Well, Guntersville Lake and Rat Fishing? You may have heard over the years that Guntersville's grass was where rat/frog fishing was born. Or, at least where it was determined to be so productive and exciting. Fishing on Guntersville my whole life I have seen the good and bad ratting conditions. For now, I feel we are somewhere in the middle. The rat fishing really needs a few conditions to make it perfect again. The main condition is low water levels. Ten years ago the water level was dropped to low winter pool during the mid-summer as well. The lake controllers do not let the water down this low except during winter, in recent years. In the days when they did, the rat was being born too. Now don't get my wrong, I do not knock rat fishing, I love it and will be doing at least some every week from now till December. It is still a great and exciting way to catch bass on Guntersville, just not as good as ten years ago.

The first place to look for a rat bite will be anywhere you see grass touching the surface. River channel grass, points and shallow back water all need to be checked. However, along the river channel where mostly hydrilla is found tend to be less productive. The hydrilla just grows too thick "most of the time" to be very productive. You can still catch fish but the likelihood is reduced.  

For Rat Fishing on Guntersville you need the right bait:

I prefer the many baits that you will find pictures of at the  Snag-Proof Web Site   frogs and rats by the boat loads. Their baits have great hooks and cast well. Sharp hooks are a must, as with all fishing.

I also like using many of the products from both Mann's Bait Co. and Scum Frog.

I use white mostly but also like black or chartreuse.

You need the right rod:

Best is 6.5 - 8 foot  heavy action rod. If you hook up a bass in scattered grass you might get away with less but why take that chance. Your reel needs to be one you can cast well. Remember you might be winding in a 4 pound bass with 10 pounds of grass. Lower quality reels have failed for me under there conditions.

You need the right line:

20-30 Pound Stren is what I use most of the time, it is strong, cast great and is cost effective.

I will also use 30 - 50 pound test braided line if I feel I will ratting as a main pattern.

You need the right locations:

Matted grass! Try it anywhere you find it. I do tend to look in pockets and creeks more in search of milfoil or green and black algae mats. These vegetations mats have a nice thick coving mat for bass to hide in but not to thick for them to create a big whole to eat these little offerings. 

You need the right attitude:

Finding "many bass" while rat fishing is as much a mind game as a way to fish. You must be prepared to go after them with confidence and most importantly, persistence. From now till late October there will be a rat bite in some mat somewhere you just have to be willing to look for it.

Thanks Everyone!

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