Rat-L-Traps are well known all across the country for taking bass in the spring and fall and getting quality fish for a good limit.

Most anglers, including veterens and even some pros, still just chuck it out and wind and rip it if it hits grass and that is basically their main or even only technique.

This is a mistake, especialy early in the spring when water temperatures are in the low to mid forties. That's right. I said low to mid forties!

In various sections of the country different colors work best, but almost all colors work at some time or another. Here is the key to more and MUCH BIGGER bass in early spring in cold water.

At the entrance to all the north shore coves, where later in the year, some pads, and possibly some type of vegetation will grow, but especially when there is big chunk rock and sand at the mouths and part way back into the coves, this is where the technique works best.

The depth of the water will vary depending on the region of the country and type of water, but in the northeast, you want to start at the mouths of the north shore coves where the water is about 5-8 feet deep, near spawning grounds, and lowers to a foot or less at the very back of the coves. A hard sandy bottom and rocks are a key factor in this, and it should be nearby where bass will spawn. We will get into even more subtle advanced details in the working of the Rat-L-Trap type baits later on in another tip.

You position the boat at the mouths of the creeks in the deeper water and cast out and let the Rat-L-Trap sink all the way to the bottom. The color to use is an Orange/Red or Red/Black spot combination, and we change the hooks to Daiichi hooks as most Rat-L-Traps except a few "Premium" baits have hooks that most bass can throw easily.

After casting the Rat-L-Trap out, and letting it sink all the way to the bottom, let it sit there on the bottom for as long as 30-45 seconds and watch your line. Do Not move it at all. Slowly lift the trap with the rod until you feel it start to vibrate a little, unless it feels mushy, or like it has leaves or grass on it, then "SET THE HOOK" it is usually not grass!

In slow, short pumps, bring it a few feet almost to the surface, and let it fall again, watching your line carefully all the time, and if anything feels different set the hook!

If nothing happens cast it out a few feet to the left or right, and do it again. Again, use a Redish colored trap even in the northeast. This will boat you some real lunkers of 5-10 pounds, depending on your lake or area of the country. We will get into more detailed ripping and pulling techniques also a little later, and some great summertime tricks. Stay Tuned!