Absolutely—rat-style wakebaits can be the difference-maker for a trophy bass, especially in early spring when water temps start waking up and big girls are lurking around shallow cover. Here are the top rat lures from your gear list, with practical ways to fish them for the biggest bites:
-
PB Rat 3 Piece Wakebait — This is a big, multi-jointed wake that pushes a pronounced slither on the surface. The 7" body with a 13" total length gives you a large profile that big bass can’t resist, plus heavy hardware and a chirp/squeak that pulls fish from way out. Cast near banks, docks, and lily pads and start with a steady wake, then add pauses to trigger grabs. Pro tip: upgrade the treble hooks for rock-solid hookups. PB Rat 3 Piece Wakebait
-
PB Rat 4 Piece Wakebait — If you’re fishing windy days or chasing actively feeding giants, the 4-piece version delivers the boisterous wandering action you want. It’s a 9" body with a 14" wake, built for big-water roams and big-time bites. Cast to visible cover and use a long, steady wake with short pauses to let the bait swing into the strike zone. PB Rat 4 Piece Wakebait
-
PB Rat Mouse 3 Piece Wakebait — Perfect for shallow cover, undercut banks, and docks where rodents like to congregate, this one creates a large wake with an oversized bill. The tail adds natural flicker, and the jointed design produces a textured wake that big bass key in on. Use it around docks and pockets with sunken cover; try a slower, wider wake near the surface. PB Rat Mouse 3 Piece Wakebait
-
PB Rat Mouse 2 Piece Wakebait — A slightly tighter profile but still delivering a big wake and water displacement. Great for medium-height cover where you still want that aggressive surface presentation without overdoing the profile. Cast to suspected feed zones and work a steady, waking cadence with occasional twitches. PB Rat Mouse 2 Piece Wakebait
-
PB Rat Mouse 4 Piece Wakebait — The heaviest wake in the lineup, optimized for pushing water and attracting a monster bite in open pockets or along weed edges. If you’ve got a large flat with scattered cover or you’re fishing stained water, this one gets the job done. PB Rat Mouse 4 Piece Wakebait
-
Jerry Rago's Walking Rat — A true “rat” classic, with a long silhouette and lifelike detailing that bass can’t ignore. Use it when you’re targeting ambush bays or edgy banks where big fish cruise. Cast, reel with a slow, gliding walk, and let the subtle tail action draw them in for a crushing strike. Jerry Rago's Walking Rat
Pro tips for early spring big-bass rat fishing:
- Focus on shallow cover: docks, undercut banks, and weed edges where warming water concentrates fish.
- Use a pacing where you start with a solid wake, then insert pauses to mimic a fleeing critter sliding into cover.
- Tone your hardware and tails: the PB Rat line ships with durable hardware and tail options; upgrade treble hooks to seal the deal on the bite. Upgrade Your Treble Hooks!
- Match color and water: natural, earthy tones for stained water and brighter profiles for clearer days.
Season note: early spring bass are aggressively feeding in preparation for spawning, and a big rat wakebait is exactly the “notice me” pattern they’re looking for. Get out there, make some wakes, and you’ll be surprised how quickly those giants commit. You’ve got the tools—now go slap that season with a trophy! 🎣🐟
