3 Best Rat Wake Baits for Bass Fishing
Wake baits have become more and more popular in recent years amongst bass fisherman, especially those looking to catch BIG bass. And one really interesting and fun subset of wake bait fishing is rats.
Rat wake baits have a bit of a cult following among swimbait enthusiasts, with many claiming that have a unique ability to show giant bass something different and trigger huge bass to bite.
So if you are interested in getting into fishing a rat wake bait, here are the two best rat wake baits to get you started.
1. Bucca Baby Bull Rat
Price: $19.99-23.99
The Bucca Baby Bull Rat is a highly effective topwater wakebait designed to mimic the natural movement of a small rodent.
And as a mass produced lure, the Bull Rat is much more affordable than the vast majority of other rat lures.
Measuring 3.5 inches (not including the tail) and weighing 3/4 oz., its segmented, jointed body creates an enticing swimming motion across the water’s surface, perfect for luring in bass and other predatory fish.
The Bucca Rat certainly has one of, if not the most detailed mouse/rat body design. With tons of 3D texture to the fur, ears, limbs, and head.
As well as a number of colors to fit your exact preference, the Bull Rat looks more like a real rat that just about any other rat wake bait on the market.
Pre-rigged with a flexible soft-plastic tail, the Baby Bull Rat has an extra replacement tail for added convenience after heavy use.
Its sharp treble hooks ensure solid hooksets. This rat swimbait, available in realistic colors, is perfect for fishing near cover, such as docks, weeds, or rocky areas, where larger predators lie in wait.
- Segmented, jointed body creates realistic swimming motion
- Perfect for topwater fishing near cover for bass and other predators
- Includes one pre-rigged soft-plastic tail and one extra replacement tail
- Sharp treble hooks for reliable hooksets
- Diving depth: 0 – 1 ft.
- Hook size: #4
- Length 3.5 in. (not including the tail)
- Weight: 0.75 oz
2. Spro Rat Wake Bait (40)
Price: $39.99
Stepping up to a bit bigger and heavier bait, the Spro Rat wake bait in the 40 size is a phenomenal choice.
Made from multiple composites, the Spro Rat Wakebait offers a custom “wood” feel and a sturdy construction that stands up to the most crushing topwater explosions.
At the rear, the Spro Rat Wakebait comes equipped with a long TPE soft plastic tail that adds to its realistic rat appearance.
Armed with super-sharp trebles, the Spro Rat Wakebait offers an easy-to-walk, lifelike presentation that is sure to increase your fish count and your heart rate.
The SPRO Rat features a foam injected plastic body, giving the bait a that custom wooden bait sound and feel, but also maintaining the durability and consistency of a mass production bait.
The SPRO Rat’s square bill allows it to be fished in and around cover while simultaneously pushing water to give it a great walking action.
All SPRO Rats feature our new and improved elastomer material tail creating the perfect combination for a lifelike action and durability.
- 3.9 inch body, 7.5 inches total length
- 1 oz
- Walking and Waking actions
- 4 different sizes, although we recommend the 40 size
3. Savage Gear 3D Rad Rat
Price: $17.99-26.99
In nature, one thing is certain; rats and water don’t mix when hungry bass are near. Capitalizing on this link in the food chain, Savage Gear has developed the Savage Gear 3D Rad Rat – an astonishingly lifelike, jointed rodent imitation with a pension for big bites.
Mimicking the unlucky field mice that find their way into lakes and streams, the Savage Gear 3D Rad Rat features three mesh-connected segments and a durable lip, which work together to create an ultra-realistic swimming action.
Included with two tails, the Savage Gear 3D Rad Rat features detachable feet, arms, and a tail for unequaled anatomical authenticity.
Offered in a number of lifelike colors, the Savage Gear 3D Rad Rat utilizes the most advanced 3D scanning technology available to provide anglers with a look and an action that big bass won’t be able to discern from the real deal.
When to Use a Rat Wake Bait
Rat wake baits, and really all big wake baits, are high-profile, surface-disturbing lures that mimic a large meal. Because they create a distinct “V” shaped wake and often feature mechanical clicking sounds, they are most effective when bass are looking upward and hunting for substantial prey.
Here is the breakdown of when to deploy them:
Summer
Summer is the undisputed “Golden Era” for rat fishing. As water temperatures rise, a bass’s metabolism spikes, making them more willing to expend energy for a large, high-calorie meal like a rodent or large baitfish.
- Target Areas: Focus on heavy cover like lily pads, laydowns, and overhanging brush where rats naturally fall into the water.
- The Heat Factor: During mid-day heat, bass tuck deep into the shade. Running a wake bait tightly along the edge of a shaded dock or a thick weed line can pull “resident” fish out of their cool spots for an aggressive strike.
Morning
The first few hours of light are prime for “walking the rat.”
- Low Light Advantage: Bass are naturally more comfortable roaming shallow water when the sun is low.
- The Strategy: Use a steady, slow retrieve. In the calm, glassy water of early morning, the “clack” of the bait’s joints and the surface wake are highly visible and audible to predators lurking in the shallows.
Evening
As the sun begins to dip, bass move from their deep summer haunts back into the shallows to feed before dark.
- Transition Zones: Target points and secondary transitions where deep water meets a shallow flat.
- The Strategy: This is a great time to experiment with speed. A slightly faster “burn” that creates a more violent wake can trigger a reactionary strike from bass that are actively chasing schools of bait.
Night Time
Many trophy bass anglers believe the rat wake bait is the ultimate night lure.
- Sound over Sight: Since visibility is near zero, bass rely on their lateral line to sense vibrations. The heavy displacement and rhythmic knocking of a rat bait make it very easy for a bass to track and pin down.
- The Strategy: Keep your retrieve slow and constant. You want to give the fish a steady target to home in on. Because the hook-up ratio can be tricky at night, wait until you actually feel the weight of the fish on the rod before setting the hook.
Read Our Full Article on Wake Bait Fishing 101
Reeling this In
Whether you’re a seasoned swimbait enthusiast or a newcomer looking to land your first double-digit bass, adding a rat wake bait to your tackle box is a game-changer.
These lures offer a unique profile and a rhythmic, “clacking” surface action that big, predatory bass simply can’t resist—especially during those prime low-light windows and warm summer nights.
From the budget-friendly detail of the Bucca Baby Bull Rat to the custom feel of the Spro Rat 40 and the hyper-realistic scan of the Savage Gear 3D Rad, there is an option for every angler’s style and budget.
So, next time the water is glassy and the bass are looking up, tie on a rodent and get ready; the explosions are worth the wait.
