Rat-L-Trap, the Yo-Yo Technique
by Jeff Bruhl

Most fishermen use a simple retrieve when using a lipless crankbait like a Rat-L-Trap. This style is a consistent producer in shallow water. A steady retrieve on deep-water points, channel drops, and humps may not produce a strike. Deep-water structure is a great place to yo-yo a Rat-L-Trap.

A half-ounce Rat-L-Trap will cover deep-water structure quickly and efficiently. The method of yo-yoing a Rat-L-Trap is similar to a Texas-rigged worm or Carolina rigged Lizard. Although a Trap is not weedless, it will go through cover. I prefer to use the lure on clean, cover free bottoms. Bass often use the contours of the bottom to ambush their prey. Finding these structures will produce fish.

Often the biggest mistake made when fishing these areas is the cast or presentation. I often see anglers throw the lure on top of the structure they are attempting to fish instead of casting beyond the target. Instead of the lure falling on top of the hump or drop, yo-yo the lure towards the target. Picture a bass lying next to a sharp drop. He is waiting to ambush the shad or baitfish as they move past the drop off. A bass will react quickly to the appearance of the bait.

Another mistake made when fishing deep-water structure is feeding out slack and waiting for the lure to touch bottom. Bites are undetectable with so much slack in the line. Use a tight line to detect bites by keeping in contact with the lure as it falls. Also, count as the lure falls. Counting helps determine the depth of the structure or fish when a strike occurs. This information can be used to determine other areas that might hold fish.

Yo-yoing a half-ounce Rat-L-Trap is a simple style of fishing. After allowing the bait to fall on a tight line, slowly lift the rod tip. Reel the line in as the lure falls back to the bottom. Variation is the key. Some days the fish want a large lift. On cold winter days, try a small lift. Remember to keep tension on the line as it falls back to the bottom. Ninety nine percent of the strikes occur on the fall of the bait.

I use this technique in the summer on long sloping points or tail water edges of flats. It can produce limits very quickly when fish are keying on migrating shad. A long sweep of the rod causes the Rat-L-Trap to produce its signature rattle. In the winter I will use a smaller rod lift or sweep. I also slow roll or swim the bait more in the winter.

Sound Fishing with a Rat-L-Trap:

Bass use their lateral lines to pinpoint schools of shad. Rat-L-Traps mimic the sound of a school of shad. After 30 years of popularity, the lure continues to be a dependable producer. Sound and vibration are an important part of the fish feeding mechanism. Yo-yoing the bait to produce the patented rattle will help the fish locate the bait. It is a key part of producing fish.

A low stretch line like Berkley’s Fireline is great for this technique. It provides greater sensitivity and better hook sets. The further you are away from the fish when he bites, the less force you can apply to the hook set. Low stretch lines shift the favor back to the angler.

Next time you are out, try yo-yoing a Trap. It is a great way to cover water, find humps and drop offs, and locate active fish. Just remember to stay in contact with the lure as it falls. You may be surprised.