something unique to the ice, whether you’re chasing panfish, trout, or walleyes.
If you’re building an ice fishing tackle box this season, these three lures deserve a hard look and likely a permanent spot tied on your line.
