Rapala is once again raising the bar in the fishing tackle world with the introduction of the OG Rocco 5, an innovative square-bill crankbait designed specifically for enthusiastic anglers chasing big bass.
Crafted from balsa wood and featuring a big-bodied design, the OG Rocco 5 excels in navigating heavy cover while enticing substantial gamefish. This latest bait comes from the workshop of Ott DeFoe, a renowned Rapala Pro and Bassmaster Classic Champion, who emphasizes its exceptional functionality.
"You’re able to fish it faster in those heavy-cover areas," said DeFoe, highlighting the bait’s unique capability to trigger a reaction bite from aggressive fish. For avid anglers, the ability to cover ground quickly in challenging environments is invaluable, especially when seeking to hook larger bass.
"You’re able to fish it faster in those heavy-cover areas,"
What sets the OG Rocco 5 apart from its predecessors lies in its carefully engineered design and the powerful deflection capabilities that DeFoe asserts are unmatched in his extensive fishing experience. "It deflects off cover and recovers better than any other square-bill that I’ve ever banged off wood or rock," he stated, underlining the bait's robust construction as key to its performance.
"It deflects off cover and recovers better than any other square-bill that I’ve ever banged off wood or rock,"
The size and materials used in the OG Rocco 5 play a significant role in its buoyancy and overall effectiveness. "It’s a pretty good-size hunk of balsa, and the more you’ve got there, the more buoyancy you’re going to have," explained DeFoe. This buoyancy allows anglers to maneuver the bait into tight spaces, such as cracks in laydowns or rocky terrains, ensuring that the retrieve remains uninterrupted even in snag-prone areas.
"It’s a pretty good-size hunk of balsa, and the more you’ve got there, the more buoyancy you’re going to have,"
The OG Rocco 5 marks the third addition to the highly regarded OG Series by Rapala, which is directly linked to DeFoe's meticulous crafting in “Ott’s Garage.” Previous models, like the OG Slim 6 and OG Tiny 4, featured different shapes and characteristics. "It’s quite a bit different than the Slim or Tiny," DeFoe said, emphasizing its square bill and fatter profile.
"It’s quite a bit different than the Slim or Tiny,"
Adding to its appeal, the Rocco is designed to produce noticeable vibrations in the water. This design choice means it will be particularly effective during the spring months when water temperatures rise, making it more likely to attract bass nestled in heavy cover. "I’m going to have this on the deck all the time," DeFoe noted, indicating its essential place in his fishing arsenal.
"I’m going to have this on the deck all the time,"
The Rocco's construction isn't just about form; it also includes aesthetically appealing color patterns that mimic natural prey while ensuring the hooks are ready for action. DeFoe expressed his preference for the VMC Black-Nickel 1X Strong Hybrid Treble Hooks: "Those are my absolute, all-time favorite treble hooks."
Available in 15 attractive patterns, the OG Rocco 5 offers a versatile range from bright colors, ideal in murky water, to more natural tones suited for clearer conditions. Among the new additions are vibrant patterns like Bruised Citrus Shad, Tuxedo Shad, and Chartreuse Black, alongside classics such as Bream and Classic Craw.
Weighing in at 3/8-ounce and stretching to 2-½ inches, the OG Rocco 5 is capable of diving up to 5 feet when paired with 12- to 14-pound-test lines. It comes at a price point of $10.49, making it an accessible option for both casual and serious fishermen.
Current Season
With the OG Rocco 5 hitting the market, expectations are high for its performance on fishing trips across various waterways. As DeFoe and other professionals gear up for the upcoming fishing season, it seems this crankbait will play a pivotal role in many successful catch stories in 2026.
