Fish Love Rats! By Stan Kaplun

Fish Love Rats! Salty or Fresh

The notion that rats don’t swim has always been absurd to me. I can’t even tell you how many of these rodents I’ve seen in the time I’ve spent on the water.  The most interesting thing is, I can truly say that I have encountered more rats in the bays and lagoons, than I have at lakes, ponds, and at the river. If there are so many rats living near saltwater, it would only make sense that they have swam in the respective body of water.

Because of the fact that the majority of each bay or lagoon is surrounded by heavy rock structure, it provides them with the ideal location to live.  With a very solid population of predatory fish in the bay, chances are that rat and fish have met before. Potential predators include but are not limited to: Halibut, Spotted Bay Bass, Sand Bass, Calico Bass, and Shortfin Corvina. All of these species have been known to not only inhabit open water, but also to cruise the shoreline in search of food.

Intensive research over the years has shown that in saltwater, rats can swim up to 500 meters in open water, debunking the myth that they are not capable of swimming in saltwater. In New Zealand, scientists and researchers radio tagged and tracked a rat that was released on the uninhabited island of Moturhoropapa. When the project had come to an end, the rat refused to be captured. Finally, when it was located, it was on Otata Island, approximately 400 meters away.

In freshwater, both largemouth and smallmouth bass have been seen with rats lodged in their mouths. Other anglers have curiously looked into the stomachs of Northern Pike or Musky and have attested to the same thing. Even Rainbow Trout have been observed, feasting on the rodents, as you can see in the picture below. This photo was taken and shared by the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Alaska. This hefty trout had a total of 19 shrews (similar to mice) in it’s stomach! The newer SPRO BBZ-1 Rats 30 and 40 will be dead ringers.

Photo Credit: Togiak National Wildlife Reserve

Still don’t believe me? Here are some more pictures and footage as proof that nearly any predatory fish, whether in saltwater or freshwater, finds the BBZ-1 Rat quite appetizing.

When most people think of throwing a rat for a top water bite, they think of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, etc. But what about the rest of the aggressive predators swimming around in your local waters? Why not adapt the BBZ mentality and think outside the box. I guarantee you will be surprised by the results.

Photo Credit: Stan Kaplun: Here’s a photo of Ronnie the Rat running back to hide under his rock.  Ironically, I’ve caught a handful of fish on the BBZ-1 Rat, standing on “Ronnie’s Rock”. 

Photo Credit: Stan Kaplun: Halibut on the BBZ-1 Rat 50 in Chrome Color

The versatility of this rat is unearthly. The amount of species that have been crossed off of its hit list are quite impressive. In San Diego, it has caught Spotted Bay Bass, Halibut, Shortfin and Orangemouth Corvina, and has also caught some big Largemouth. The rat has made its way to damage in many states in the US. But it’s gone international. In Canada, Belgium and Holland, it has caught some huge Pike. In Singapore, it has caught Grouper. In Australia, it caught a very nice Murray Cod. In Thailand, it has caught Barramundi.  As of now, I believe that is all, but I can guarantee you that this list will grow, and I'm excited to continue contributing to its growth. 

Click the link below to watch this very cool video.

http://thebbz.com/2015/6/7/stan-kaplun-takes-siemantel-out-to-catch-halibut-and-corvina-in-sd

Above is a link to a video that is on www.thebbz.com. Here, you will watch the adventure of Bill Siemantel and I on my 7ft yellow skiff.  You will see that all the hype about the BBZ-1 Rat is justified, and you will also witness Halibut and Shortfin Corvina blowing up on the rat!

Photo Credit: Stan Kaplun: Corvina

Photo Credit Stan Kaplun: Spotted Bay Bass

Photo Credit Stan Kaplun: Corvina

Photo Credit Stan Kaplun: Halibut

Photo Credit Stan Kaplun: Large Mouth Bass

Until next time!

Stan Kaplun