Bull Rat Swimbait

Handcrafted for Chaos. Built for Giants.

Handcrafted in Acworth, Georgia by legendary lure maker Triton Mike Bucca, the Bull Rat Swimbait expands the Bull Shad lineup with a heavy-duty, double-jointed rodent imitation built to trigger topwater explosions from giant bass. Measuring 4¾" (without the tail) and weighing 2.2 oz, the Bull Rat combines a lifelike swimming action with the unmistakable silhouette of a surface-traveling rodent — a meal few predators can resist. Designed for versatility, it can be fished as a slow-sink model or a floating wakebait, making it equally deadly over laydowns, grass edges, or open flats.

Key Features

• • Double-Jointed Design — Two body joints deliver a smooth, natural “swimming rat” motion at any retrieve speed.

  • Premium Handcrafted Build — Molded from hard resin for durability, hand-painted, and tank-tested in Georgia.

  • Replaceable Tail System — Rubber or worm-style tail allows quick swaps or custom color changes.

  • Top-Tier Hardware — Outfitted with Mustad KVD 1x Strong / 2x Short Triple Grip trebles and heavy-duty split rings.

  • Swivel Hook Hangers — Prevent fish from gaining leverage to throw the bait during the fight.

  • Slow-Sink or Floating Versions — Choose your presentation: burn it across the surface or crawl it just below.

Specs Table

Color Options: Grey, Brown, Cotton Candy, and Tan.

Variants: Standard Bull Rat and smaller Baby Bull Rat versions available.

Best Use & Conditions

• • Target Species: Trophy largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass.

  • Techniques:

    • Steady Retrieve: Crawl it slow to mimic a swimming rodent.

    • Burn & Pause: Create surface commotion to trigger reaction strikes.

    • Walk-the-Dog: Subtle side-to-side movement near ambush zones for pressured fish.

  • Best Environments: Ideal near wood, brush, or vegetation where rodents naturally fall into the water.

  • Seasonal Notes: Highly effective during summer and fall when bass are feeding near the surface or during early morning and dusk low-light conditions.

Rigging & Tips

• • Use a heavy power swimbait rod (2–4 oz rating) with 20–25 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon.

  • The floating model excels as a wakebait over shallow cover; the slow-sink version covers deeper zones.

  • Re-tie after big fish and periodically check hardware for wear.

  • Replace or customize tails to alter color contrast or sink rate.

Brand Origin & Story

• • Founder: Mike “Triton” Bucca, a Georgia fishing guide turned master lure builder.

  • Heritage: Established in 2007, Bull Shad Swimbaits became a benchmark for American-made, shad- and forage-imitating swimbaits.

  • The Bull Rat: Designed to expand Bucca’s lineup beyond baitfish imitators, offering anglers a realistic rodent presentation for topwater giants.

  • Made in the USA: Every bait is hand-built and tank-tested in Acworth, Georgia for consistent quality.

Pack Count / Variants

• • Sold Individually — One handcrafted lure per package.

  • Size Options: Standard Bull Rat (4.75", 2.2 oz) and Baby Bull Rat (smaller variant).

  • Color Options: Grey, Brown, Cotton Candy, Tan.

  • Buoyancy Options: Floating (wakebait) and Slow-Sinking models.

Care & Storage

• • Store in a dedicated hard bait box to protect paint and joints.

  • Keep tails straight by laying flat during storage.

  • Rinse lightly after use and dry hardware to prevent oxidation.

  • Handle carefully — sharp Mustad trebles are ready out of the package.