A record-breaking lure when introduced in 2003, the DT Series has seen its share of size and color extensions, but the lures’ uncanny knack for bringing them back to the boat has led to the development of the first-ever flat-sided balsa wood lure.

Called the DT Flat Series, the lures are designed with a flat profile to provide maximum flash. This brilliance makes the lure a “must-have” for novices and pros alike.

Designed by crankbait aficionado David Fritts, the DT Flat Series harmoniously supports the DT Series promise to dive faster and remain in the strike zone longer than any other crankbait on the market.

“The DT Series set the standard in crankbait lures,” says Mark Fisher, Rapala director of field promotions. “But lure designer David Fritts believed the flat profile could open the line up to a whole batch of colors. And that’s what he’s done here. Otherwise disinterested fish can’t keep away because they’ve never seen anything like it.”

The DT Series lures were designed for precision fishing, with details only a professional angler like Fritts could know. A new thin, coffin-style polycarbonate lip created for the Flat Series drives the DT into the water and quickly places the lure within the strike zone depth. The lure moves from side to side, and an internal rattle creates a rhythmic sound inside the balsa wood lure that fish can’t resist.

The DT Series is the first series of lures designed to hit a specific strike zone and stay there. Because they are perfectly balanced, DT Series lures also cast further than any other bait in their class. The lures are designed to fly like arrows through the air, so they can be cast up to 150 feet. DT Series lures also pull easily through the water for fast retrieval, relieving angler fatigue.

“Most crankbaits don’t stay in the strike zone long enough to give you a chance to catch fish,” Fritts says. “In fact, most reach less than 25 percent of the strike zone for the distance they’re cast. The DTs not only stay in the strike zone longer, but they are cast further for long retrieves. They are the most effective way to cover the water and catch the most fish.”

The six distinct patterns will retail for $5-7.