The more subtle rattlebaits, and rattlebait theories

[MassBass]

For me, the rat-l-trap and rattlebait in general has always been kind of a big water bait. They seem to work best in big lakes; with boat traffic, wind, and waves. I originally gained my confidence in rattlebaits fishing clear water lake smallies, I would use a hot color like firetiger and the fish would see it (and hear it) from a great distance and chase it and strike. Its also a great lure for any sort of baitfish situation, but again, in big water.  

  The other day at the pond (a fairly big pond) the wind was blowing in from open water to the weed line and I caught a nice fish in this kind of "big water" area. On a baitfish pattern xcalibur rattlebait. Sound transmits underwater 10x further than in air. I think in a small pond, the entire pond could hear a loud 1/2 oz. rattlebait. I think in a pond, especially a pressured pond, a rattlebait is just so obnoxious and unrealistic that bass don't react to it like they do in bigger water. I would like to hear your experience and luck with these more subtle rattlebaits that are on the market now. Like the silent red-eye, the one knoker rat-l-trap and the one knock boo yah. To cover water and trigger strikes in smaller water, I think I should try some of these.     

   

    

[bigbassin']

I definitely feel the opposite. I absolutely crush pond bass on rattle traps, on lakes I'll typically go for a swim jig/chatter bait first.

[BassB8Caster]

I struggle as well with rat l traps. I fish small lakes and ponds less than 200 acres. One one I did ok: a few small largemouth, couple perch and pickerel. Nothing with any size. I have also tried to use it (both one in perch pattern and red craw) as a search bait in new water trying anywhere from 7 to 20 feet. Looking for bass just off the shallow shelf. No dice. Will watch this thread for tips.

[lakeannaangler]

I love the bill lewis 1/8oz rat-l-trap for multispecies action in both ponds and lakes. I also like the smallest red eye shad and the silent red eye shad for ripping through the weeds. The red eye shad double tap is a much more subtle bait than all the others and it has a thumping action that the fish can hear from a long distance and the smallmouth in my river can't stand the tungsten 2 tap in the natural shad pattern.

[A-Jay]

Check out the 6th Sense Lures bait  ~ S n a t c h 70 FRS (Faint Rattle System).

http://www.6thsenselures.com/#!******-70frs/c12iq

Might be just what you're looking for.

Works for me.

A-Jay

[Bluebasser86]

I love traps for pond  bass. Early spring especially before the weeds start growing.

[scaleface]

I lfish the old Whopper stopper Bayou Boogies . Its a lipless bait with no rattles .Great baits .

[Catt]

1/8 oz tiny trap, 1/8 oz spin trap, 1/4 oz mini trap, 1/4 oz spin trap, & 1/3 oz floating trap!