Lipless crankbaits

[bitesize]

How do you fish a lipless crankbait like the Rat-L-Traps?
Do you cast it out, let it drop to desired depth, and then slowly
retrive? I'm still having problems with catching a bass on this
lure.

[sdesign]

Bitesize,

Until this year, this was a mystery bait for me as well. I think the speed of the reel helps... you need something that pulls in at least 22" per turn. I use a Shimano Chronarch 101 SF for this bait. If you see my post under the Tackle forum on Retrieve Ratios, I list some other reels and their retrieve ratios. I had previously thought the Chronarch was 26" per turn until I tested it.

Anyway, with the lipless cranks.. I basically just chuck and wind... you should be able to feel the vibration of the lure through your pole - or at least hear it in the water. This is how you know if you're retrieving it quickly enough.

Another method people use is to rip the lure... I haven't had much success with this method. I've had my best luck with just a steady retrieve. I dont' wait for it to sink, but rather, I start my retrieve pretty much right after it hits the water.

You have to make sure you're bringing it back near some type of structure - a weedline, stumps, over a bed of weeds/grass, rocks, etc.

Hope that helps.

SD

[dinengurth]

I've been wanting to try trappin too. I've just been using various plastics and would like to try something new.

take it easy

[kbookert]

I have been using the Rat-L-Trap for years. I have one tray in my tackle box that is just Traps. Ripping is very effective. However, after I rip it, I pause for as long as I can stand it, then start a steady retrieve.

The steady retrieve by itself is also effective.

If you can "nick" some type of structure with it on the retrieve (wood, tops of weeds or rocks) this can drive bass crazy.

Although I have many sizes and colors, my Silver/Black back in 1/4oz or 1/2oz is the most productive. Followed by Silver/Blue Back.

[JapanReels]

Silver and black and silver and blue are the most effective for me as well. I like to change the speed of my retrieves on Rat L traps. Bumping structure does work well with bass. I use Rat'L mostly for stripers. Man they get pissed off. 1/2 oz is my favorite size.

[septik]

Anyone have any luck Carolina rigging a floating Rat-L-Trap? Sounds like an interesting tactic, but I've yet to try it. Just curious...

--Casey

[kbookert]

Septik, take a look at this thread.

http://www.dealtackler.com/T3Forum/view ... ating+trap

I have been playing around with this idea.

[sdesign]

lol - i was about to say... deja vu

[septik]

Thanks guys, must've missed that one... Have you had a chance to try it yet K?

--Casey

[kbookert]

Not with the Floating Rat-L-Trap yet.

[JapanReels]

carolina rig is so versatile.

[raul]

The most common way I retrieve them Bitesize is casting, let them sink, start retrieving and then "riping" the bait ( pulling hard the rod and then retrieving the slack fast ) over and over, most strikes come when the bait starts moving again.

[JapanReels]

I have noticed changing speeds such as ripping and pausing definately does make the fish more aggressive because I have had fish follow my bait all the way to the boat without a strike when I did consistant retrieves.

[ezcue]

I fish a lot of traps and shallow cranks (Mann's 1 minus). I have found its all about what the fish what on a given day. I use 3 different retrieves and vary them until I find the one that works the best. A steady fast retreive over structure or grass flats is my favorite. Another effective one I use in deeper water i.e. off the dam. Throw the bait out and let it sink to the bottom. When you begin the retrieve "yoh-yoh" the lure moving the rod tip from 9 o'clock to 12 all the way back in keeping a tight line (they kill it on the fall). The last is the standard "rip" and reel the slack retrieve. Another variation I have found effective on any of the above is to change the angle of retrieve as you bring the bait back to the boat ( switch the rod to the left or right side of your body as you bring it in). With a 7' rod you can alter the baits path by up to 3' ( I'm geussing) often times that is enough to trigger a strike. If I was being chased by a bucket mouth the last thing I would do is run in a straight line.

[sdesign]

Ez... that last tip is a good one.. I'll have to remember that, thanks!

The yo yo retrieve hasn't worked for me yet either... more time I guess.