All of our duds are probably someone else's go to bait. If a bait never produces then we are probably using it wrong or its out of tune.
I'm not a real big fan of the X-Rap, however I just attended a Bass seminar where Pro Terry Baksay swore by the X-Rap. He said don't be afraid to use this lure for suspending Smallies even in 20-30 feet of water.
I find jerkbaits work best early in the season or again in the fall. I prefer the Husky Jerk or a Megabass 80, 95 or 110's over the X-Raps. The X-Raps tend to be lighter and produce a more eratic action. Taking off the feathered trebble will get the bait down another foot or so.
Line is also very important when jerkbaiting. 8-10lb test with a M or MH rod is ideal. Heavier line will tend to keep the bait up and rob the action. Try longer pauses when water temps are low.
A trick the Linders put together is to have someone in the front of the boat work a jerkbait while the angler in the back uses a jighead and worm. The twitchin in the front gets the fish going so the angler in the back catches 3-1 compared to the jerkbaiter.
My 2005 Dud Bait
Deps Basirisky Frog
It took me awhile to get my hands on one of these. Its like a rat, but its wings produce a "walking the dog" action across grass mats. The bait goes for about $15 and is well made. I had a few blow-ups but no connects.
G