Ice Fishing
Fished shallow or deep, the Ratfinkee is hard to beat! The size 12 Ratfinkee is probably the most effective lure for big bluegill in shallow water. The size 10 Ratfinkee is by far the most popular of all the Ratfinkee sizes and can be fished as deep as 20 feet with 2 lb. test line.

The Ratfinkee works well with either a waxworm or spikes and shows up nicely on a locator, because of the heavy head. The size 8 Ratfinkee is a good choice for crappie since the hook will accept a small minnow. The size 6 Ratfinkee is perfect for larger fish or active perch and panfish. It will easily fish to 30 feet as will the size 4 Ratfinkee, which is a top choice for walleye and other gamefish. It also works well under a tip-up since it can be used to present the bait in a horizontal profile.

Open Water
Ratfinkees are very effective lures for open water fishing, whether it’s for shallow water bluegill, river trout or walleye. Since fish are more aggressive in open water, a size 8 Ratfinkee should be used on fish that would go for Ratfinkee 12s through the ice. Crappie respond well to size 6 Ratfinkees dressed with minnows, suspended below slip floats. In fact, they will perfectly balance many floats because of their 1/32-ounce weight.

Size 4 Ratfinkees have been used effectively for walleye from the Mississippi River to Canada. Their secret is their light weight and large hook. They work best under slip floats or with a split shot 18-24 inches up the line. Effective bait choices are crawlers, leeches and various minnows.

Trout can be taken with all sizes of Ratfinkees on a fly rod or spinning tackle. Magazine editors from In-Fisherman, Fishing Facts and MidWest Outdoors recommend A size 4 Ratfinkee for steelhead with salmon eggs, spawn sacs or a piece of yarn tied to the hook. The bright colors and perfect balance makes the Ratfinkee 4 tops for drifting or float fishing.