Why the PB Rat Catches Big Bass
The PB Rat swimbait is one of the most realistic lures on the market. Its lifelike rat profile and natural swimming action make it irresistible to largemouth bass — especially trophy-sized fish that have seen every lure in the tackle box.
Whether you're fishing shallow flats, dock edges, or open water, knowing how to fish the PB Rat correctly can dramatically increase your catch rate. Here's everything you need to know.
Best Retrieves for the PB Rat
1. Steady Swim Retrieve
The most effective and versatile technique. Cast the PB Rat out, then reel in at a slow-to-medium pace. The bait's tail kicks naturally, mimicking a swimming rat. This works year-round but is especially deadly in spring and summer.
2. Stop-and-Go Retrieve
Reel a few cranks, then pause for 1-2 seconds. This erratic action triggers reaction strikes from bass that are following but not committing. The pause lets the bait imitate an injured or disoriented prey.
3. Wake Bait Surface Retrieve
On calm mornings and evenings, retrieve the PB Rat just fast enough to create a surface wake without breaking the water. This topwater-style presentation is explosive in summer and early fall around shallow cover.
Best Locations to Fish the PB Rat
- Dock edges and pilings — Bass ambush prey in the shadows. Cast parallel to docks and swim the PB Rat through the strike zone.
- Grass lines and weed edges — Swim the bait along the edge of vegetation where bass patrol for food.
- Points and transitions — Where hard bottom meets soft, or shallow meets deep, bass stack up. The PB Rat covers water efficiently to locate fish.
- Open water flats — In spring, bass move shallow to spawn. A slow-swimming PB Rat over flat areas is deadly for pre-spawn and post-spawn fish.
Seasonal Tips
Spring (March–May): Fish the PB Rat slowly in pre-spawn areas — shallow flats, coves, and creek arms. Bass are aggressive and territorial. Use natural colors like brown, black, grey or white.
Summer (June–August): Early morning and late evening are prime. Use the wake retrieve on calm water. During midday, slow-roll deeper structure.
Fall (September–November): Bass are feeding heavily. Match the hatch with shad-colored PB Rats and cover water quickly to find active schools.
Final Tips
The PB Rat is a big-bait presentation — it's designed to catch quality fish, not just numbers. Fish it with confidence, vary your retrieve until you find what's working, and don't be afraid to slow down. Big bass take their time.
Ready to try it? Shop PB Rat swimbaits here and find the perfect color for your next trip.