A Rat-L-Trap and similar baits is a type of fishing lure, also known as a lipless crankbait, that imitates a wounded or fleeing baitfish. It is a popular lure among bass anglers and is known for its ability to cover a lot of water quickly and trigger aggressive strikes from bass and other predatory gamefish.
Most lipless cranks have thin, flat profiles with a tapered nose and a wide belly forming a shape imitating common baitfish like shad and perch. It typically features one or more metal balls inside that rattle when the lure is retrieved creating a sound that can attract fish from a distance especially in off-colored water.
Lipless crankbaits come in various styles (rattling and silent), sizes and colors, and it's best to match the size and color of the lure to the prevailing conditions such as water clarity, weather, and the type/size of bait present in the area.
When fishing a lipless crank, it's important to pay attention to the conditions and adjust your presentation accordingly. For example, if the water is cold, you may want to fish the lure more slowly and pause it frequently to make it look more vulnerable. If the fish are feeding on smaller baitfish, you may want to use a smaller-sized lure to match the hatch. Experiment with different techniques and retrieve speeds until you find what works best for the conditions and the fish.
Take a moment and watch as bass expert Tim Little gives a Master Class on many of the nuances on fishing the lipless crankbaits...
