Introduction: At TackleTour, we've got a soft spot for rats - rat swimbaits, that is. Fishing with these topwater terrors isn't just effective, it's downright addictive. Rats are responsible for some of the most explosive bass blowups we've experienced, especially at night. But while they shine after dark, many of these baits are just as capable during daylight hours.

Over the last few years we have delved deep into rat swimbaits, so much so that it has become my favorite big bass technique

From handcrafted garage builds to factory-made models, rat swimbaits come in a wide array of materials, actions, and personalities. Each one brings something unique to the table in terms of sound, movement, and fish-drawing power. In our ongoing Skunkwerx Rat Rumble series, we dive into our top five picks across four categories: custom wood, custom resin, mass production, and unconventional designs.

As part of our ongoing Rat Rumble Series it is time to make our top 5 picks in each rat category

Custom Wood Rats: At the pinnacle of the rat swimbait world are the highly coveted custom wooden rats. These handmade baits are carved and painted by skilled luresmiths, often in limited runs or through exclusive drops. Their scarcity and craftsmanship make them highly desirable among collectors and anglers alike. What sets wood rats apart is their distinct, often loud knock - an acoustic signature that can drive bass into full-blown attack mode. Due to the natural variability of wood, no two baits are exactly alike. But when you find one that swims just right, it can become the most effective rat in your entire lineup.

These hardbodied swimbait categories include our top 5 picks in custom wood rats, custom resin rats, mass production rats, and unconventional designed rats.

These baits are truly fishable works of art, often commanding top dollar in the swimbait scene. And while they're worthy of display, letting them collect dust on a shelf would be missing the point - these rats were made to hunt.

I've caught hundreds of fish on this Illude Rad Rat. It was my very first wood rat which I purchased at a local tackle shop, not knowing the floodgates that this unassuming rat would open

Illude Rad Rat: At the very top of the wooden rat swimbait game sits the highly sought-after Illude Rad Rat family. Designed by luresmith Lendl Ha, these handcrafted rats are renowned for their ultra-loud knock and versatile performance. Built from Alaskan cedar, Rad Rats can be walked, cranked down, or slow-rolled to unleash their signature deep knock - an acoustic presence that commands attention from even the wariest bass.
 

The Illude Rad Rat has exceptional drawing power and is especially deadly in low light with a strong knock

Earlier models featured bead eyes, while newer versions sport recessed eyes for added durability. Rad Rats are finished in a wide variety of Illude's signature paint scheme - some whimsical, all striking, and each built to withstand years of abuse. I've got Rads in my box covered in scars and hook rash from countless strikes, and they still knock hard and produce fish, day and night.

The rarest rat in my arsenal is 1 or 2 of the very first Rad Rat Triple Doubles ever carved by Lendl, the Proto #1

It may be a rare but it is still part of my regular rotation. These baits are too effective to let hang. Rash them up!

Rad Rats come in multiple sizes, from 8" all the way up to XL. There's also a double-jointed model known as the Triple Double (or Trip Dub), which delivers a more rhythmic double knock during retrieves. Every Illude rat includes a custom floating plastisol tail that enhances both swimming action and idle posture.

The Rad 10 is probably the most fished Rad Rat, and is easy to sling all day

These tails are remarkably durable and hold up better than most, even after prolonged use. Each bait typically comes with three tails, and extras can be purchased in a variety of colors. In fact, the Illude tail has become so well-regarded that other builders often use it as the standard on their own rats.

The Rad is also a great choice for night fishing. Just make sure to tie good knots.

Beyond their on-water performance, Rad Rats are also among the most collectible rats in the game. At their peak, some were commanding prices as high as $800 on the secondary market. Fortunately, Lendl has recently prioritized wood bait production, making Rads more accessible again at retail prices between $180 and $200, depending on size and configuration. The best way to snag one is directly from Illude’s online store during scheduled drops.

The Rad Rat Double is a larger Rad that puts out a deep knock

Yes, they're a serious investment, but there's nothing else quite like a Rad Rat when it comes to craftsmanship, knock, and performance. If I could only fish one wood rat, it would be this one.

My second most fished rat is the Sneaky (left) and there is Sneaky Mini which is a much smaller mouse sized version

Sneaky Rat: My second most fished wood rat is the Sneaky, a mid-sized hard-hitting rat that features a subtle v-joint design and a hard coated epoxy exterior which helps give this rat its signature high pitched clack. Each Sneaky is handcrafted by Brady Scott, a builder known for his ability to highlight the natural personality of wood.

Though Brady loves to showcase the resin I like a white belly on my rats and he made a custom for me

Brady typically leaves the bait unpainted, allowing the beauty and grain of the wood to take center stage. He also uses a variety of wood types, each imparting slightly different tonal qualities and behavior to the bait. The result is a lineup of Sneakys where no two are exactly alike in appearance or sound.

Delving further into white rats Brady built me a bone Sneaky with pearl flakes. This is without a doubt my most fishy Sneaky

Every Sneaky comes equipped with an Illude tail, and in my experience, it's one of the most rugged and dependable wood rats out there. I like to fish it with a straight retrieve, but it also responds well to a walk-the-dog cadence when needed. Brady releases Sneakys through limited drops or custom orders, usually priced between $150 and $180. The best way to stay updated is by following him on Instagram, where he occasionally announces upcoming builds and availability.

With a hard epoxy exterior the Sneaky emits a loud high pitched clack and is also very durable

YK Thrash Rat: For JDM enthusiasts, the Thrash Rat delivers the kind of refinement typically reserved for high-end Japanese tackle. This beautifully crafted wood rat is similar in size to the Sneaky but stands out with its hand-carved body, possum-like face, and soft worm-style tail.

JDM tackle fans have their own wood rat and it's a good one. The YK Thrash Rat exhibits a very clean and refined build

On the water, the Thrash Rat produces a medium-pitched knock during retrieve and can be cranked down effectively at higher speeds, making it a versatile option for varied presentations. It's available in several unique finishes, but my personal favorite is the painted fur pattern.

I love the cute carved face on the Thrash Rat

It has a subdued matte look when dry, but really comes to life with a subtle sheen once wet. Thrash Rats are tough to find in the U.S. and are usually imported directly from the maker, typically priced around $200. Occasionally, they pop up secondhand, but they're considered a gem among rat collectors and JDM bait fans alike.

The Thrash Rat is also a great night bait and has held up well over time

Matty Rat: A new addition to my top five is a relative newcomer - Matty Rats. This beautifully carved, three-piece rat features a more compact profile than others on this list, making it easier for fish of all sizes to take down. While it can be walked effortlessly, my favorite way to fish the Matty is with a straight retrieve.

The newest wooden favorite on my list is the beautifully made Matty Rat

The dual-jointed design creates a rhythmic knock that's surprisingly loud for a bait of this size. Each Matty is hand-painted by builder Matt, who offers a variety of custom patterns. The Monk, Squirrel, and Skunk colorways never fail to bring a smile to my face - whether I'm admiring them or watching one get crushed on the water. The bait also features a hand-poured custom tail that's easy to swap out for different colors, adding even more versatility. Matt builds these baits to order at a very reasonable $150, and given their craftsmanship and performance, I wouldn't be surprised to see them become future collectibles. They're built to fish, and they flat-out produce.

The Matty is smaller than many other wooden rats yet emits a loud rhythmic knock

Elkuse: Elkuse is a newer custom bait builder making waves with handcrafted wooden rats. Each bait is made by Choua Vue, who began crafting baits for his brothers and close friends before making them available to the public a few years ago.

Elkuse rats are all about the wood as well

Choua isn't afraid to go big - his lineup includes rats of all sizes, and he occasionally collaborates with Lendl Ha of Illude, from whom he credits learning much of the craft. Elkuse rats typically feature a wider profile than most, along with an oversized Lexan lip and a deep V-cut joint. This design gives the bait enhanced movement in both the head and rear sections, allowing it to displace a significant amount of water on the retrieve. The result is a unique hybrid action that combines elements of both knock and slosh-style rats.

Elkuse has collabs with Illude and feature popular Illude patterns like Chipmunk and Dirty, these are called Elkudes

A rat eater landed on the Elkude Chipmunk

Like a few others on this list, Elkuse often highlights the natural grain of the wood rather than covering it with full paint, giving each bait a raw and organic look. Elkuse rats are sold through occasional drops or custom orders, typically priced around $150. One standout is the Elkude, a collaboration between Elkuse and Illude that pairs Choua's body design with one of Lendl's signature paint jobs.

The Elkuse rats feature a large lip which drives more side to side action than many other rats

My favorite Elkuse is the smaller Nano

Harder to procure but also probably my favorite Elkuse rat is the smaller "Nano" which exhibits a similar swim, almost the same knock, and walks extremely well to draw fish out from structure and encourage those violent takedowns.

The Nano puts out a surprisingly loud knock for a smaller rat and walks very well

Next: Top picks for Custom Resin Rats