FORESIGHT FISHING PRESS RELEASE: NEW RAPALA VMC CORP. PRODUCTS FOR 2026

It is one of the biggest weeks of the year in the fishing industry with new baits, gear, equipment, and more being revealed! The great people in the Rapala VMC family have been hard at work and we wanted to showcase seven new products that caught our attention. As they say, you might have a lot of fishing tackle, but you can never have enough.

1.) Rapala Stryda 180

On a mission to dampen the learning curve that comes with glidebaits, this model was designed to excel out of the box and perform an action that doesn’t over-do it. In motion, this bait has a soft tail that does not glide excessively away from cover, out of the strike zone, or give off an unnatural rolling action. What makes this bait stand out is the ability to add interchangeable weights that provide versatility when fishing deeper. The Stryda is 7” long, 2 ⅜ oz, fitted with VMC Redline Hooks, and available in eight different colours. MSRP $60

2.) Crush City Governor

Swimbaits are all the rage nowadays, and the Governor stands out. Not only does it have an enticing swimming action and durable build, it also shows off a new screw driver weight system for versatility. Wherever the fish are sitting from under the surface down into the depths, this bait is going to be there to put in the work. The Governor is 6” long, 1-5/16oz, includes a 3/16oz Tungsten screw driver weight, and available in five different colours. MSRP $20

3.) Rapala JoyStick

Top water fishing is a favorite for many people, and not much can beat the thrill! There have been many walk-the-dog top water baits, and Rapala has refined action and design with the JoyStick for easy action, the right amount of sound from a one-knocker, and performance that holds up and fish cannot resist. Constructed in a durable plastic body, the JoyStick is offered in two sizes (⅜, 3-1/2” and 5/8oz, 4-⅜”), and available in ten different colours. MSRP $9-10

4.) Rapala Jigging Rap X

The legacy of the jigging rap stands for itself, this model focused on improving on greatness. Made with a one-piece tip to tail construction, there is now an internal rattle, tail fins connected directly to the body, VMC nose and tailhooks, along with a swiveling hook hanger for leverage management. The jigging rap has worked for a long time, and this upgrade looks promising while delivering a darting and circling jigging action no matter the season. The Jigging Rap X is offered in three sizes (3/8 oz, 3-1/2” and 5/8 oz, 4-⅜”), and available in ten different colours. MSRP $9-10

5.) Storm Surge Forage Swimbaits

Created with realism in mind with lifelike profiles, color, and swimming action. Storm has built a reputation on producing pre-rigged swimbaits that are effective and user friendly, and the expansion of the Surge series looks like a fish-producer. There are more options now than ever, with four forage-specific profiles to match the hatch, the Surge series includes bluegill (2 ¼ “- 3 ¼”) , crappie (2 ¼ “- 3 ¼”), goby (3”), and minnow (2 ½”). Available in 3-8 colours per profile. MSRP $7-8

6.) Sufix Calibr8

A braided fishing line that features improved performance. Offering a smooth and far-casting performance, this is an 8-carrier line, meaning 8 strands of fiber are woven 29 times per inch. Optimized diameter for spinning finesse applications under 20Lb and baitcasting sizes larger, so these lines perform better. With strength and abrasion-resistancy in mind, this line is meant to get the job done for any task. The Calibr8 comes in 150 yard or 300 yard spools, ranges in sizes between 6lb and 80lb, and available in low-vis green and neon lime. MSRP $15-$37

7.) Crush City CEO

It wouldn't be a new release for 2026 without an urchin. The CEO is made out of durable and buoyant TPE material for a slow, controlled fall that fish are going to have a hard time resisting. With a weighted glass powder core, the CEO presents a slow-sinking quivering action under the slightest movement. This bait offers molded hook alignment dimples to simplify rigging, along with a center channel for optional nail weights when desired. The packaging was designed to support the baits and avoid having to obtain an additional tackle system. Unlike others, this bait comes in a 3-pack creating a great value for the money! The Crush City CEO is available in 15mm (3-count) and 21mm (2-count), and in multiple colours. MSRP 15mm: $13; 21mm: $15

This is not all- just a few that really jumped out at us! Be sure to visit Rapala across social media and online for additional new releases in their product family. Congratulations to all of the great hands and minds that went into these. Everybody involved should be proud of their hard work and dedication.

All photos are property of Rapala VMC Corp. and have been used with expressed permission for media release (2026)

Seven Standouts: New Rapala VMC Products Revealed at 2026 iCast