Now that I've had the chance to play with it for a bunch of outings,it is quickly turning into one of my favorites. This thing looks awesome coming through the water for one. Secondly it bombs. I am using the Morning Dawn colored rat. I have been fishing it on a 7' MHF Mojo and an 8.1:1 reel spooled up with 13# Defier Armilo. I have caught at least one fish with it each time out and 2-3 fish multiple times. The bass can't seem to lay off this thing. My only issue with it is,the front treble gets caught on the lip and line a bit. Just based on its effectiveness, I can deal with that. Had what looked to be a 2.5 or spit the hook on me right at the bank early on today. My fault for not keeping it pinned up with the rod. I couldn't get anything going pitching beaver baits,so I went back to the rat once more before taking off. Decided to  go back to the spot the one jumped off and got hit again 2nd cast. This time I didn't give it a chance to get me wrapped up in the vegetation ans spit the hook. Landed another 3 pounder with it. This time she just about choked it. If you have any qualms dropping 22.00 non this thing I can safely say IMO it is worth every penny. Give this lure a try. You will not regret it.

How are you fishing the rat? A steady retrieve or stop and go? I haven't had much luck with mine

Steady retrieve

Not burning it and not slow rolling.

My best retrieve with the 40 seems to be reeling so slowly that it just swims on top.

22 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

My best retrieve with the 40 seems to be reeling so slowly that it just swims on top.

Does the "clack clack clack" get you a lot of reaction strikes? It makes a good amount of noise on top.

I fish it at about 2 feet under the surface.

6 hours ago, the reel ess said:

My best retrieve with the 40 seems to be reeling so slowly that it just swims on top.

 

Same here, just fast enough to wag it's tail. I also use the morning dawn.

16 hours ago, the reel ess said:

My best retrieve with the 40 seems to be reeling so slowly that it just swims on top.

 

9 hours ago, WestBranch said:

 

Same here, just fast enough to wag it's tail. I also use the morning dawn.

Me as well. Morning dawn in 40 size. Just fast enough to get it swimming. 

I have a 30 in chrome. It's been a really good smallmouth bait for me a couple times I've had guys use it on guide trips. It's funny how surprised they are when the fish start smoking that bait. 

6 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I have a 30 in chrome. It's been a really good smallmouth bait for me a couple times I've had guys use it on guide trips. It's funny how surprised they are when the fish start smoking that bait. 

I'm grabbing the chrome one too