I was fishing down at my local lake with a rat-l-trap lure. I casted it out two times near a underwater log with no success. I then switched tactics and used the same lure. Only this time, I used the rattle to make noise in the lure. Suddenly, I hooked on to something that felt like I snagged the log. I then saw the line move and I set the hook. It took all of my strength to land the monster without a net. I looked at my catch in astonishment. I ran home to get my dad. We put the fish in a cooler and drove home with the catch. That night, we had delicious largemouth bass and rice. That was the best catch of my life so far.

Great catch, but I would have released a fish that size. Unless he was hooked deep in the throat.
Lifer since 05/08....Ky....Fred

I use lots of diffrent topwater lures when bass and crappie fishing. The shinier the better in my opinion. I dont just reel them in either. I slightly jerk so they rattle and draw attention. I have had lots of success. My primary lake has lots of moss, so fishing off the bottom is difficult. I've had success with spinner lures, like the erie drearie as well. I've caught bigger bass with spinners, but it's much harder to get a bite. I use a spinner reel and I have a bait caster but I prefer to use my spinning reel. Havent used that rat bait your talking about. I have used Zoom worms with little success, however.