Rapala Original Floating FO7 Replica

Description This is my replica of the legendary Rapala Original Floating 7 (OF7), designed and modeled directly from a precise 3D scan of an original lure. This highly versatile lure opens up the possibilities for fishing in relatively shallow streams, along lake edges, or casting straight into open water. With its size and iconic swimming action, it is perfectly suited for targeting large trout, big perch, and medium-sized pike.

A massive amount of thought and testing went into the physics of this design. The center of mass has been perfectly matched to the original lure. Fully assembled with all hardware, it weighs exactly 4 grams. Because the physical properties and density are identical, this printed version achieves the exact same lively swimming action that makes the original so famous.

The model comes in two different versions so you can choose your preferred style:

1. Painted eyes: A version completely true to the original, where the eyes are painted on afterwards.
2. 3D eyes: A version with a prepared, recessed hole where a 4mm 3D eye can easily be glued in.

Design Notes

• 3D scanned precision: Modeled directly from a physical 3D scan of a real Rapala Original Floating FO7.
• True-to-original physics: Center of mass perfectly matches the original model to ensure the correct action.
• Assembled weight: 4 grams (including hooks and split rings) – exactly the same as the real deal.
• Reinforced Lip Design: The diving lip is printed as a separate piece to ensure the absolute strongest layer orientation (printed flat). This ensures it won't snap off when repeatedly hitting underwater obstacles like large sticks, plants, or rocks.
• Integrated Print Stability: To ensure success with these tall, thin models on fast printers, I have integrated a thin stability disk at the base. This prevents the lure from wobbling or falling over during the printing process. Once finished, the lure simply "rocks" off the thin disk with a clean, easy snap.

Assembly The lure consists of two printed parts: the main body and the diving lip.

1. Glue the lip into the body using either epoxy or a strong superglue.
2. Prepare the Holes & Install Hardware: Install the 3 screw eyes into the prepared pilot holes. To make this step incredibly easy, I have uploaded a "Handdrill Handle" model on my MakerWorld profile. You can print it, glue a 1mm HSS drill bit inside, and use it to effortlessly pre-drill the holes before screwing the eyes firmly into place! Alternatively, you can gently heat the screw eyes with a lighter before pressing them into the plastic.
3. If using the 3D eye version, glue the 4mm eyes into the designated holes.

Hardware requirements:

• 3x Screw eyes: 1.3 mm thread thickness, 12 mm full length, 5 mm outer eye diameter, 8 mm shaft length. (Use stainless steel). These can be bought very cheaply on sites like Temu or similar.
• 4mm 3D eyes: (If you choose the version with eye holes – these can also be found incredibly cheap on sites like Temu).
• 2x 6 mm split rings
• 2x Treble hooks: Size #8.

Finishing I highly recommend dipping or coating the body in clear UV resin afterwards. This provides:

• A smoother, shiny, and more professional finish.
• Significantly better durability against sharp pike teeth.
• Complete water resistance.

Important For the best balance, the correct swimming action, and the precise final weight of 4g, it is crucial to use my included print profile. The internal density and weight distribution are specifically calculated for these settings, and changing the print profile settings will ruin the lure's performance in the water.

Tight lines!!