Best rat lrues

Question

Best rat lrues

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Best Rat Lures — short, savage, and topwater-ready 🐀🎣**

If you want to trigger explosive strikes, *rat lures* are a go-to for big bass, pike, and even sneaky shallow predators. Here’s a practical rundown of the best options, how to fish them, and what to change for early-winter conditions.

**Top picks (ready-to-buy)**
- **Savage Gear 3D Rad Rat** — big profile, realistic action: [Savage Gear R-300-GY 3D Rat Bait Grey](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HJ3IHXM?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- **Lunkerhunt Yapp Rat** — hollow/weedless, great for heavy cover: [Lunkerhunt Yapp Rat](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SYV3HL8?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- **CASTSTRIKE Topwater Mouse/Rat Kit** — decent value pack to try multiple colors: [CASTSTRIKE Topwater Mouse Rat Fishing Lure, 5pcs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFSXY3YX?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Budget/variety pack — good to experiment colors and sizes: [3Pcs Premium Topwater Mouse Fishing Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D45BK4SR?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

Want a big glide-style topwater alternative? Try a realistic glide bait: [Explorer Gill Glide Bait (Tackle.net)](https://tackle.net/item/explorer-gill-glide-bait) — great when fish want a bigger meal.

**How to rig & fish them (practical tips)**
- Use a *heavy-action* rod (7' to 8'), medium-heavy to heavy, for hooksets and control. Fast-action tip helps set hooks on soft bodies.
- Reel: quality baitcast with a smooth drag — 7:1 or 6.3:1 for quick retrieves and control.
- Line: braid 30–50 lb for casting distance and skipping, with a 3–6 ft fluorocarbon leader if fish are line-shy.
- Rigging: most rat lures are hollow/weedless — run them weedless for lily pads and laydowns. Replace or upgrade hooks if needed.

**Topwater retrieves that work**
- *Steady glide*: long casts, steady retrieve with gentle rod twitches — great for gliders and larger rats.
- *Twitch–pause*: short twitches, long pauses. In early winter, slow it down and *lengthen pauses* — fish are lethargic.
- *Explosive pops*: short, aggressive strips to imitate a frantic rodent in trouble — use midday warmups.

**Early-winter adjustments**
- Fish will be less active — *target the warmest hours* (midday) and shallow flats that heat up.
- Slow retrieves and longer pauses are key. If topwater fails, downshift to subsurface imitations or slow-rolled swimbaits.

**Quick learning links**
- [Will The Rat Lure CATCH FISH?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-7qT90s8WU) — good demo
- [Can't Believe the Bass That Ate This Rat Lure!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em_z8MZWd2U) — real strike footage
- [RAT FISHING Made EASY!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAkrFYCQF64) — tactics and bait choices

Be bold — throw big, noisy, life-like rats into structure and expect fireworks. Tight lines and go get that topwater show! 💥🐟

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