RAT FISHING Made EASY! Everything You Need To Know

Big rat baits catch BIG fish! If you've ever wanted to know which baits to use, when to use them, and how to catch "rat" fish, this is your video!
The Baits We Recommend...
Johnny Rat: bit.ly/2q9CNA8
G Ratt Swimming Rat: bit.ly/2v2vb5k
GRatt Walking Mouse: bit.ly/2tIcpfv
Spro BBZ-1 Rat (50 size): bit.ly/2tHDGyU
MS Mini Slammer: bit.ly/2uHsyn6
Replacement Tail Options...
Zoom Trick Worm: bit.ly/2aWkG7E
Zoom Speed Worm: bit.ly/2v2HLlh
Robo Worm 6" Fat: bit.ly/2awYSxM
Best Treble Hooks Options...
Owner ST-36 Treble: bit.ly/2cWpeyw
Gamakatsu 1X Bronze Treble: bit.ly/2fJzTgu
Rods/Reels For Rats and other Treble hook baits...
Dobyns 806H: bit.ly/2aivwYX
G Loomis 956C: Discontinued
Shimano Tranx 300 Reel: bit.ly/2kYsvRw
Summer is prime time to catch topwater fish. If you throw walking baits, poppers, wakebaits, or whopper ploppers with success, it might be time to try a rat.
Rats naturally catch bigger bass than other topwater baits. Smaller fish tend to shy away from taking on a full-size rat but large bass won't hesitate at all. Whether you fish ponds or reservoirs bass are opportunistic and not afraid to blow up on a giant meal.
If you haven't given summer rat fishing a try, this is your year!
_________________________________________________________________
Equipment We Recommend...
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Wire Cutters: bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero5 Camera: bit.ly/2iwZqqU
ElectroSamson Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Promar Net: bit.ly/2dh9xQP
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To read the full article that goes along with this video visit www.tacticalbas...
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[@Grannysadventures]

Man, I learn so much with each and every video. Thanks from a 60 year old retired art teacher that has started fishing this year. My largest bass was 1.9 lb with a hoopla popper. I can't even imagine a 5 lb bass , I thought the 1.9 was a monster. I went out the other day and found a honey hole for panfish and caught 83 in 1 1/2 hours. While that was fun, pulling in a big bass is still my fav. Thanks again, love your videos!

[@largemouthbass355]

You gotta do an actual Rat fishing video. Would love to see the bites you get on CL.

[@jhonnyinthetrees4608]

You should have a patrion account. I feel guilty for so much great FREE information, every time I follow your tips I get a big fish, thank you guys

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Bud! We really appreciate that!

[@michaeljohnston4167]

Video hasnt even started and I already know I will love it. I been really into rats lately...especially the 22 century XL nezuma rat! Hell yea!!! Wish I could like TWICE!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Bud!

[@williammurray3136]

Matt I'm glad you touched on this subject. I live in Rhode Island and for the last 7 weeks all i have thrown is a Spro 50 and a XL Nezzumma and a Large Nezumma.I love the rat bit probably my favorite way to catch largemouth.Night time rat fishing is the best. Keep up the awesome videos thanks Billy

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks BIlly!

[@TheDrewchebag]

Hey man where are you at? I fish the Coventry/Warwick area and just started throwing big baits myself 👍🏼

[@jeremyeverett2797]

This is why I love you guys! I live in Alabama and you guys cover everything! Not only for your portion of the country but this covers all regions! Great job guys and keep casting!

[@garydettling4698]

Matt You did me a great service explaining why I too was losing so many fish hooked on treble hooks. GREAT job explaining it all.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Gary, I'm happy to help

[@wilmartin4686]

I have been looking at some rat baits but was a little intimidated and not sure . I am definitely going to get one. So greatly appreciated thank you

[@pc9429]

This channel deserves more subs. Matt your my fishing hero.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Bud!

[@wcnormjv120]

I have a fishing guides playlist and every tutorial video you put out is in it! Thanks for another great video.

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! Thanks man!

[@davidkrumme1302]

I can't believe I just found this channel my new favorite lol. I've used the wooden type rats even made my own but it's hard to compete with the black spro 50 at least for me

[@gypsygypsy7185]

David Krumme watch all their videos you will not regret it I been watching tb for 5 years Every. Video over an over now I catch more fish then ever these guys are a blessing. I' mean that

[@MRbassmasterman]

Good tips. I'm usually not one to throw huge baits like that. Never really had the urge to throw a rat but I think I might have to get a couple for when the lakes flood. Makes a lot of sense that they would work then.

[@Titoburritobandito]

I love rat fishing. Probably my favorite presentation.

[@JBird401]

I bought the big spro rat 3 years ago and my first night out with it i bagged a 5lb largemouth out here in the northeast. Turned me into a big rat fan. I ended up bagging a bunch of 3's and 4lbers that week too. Now im ready to drop some real cash on a nice wooden rat

[@urbanbassslayers]

I started hand making my own Rats recently, but I haven't got to toss them much yet. I have made 10" to 5" rats. Maybe someday I'll get them dialed in and actually catch fish on them. Great info again like always!!

[@jtotherog]

How are the rats coming along?

[@chris102681]

Woodrow rats, made in Oceanside California are also a great option.

[@michaelteaby1160]

Thanks again guys! Because of you guys, I do believe that this is my year for really big fish! And the next one and the next one will be great too!!

[@thelivinlegend1]

Thank You for mentioning the Mini Slammer👍 My GoTo! I'm in love with the Mini....

[@tacticalbassin]

Yeah buddy!

[@mr.fatbasstard648]

Matt, what took so long? I've been watching TB vids way pre Tim and when I saw the title to this vid I thought 'What the hell this guy don't fish rats!' That is absolutely flawless rod advise for landing treble hooked rat fish. Seriously I've seen and heard from so many people who give up on rats because they couldn't complete the trifecta, hooking-fighting and landing with their stiff as a pool cue rod. lol Rats are naturally nocturnal and nighttime is the right time. High Tide and Rising Reservoir water is a rude awakening for rats who often burrow when nesting. Rats are omnivores and opportunistic and several species are excellent swimmers and can tread water for multiple hours. I've had my best luck around water level bank campsite areas fast twitching and slowly retrieving while twitching. If campsites are not an option for you fish bank areas with natural food and habitat. Rats live in brushy areas and eat nuts seeds berries fruits and bugs. For anybody that's about to give up on rats, watch this video again!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks bud! You're too funny! I'm not sure how on earth it took this long to talk about it but we finally got there. :-P Great tips from you as well, thank you.

[@mr.fatbasstard648]

TacticalBassin we have Voles (field mice) and Norway's (brown, sewer rat) here in the foothills. And the large Delta covered boat slips are full of Roof rats (black). They love the hot San Joaquin climate. They all swim fairly similar, looking desperate to keep their head out of the water. Their head and front legs don't move much when swimming but they're hindquarters and tails go crazy. I don't think a Bass really gives a rat's ass how they're moving though. I think they just see a desperate looking big meal. Thanks for the video guys good to know your Rat Men after all... lol

[@hammerrough4204]

Glad your honest of bending lighter hooks when you get that big bite. Good work boys.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Bud!

[@dgroves85]

Thanks for this video! I've been wanting to explore the world of rats but had no idea where to start. So this was super helpful for me thanks 👌🏼

[@tacticalbassin]

Any time Dennis

[@mikeweller326]

great video never thought about using rats in the lakes here in az.

[@tacticalbassin]

They love them down there!

[@Twangtown7]

If the Googan guy have 300,000-500,000 subscribers, you should have 1 million, at least. Good stuff, as usual.

[@bellagruia46]

Googan guys just remake videos of tactical bass in videos. And act like they know what their doing. Googan stinks.

[@lojofishing]

Rat lures are the future lol

[@killerinstinctbaits]

And past

[@Ifnotforgrace316]

I don't know if I missed it in the video, but I don't think you mentioned it. What line do you use with the different rats? Awesome video as usual.

[@johnnyratlure420]

Thanks Matt. I appreciate your detailed description in this video. Great tutorial.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks! We're happy to do it and glad you approved when you found it. :-)

[@Yumm_media]

I just got a rat and love it and it's funny to see that you guys are doing it!! Awesome video!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Great minds!

[@christiancolabelli]

Hey Matt! I've watched this video maybe 20 times over the past couple years. I have one question: Do you fish rats on straight 80lb braid or go braid to leader? I've experimented with both and had success both ways but am curious as to your preference. There is no line recommendation and it's something I always wonder about. Thanks so much!

[@MrHabitat009]

Straight braid

[@dickwood88]

Matt, you suggest using 1X hooks as replacements but the Gamakatsu link does not have an X in any hook size. Is 1X the same as 1/0? Thanks for the videos, you guys are awesome!!

[@bellagruia46]

Why suggest a 1x hook when they don’t make it, or when you link to tackle warehouse tell the size you get? So confusing matt

[@vitomitchell1]

Just fished the Woodrow Rat in VA...crazy bite in a remote lake. 5 lb'er all morning. Posting a video here in a few days

[@joelkrueger3413]

Can you do a video on how to fish summer without a graph?

[@tacticalbassin]

We sure can

[@joelkrueger3413]

TacticalBassin Thanks!! Cant wait to see it!

[@michaelteaby1160]

TacticalBassin I also would love to see a summer fishing video without a graph! Not to mention a pre-Spawn Spawn and post Spawn

[@bobbyswain7049]

Love throwin the Spro...have caught some good ones on the small one...nice vid

[@victordeppe9609]

Good stuff boys I just shared it to Badlands, will be a excellent video for the group.

[@markcameroon6613]

matt i got a yappa rat check it out man havent fished it yet cant wait any tips ?

[@jeffgauthier6216]

I love seeing peoples opinions cus its just funny lol... I feel like it depends on where ur at.. ur opinion is different from mine... cheep/expensive rat baits... My personal FAVORITE rat bait was ur first one u showed lol... I absolutely LOVE the spro rat 40... thats my absolube favorite size.... between the 30 and 50 it can catch monsters but will still catch the medium homies as well... it looks great and pretty loud eemmmmm I love it lol... I personally have done especially well with it while going night fishing.. done good during the day as well but leme tell u that spro 40 SLAAYYYSSS when night fishing lol.

[@ata1421]

Matt please upload new RAT video and recommend the rats that they are available, So far that is only clip in your channel about rats. Dont forget the guys in south for recommendations as well, Thank you

[@MrTightLines]

Nice! Getting ready to watch this, but want to just say...there's nothing like a top water bite. And there's NOTHING like a big ol wake bait rat bite!! It's a thrill all in its own! :D Ok, moving on and watching now

[@MrTightLines]

Awesome, I'll probably now be purchasing the Johnny Rat after watching this. I have the BBZ Rat 50, and have been happy with that, but that Johnny Rat looks just....amazing!! :) Thanks again for your videos. I can only hope to attain 1/10th of the sub's and skills that you guys have!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Bud!!

[@tonyorozco8367]

Every video you guys post is such awesome/useful information. Best fishing channel out here on youtube by far. So stoked to watch every new vid you guys put up thank you @tacticalbassin

[@richshackelford5793]

Great video. All your videos are great. Number one youtubers. Keep up the great work you guys put in your videos.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Rich!

[@kyleschneider8962]

Owner Stinger Treble Hook 4X ST-66 have been my hooks of choice. They make a louder sound and personally I've had great hook ups with them, especially when they try sucking them in. My theory is when a fish come up to hit a bait from underneath they aren't pushed away with the water that fish pushes and when they turn back down after hitting the flotation of the bait and gravity of them going down almost sets itself. This may all be what I tell myself to keep confidence in them, but god I'd be scared to lighten up those hooks.

[@tacticalbassin]

:-) I can't argue with success. Not my favorite hook, and stoked to hear its working for you!

[@benzerzanek5837]

Awesome video. Really helped.

[@anthonykimball3676]

I love my bbz rats, affordable and they just flat out work

[@ship4427]

Just got my first bass on a spro bbz1 yesterday. She came off of her bed and hammered it.

[@dawsonlenz4683]

Did yall ever go over line choice? Im assuming straight braid?

[@shaunroberts9361]

O and I got my PB last weekend at CFW it was a 3.5 pound Big Mouth. I had a ten pound line and a KVD worm and threw it next to a cliff wall and BAM the fight was on..

[@huntnfishnuts5880]

Nice tips on the tail modification.

[@tedmccarthy1401]

Awesome video and thanks for the tips!!!!

[@frankhosier4667]

You should do a video about the styles/brands of plastics you throw with various techniques.

[@frankhosier4667]

The selection can get pretty overwhelming, it would be great to know what the time-tested, best plastics are.

[@tacticalbassin]

We can definitely do that, we'll get it on the list.

[@austinbrown6944]

Loving these videos, can't get enough

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Austin!

[@azrael3758]

When your talking about the Johnny rat do you guy like the big one or small one?

[@shaunroberts9361]

That was a awesome Video for sure and I learned allot. I have laughed at those baits and said who would throw a rat for a bait,, And I guess now I am going to have to try it... Again thank you guys so much your videos are epic for sure....................

[@tacticalbassin]

You're going to love it. Congrats on that new PB!!

[@alabamatrout6985]

I thoroughly enjoy watching these big bait videos as I have committed about 90% of my fishing time to nothing but them. Still hard to get away from a frog or a jig other than those 2 lures I try to only throw swimbaits. Just recently picked up the big savage gear mad rat but can't seem to get bit. They are smashing 130 plopper and spittin wah my buddies are throwing but not the rat. Should I stop playing around and buy an expensive hand made rat? I look forward to the next video. Tight lines from Alabama

[@tacticalbassin]

Justin, the Mad Rat isn't a bait we even tried throwing so I can't tell you for sure but even amongst quality rats there are big differences between them. If you're going all in, a better rat will go a long way. That said, I'm not on your fishery to confirm you've got a strong rat bite to start with... but I'll bet you do. :-)

[@thelivinlegend1]

Great Video Guys👍👍

[@Hawksfan3986]

Any thoughts on the Savage Gear rat?

[@tacticalbassin]

Its not one that made the cut. These are the rat baits we prefer to fish

[@danielhenderson6250]

TacticalBassin This is true homie, I got the Savage Gear Rat a long time ago and I threw that thing in pretty much the sewerest most looking pond last time I fished it and not a damn thang, almost tossed the bait in the water because I was so pissed.

[@justinsmothers2763]

Matt, I had a large Slough Chicken (Blue Herron) fly off with my Spro Rat 50 while I was walking it off the bank one morning.

[@tacticalbassin]

Oops!

[@mattling2567]

As always great vid 👍🏻

[@Roboworm99]

Good Stuff as usual

[@socooutdoors6846]

I've thrown about every different rat wake bait on tackle warehouse and the best one I've found is the spro bbz rat

[@tacticalbassin]

Its a great fish catcher for sure

[@joshgold1985]

this is awesome i do pest control for Advanced and service the elk grove to jackson area rats are everywhere I'm gunna try a rat next time at rancho...i kinda wish bass ate more rats make my job easier.

[@lonestarswimbait9068]

I love when you mimic a rod pop.. Hang ten lol.

[@feralgrandad4429]

Super useful, thanks. Any line recommendations please Matt?

[@trkoutdoors4962]

I just picked up the Spro 30 and it’s more like a mouse not a rat. Might not weed out the smaller fish but still could work for big boys right? Fishing urban lakes/ponds here in SoCal

[@trkoutdoors4962]

@Hunter fishman thank you for the reply.

[@operivy]

Unless I'm mistaken the rod you linked too is a fast action, when you recommended a moderate action?

[@toadslayer72]

Line recommendations Matt? I'm a huge braid/ leader fan in general but I especially love braid for topwaters. I usually go straight braid w topwaters in fact. I'm wondering what your take is however because of the whole treble hook thing. Thank you.

[@aaronshafer5513]

I was wondering the same thing. Perhaps straight braid pulls the hooks out too easily? Maybe a mono or fluoroleader would absorb some of the stiffness of the braid.

[@robertflames86]

BullRat and Nez rats is what i use! but still have a Spro 30-50s

[@Twangtown7]

Question for you Matt (or Tim). You mention using moderate actions rods, but the Dobyns you link is fast action. I'm confused. Thanks.

[@davidshellhaas1730]

Great vid--Thanks!

[@ClayWilliamson]

It's a dang good night bait for me, never get much day love tho.

[@tacticalbassin]

Its a time and a place bait for sure

[@kurtcerny1978]

Hey Matt...could you point me in the right direction for line and leader..thanx

[@carsoncanada6573]

Do you guys fish the slide swimmers? I can't find a good video on them if you do would you make a video about them?!

[@devinweber8741]

I was wondering if you could help me with something. I recently have been able to fish a private quarry pond and I know their are big fish in it. I went to the lake today and I saw 4 fish all around 3 pounds however none would bite. Then late in the day I hooked into a true 10+ pounder at the surface and he spit the hook. I'm trying to figure out if you would have any advice to find or catch the big fish in the lake. Some information you may need for the lake are it is currently being actively dredged on so I can only go on sundays and also half of the lake is on a 10 foot cliff so when I hook a big one I have to jump down in the water and grabs it. Also I live in Indiana. Please let me know if you have any advice

[@cascasoldier]

great vid. you spoke about tails but how big a part are the tails to the action of the bait? I don't think they make a big difference so I replace my tails with leather cord and secure them with silicone sealant. never lost a tail since.

[@tacticalbassin]

Personally, I think they're a major part of the rat's action because they're whipped around so violently behind the bait with the right tail material. Haven't tried leather, it might look great too.

[@benracicot707]

What about savage gear rats are those any good

[@collinsaunderson9225]

Hi I have the big savage 3 D rat what tackle gear should I use rod line and reels for that big rat. Tanks

[@caydenbrown1127]

Maybe a video on everything we need to know about chatter baits?

[@tacticalbassin]

:-) Excellent choice. We'll put that on the list and begin working on it

[@cagideon]

Great video! Just bought a few rats to try this out next Summer. Could I use my Dobyns Fury 8' Swimbait Rod for these? I use this same rod for my glides.

[@clearlakeangler9720]

Ive been talking to people and someone told me to try a rod that was made for steelhead fishing. Walked into the outdoor pro shop checked out a steelhead rod by loomis for backbouncing and the next day I got it. THE BEST treble hooked swimbait rod ive ever used or seen sorry dobyns but that rods perfect

[@tacticalbassin]

The back bounce special is a great rod for sure, it was a great rod 15 years ago. There have been a lot of great rods to hit the market since but its definitely still a winner.

[@piltbike5289]

do you guys have any left handed reels on your guide service for customers

[@tacticalbassin]

Sure do, a complete line of left handed equipment.

[@austinstallings4659]

what do you say about the 40 size of the spro rat? its the biggest one weight wise that i can throw without getting a new rod and without just lobbing the rod

[@shipwrek4388]

The savage gear rat looks ridiculously real

[@garrettprater7259]

Awesome awesome video just the info I needed thanks!

[@bobsmith1841]

BAD ASS X 1000!!!!!!!! PRECIOUS.... CLICK CLICK...

[@bassjunkie4881]

Starting off with rats bull rat or spro bbz1 50 size?????

[@Fishingin290]

Good video as always. What kind of worm did you put on that spro rat, and how did you stick it on? Toothpick and glue I'm assuming?

[@tacticalbassin]

As I recall that's a Roboworm 6" fat and its just toothpicked in place.

[@andrewhoeft2710]

Great vid! Love my Spro (bbz-1) rats. I use the 25 and 30 for river smallies... absolutely kills em🤘😎

[@buckndoe9625]

Andrew what size line are you throwing those two smaller sizes on for smallies? Straight braid or do you add in leader material? Thanks

[@andrewhoeft2710]

@@buckndoe9625 10lb mono👍

[@charlesrichardson3463]

Hey Matt / Tim what do you guys think about Matt lures rat I know it's a wake bait / about 2 feet deep what do you guys think about the swimming rat under the water instead of on top

[@chengsterboi07]

What type of line do you guys recommend. I know Matt likes braid to leader but can I just throw straight mono? I was gonna get the savage gear 3d rat but now I might have to get the spro to try instead.

[@garretthall2651]

great video!

[@Phillyfisherman]

I noticed the tails on your rats, specifically the Spro. What do you use for tails? My Spro rat has a segmented tail.

[@tacticalbassin]

If you open the video description we have links to the exact baits that we're using as tails but basically, plastic worms.

[@jakeplissken8991]

What plastics do you use for your tail? Specifically the Spro? Might have said it and I missed it lol

[@D3nnisP3pa]

Great vid! Thank you for the knowledge!

[@tacticalbassin]

Any time, we're happy to do it

[@jarinwilbourn3997]

Do a rat fishing video

[@kylelud6272]

As a 19 year old it's tough for me to afford a lot of the "bettter" big swimbaits rods. Is there anything in the 100-150 dollar price range that you would recommend for someone in the northeast fishing mainly 6-7 inch swimbaits/Rats? I have been using a 7-6 heavy lews TP1 rod and it hasn't been too bad, but I'd like to be more specific in my rod choice.

[@justinhealey2817]

thoughts on dobyns 795 for slammers and other large topwaters?

[@tacticalbassin]

Good choice although if I was going with a dedicated rod it would be the 806H

[@phildubya5011]

thanks for the great vid, matt. is this a braid to mono deal? should we worry about the leader size with rat baits? generally were talking about lighter line setups for crankbaits and treble hook lures in general. where should i start with the line setup?

[@tacticalbassin]

Still braid to leader or in murky water, straight braid. We got heavy (65-80 lb) because its still a very large bait.

[@phildubya5011]

thanks for the reply! good to know since south florida has been getting hosed for months now, seems like a good time for the rat.

[@cc-ty3gg]

Great video.very informative as always...would you recommend using a heavy power crankbait rod?? Thanks

[@tacticalbassin]

We typically use moderate swimbait rods but yes, a heavy crank rod can work too

[@DeltaBassBuster]

#5 LIKE.......Who are the other "Night Owls" out here? :-P

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! There are a few of you for sure!

[@vitomitchell1]

TacticalBassin Question. What do you think of the Daiwa DXSB801XHFB as a Swimbait/Rat Rod paired with the Daiwa TATULA100HS 7.3:1 ??

[@claydavis2095]

Have you guys seen the video where they are fly fishing 4 giant brown trout in New Zealand. They are throwing mouse and rat imitations. They had a bunch of great Hooksett shots and you can actually see the brown trout eating the real mice. It was high water flow so the mice were stacked and freaking out

[@lukebone9379]

Good stuff

[@derekstonerealestate9762]

Great video as always. What kind and lb line are you using especially with the SPRO?

[@jrge9359]

I use a 50 size spro. 65 to 80 lb braid. Just caught a 7lb on it this last weeked.