Rat-L Trap Setup

[ks cranker]

Looking to make a setup for 1/2 oz Rat-L Traps...

Any suggestions...

Reel, Rod, Line?

Thanks!

[Wayne P.]

My Trap set-up: 6 1/2' custom S-Glass rod-spiral wrapped, Spiderwire Original 30#, and Quantum PR600CX baitcaster.

[Ranger364]

I like a good Med action rod (graphite) with a fast reel 6.2:1 or 7.0:1 (curado) spooled with 10-12 lb Trilene XT.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

I fish what I consider my "all-around" baitcaster. I use the same rod for all medium weight treble hook lures (topwater, jerkbaits and cranks) plus buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. This rod is a St. Croix Avid AC66MF with a soft tip. I have mine matched up with a Shimano Calais (6.2:1) and #12 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft.

More generally, I recommend a 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Moderate Action baitcasting rod and reel combination.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I actually use a 7' MH Power Rod with a Med-Fast Action tip.  I like the longer rod to cast the lure a mile and I like the extra power to rip the lure through the submerged weedbeds if it gets caught up.  I figure the extra stretch in the mono will help offset the fact that I use a stiffer rod, which helps prevent the fish from spitting the lure (though I have to be careful the closer the fish gets to the boat).  I also use a 6.2:1 reel.  

[Grey Wolf]

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6'6" MED/MOD. fiber glass rod with a 6.2:1 spinning reel and either 8# fluro or 20# lb. braid.

[ww2farmer]

I toss traps w/ a 6'6" M BPS Cranking stick and a BPS 6.3:1 Extreme Reel spooled up with 12lb Trilene XL. I am very curious about these though

http://www.castawayrods.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=car&Category_Code=rat_fresh

[KU_Bassmaster.]

Over the past 3 years I have been searching for a good lipless crankbait set-up (mostly rod).  I think I have finally found "the one" for me.  It's a Shimano Compre Crankbait rod MH with a Moderate fast tip.  Soft enough to keep fish on and strong enough to rip through grass.

As for the reel, I have always used higher speed reels.  Then I was watching a fishing show with KVD and said he fishes them on 5:1 reels.  I thought that was kind of odd and went against everything I have ever read, but I think the guy knows a thing or two about fishing power baits.  I tried it my last trip out ...... absolutely hammered em'.  Maybe he is on to something. :

[mike bat]

in the past i used a 7ft premiere med fast with little trouble .... but i just baught a extreme 6ft6 med hev fast that has a softer tip than my st croix rods ,,, i feel this stick will be outstanding for spinner baits and lipless cranks .... i use a shimano calcutta 51 .... works great ....

[Fishing Doug]

If it is in your price range, The G Loomis Crankbait rods seem to be great rods.  I have the CBR843 and TD-Z (5.8:1 retrieve). The rod is med action and loads up a 1/2 oz rattle trap really well.  

The combo is very light weight which I think is important........especially since lipless cb's are a big favorite of mine...

FD

[huskertko]

I use my normal crankbait set up for lipless cranks, BPS crankin stick 6'6" M with a BPS Pro Qualifier reel.  I use a 5.1:1 ratio reel as well, although, I was using it before I saw the show with KVD, so does that mean I am as smart as KVD :-?, I would say no, but it does make me feel a little better knowing my set up is not all that different from one of the greatest anglers.

[Sam]

KS Bryan,

The set ups are all good; however, may I add some suggestions?

I have lost more fish on Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits on the original hooks that come with the baits that now I am considering changing all of the hooks on all baits.

Kevin VanDam says that he uses the Strike King Diamond Shad for cold water and around grass in early spring and late fall.  Fish it fast in the shallows and look for flats and stumps and other cover to hit the bait against it.

KVD uses a 7 foot E-Glass rod with a 6:3:1 or 5:1 spinning reel ratio. Slower ratios or slowing reeling for cold water.  He addes low stretch line (fluorocarbon) and replaces the hooks with Mustad's Triple Grips.

He uses one large number 2 hook on the belly and he removes the rear hook on his lipless crankbaits.  He likes the number 2 short shank treble hook on the 1/2 ounce Diamond Shad; number 4's on the 1/4 ounce; and the number 2's on the 3/4 ounce Diamond Shads.

To get some different action, try putting a snap on your lipless cranktaits and regular crankbaits to increase the action.  The number 3 size snaps are to be hooked directly to the split ring.

Do something different to entice those monster bass.

And of course, let us know how you did.

Good luck.

[Sam]

Sorry, I meant a baitcaster, not a spinning reel.

I am getting old and forgetfull.

[Wayne P.]

FYI, fluorocarbon line is NOT low stretch. It stretches as much if not more than regular mono in the same pound test.

[The_Natural]

Loomis cbr845 paired with a 7:1 Zillion would be the ultimate trap rig IMHO.  I also own the cbr843,  but prefer it for 3/8oz baits such as bandit 200's and the like.  The Loomis cbr's are the lightest crankbait rods out there, are an ideal moderate fast action, and are more sensitive than most companies worm rods.  You can score one from Fat Fish for $165...and this is a lot of rod for that price.

[shimanogloomis man]

i will be using the g loomis cbr 845 with the new shimano mg7 still waiting for this reel to come in,spooled with 12 lbs of yo zuri ultra soft ;D

[T-rig]

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6'6" MED/MOD. fiber glass rod with a 6.2:1 spinning reel and either 8# fluro or 20# lb. braid.

I also use the same basic setup.

[justfishin]

A MH 6' 6" baitcaster and 17lb test Big Game is my setup for traps.

[lubina]

If it is in your price range, The G Loomis Crankbait rods seem to be great rods.  I have the CBR843 and TD-Z (5.8:1 retrieve).

FD

.

Good choice, I use CBR 845 Custom trimmed to 6.8 for trapps and spinnerbaits. I have it rigged with an upgraded Scorpion 1001, love that combo