Spro Rat 40 Wakebait

The Spro Rat 40 Wakebait is built for the topwater blowup every angler is chasing. Two years in development and an ICAST Best of Show winner in the hard lure category, the Rat triggers the instinctive, reaction strike that big predator fish can't pass up.

Why Big Fish Can't Leave It Alone

Fussy fish often ignore a bait that moves too clean or too predictably. The Rat's wake and kick mimic something struggling on the surface, which flips the switch from a fish watching to a fish striking. When they're actively feeding, this is the real meal deal they're looking for.

One Bait, Five Retrieves

The Rat isn't a one-trick bait. Bulge it along just under the surface, v-wake it on a steady retrieve, walk the dog with sharp twitches, or pop it for a more aggressive commotion. That versatility means one bait in your box covers several presentations depending on mood and conditions.

The Right Pick If...

You're targeting big largemouth, smallmouth, or other topwater predators and want a floating bait that draws explosive surface strikes rather than subtle bites. It's equally at home worked over grass flats, points, and open water wherever big fish are keyed on baitfish near the surface.

Best Techniques and Conditions

Works best in low light, early morning, and evening when big fish move shallow to feed on top, as well as any time baitfish are active near the surface. Low wind and calm water let the wake action show at its best, though a slight chop can also trigger reaction strikes from fish keyed on the commotion.

Best For

• Big largemouth and smallmouth bass hunting topwater prey
• Early morning and evening surface bites
• Bulging, v-waking, walking the dog, or popping retrieves
• Anglers who want one bait that covers multiple topwater presentations

Key Features

• ICAST Best of Show winner in the hard lure category
• Versatile action: bulge, v-wake, walk the dog, or pop
• Sticky-sharp Gamakatsu hooks standard
• Floating body for consistent surface presentation

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Downsize to the Spro Rat 25 for finesse topwater situations, or size up to the Spro Rat 50 when targeting trophy-class fish.
• Match low light conditions, like early morning or dusk, with a natural shad pattern, and save brighter patterns like Chrome Silver for overcast or stained water.
• Upgrade to stainless steel split rings if you fish saltwater-adjacent brackish water or want extra insurance against bent hardware on big strikes.

FAQ

What's the difference between the Rat 25, 40, and 50?
They're sized differently to match the size of forage and target fish, with the Rat 40 sitting in the middle at 4 inches and 1 ounce.

What retrieve works best to start?
A steady v-wake retrieve is a good starting point, then experiment with bulging or popping based on how fish respond.

Does it come with hooks installed?
Yes, it ships rigged with sticky-sharp Gamakatsu hooks ready to fish.