I’m going to start out by saying I hate the SPRO BBZ-1 Rat. When I say hate, it’s a love/hate kind of thing. For some reason, I can’t catch a fish on it. I’ve had hits on it, but every single time I hook one on, the fish jumps and spits the lure. A couple of things I have noticed is the bait tends to roll to one side if you reel it in too fast. Also on the one I have, sometimes the rear hook gets caught in the joint which then makes it swim horribly on that retrieve. I know it works, it just does not work for me. I’ve seen countless videos and pictures of monster fish caught with them. I’m using 20-pound braid tied directly to it. What am I doing wrong? Anyone have any tips to share?
I’m not giving up on the SPRO BBZ-1 Rat lure just yet, I have too much time invested. I will catch a fish on it even if it kills me.
SPRO Website: Link
I have two of these SPRO rats – the first one of which I won through a random giveaway here on this site! I had success with it so I bought a second one of a different size and color.
I also noticed that it rolls on retrieve, and that is due to the retrieve speed. I just had to get used to a slower-than-usual retrieve on my reel. While I’ve not caught monster fish on these rats, I have caught LOTS of fish on these rats. From crappies and bluegills (why they feel like hitting a giant rat, I have no idea) to bass in the 15-17″ range or smaller.
Whenever I get frustrated with finicky fish, I put on one of these rats and I feel like it must intimidate fish into biting it! Seems to always work for me.
I love the rat my rat is bigger than that one but I’ve caught fish on it day and night. I think Clinton is right it intimidates the fish to bite almost daring them.