FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FishLab the BBZ Wake Rat, Designed to Trigger Big Fish Bites

ONTARIO, Calif. (July 7, 2025) — When giant predators are feeding near the surface, nothing draws them in like chaos of a distressed rat—and the all-new FishLab BBZ Wake Rat delivers just that. Designed in collaboration with renowned lure innovator Bill Siemantel, this topwater bait combines hyper-realistic design with frantic, erratic action to trigger explosive strikes from the biggest fish in the water.

ONTARIO, Calif. (July 7, 2025) — When giant predators are feeding near the surface, nothing draws them in like chaos of a distressed rat—and the all-new FishLab BBZ Wake Rat delivers just that. Designed in collaboration with renowned lure innovator Bill Siemantel, this topwater bait combines hyper-realistic design with frantic, erratic action to trigger explosive strikes from the biggest fish in the water.

 

Built to imitate a distressed rodent skittering across the surface, the BBZ Wake Rat features a lifelike body profile, natural swimming action, and FishLab’s signature attention to detail. Its classic metal lip creates a deep, gurgling wake on a steady retrieve, while a twitching cadence triggers sharp, side-to-side "walk-the-dog" action—amplified by a loud internal rattle and heavy knock to give fish multiple sounds and movement patterns in a single cast.

Available in two sizes, the BBZ Wake Rat offers versatility to match any water or species. The 2.5-inch one-piece version is ideal for finesse topwater applications, particularly when targeting largemouth or smallmouth bass. The 3.5-inch two-piece model brings added action and size to the table—perfect for drawing aggressive bites from trophy bass, pike, musky, and other big-game hunters. The Wake Rat also incorporates the proven BBZ’s patented segmented tail, designed to stir serious surface commotion and tempt even the most pressured predators.

Performance is backed by premium components throughout: razor-sharp black nickel treble hooks, high-strength stainless steel split rings, and replaceable tails that make it easy to swap colors or refresh your presentation. Each bait is finished in one of five hand-selected, tournament-proven color patterns designed to stand out in a range of conditions.

"Surface strikes are about instinct. said Bill Siemantel, BBZ lure developer at FishLab “You need to trigger that primal response. The Wake Rat was built to create visual noise, audible panic, and lifelike movement all in one. That’s how you get big bites."

 

For more information about the BBZ Wake Rat and the full lineup of FishLab products, visit www.fishlabtackle.com.

 

FishLab BBZ Wake Rat Key Features:

  • Available in two sizes: a compact 2.5" one-piece and a larger 3.5" two-piece model

  • Equipped with the BBZ patented segmented tail for lifelike swimming and walking action.

  • Creates classic gurgling and bubbling sounds on steady retrieves and loud knocking on twitch retrieves.

  • Offered in five proven tournament-winning colors

  • Pre-rigged with stainless steel split rings and durable black nickel treble hooks.

  • Features replaceable tail design for easy customization and long-lasting use.

 

Colors: Black • Brown • Grey • Bone White • Morning Dawn

 

Available: 2025

 

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At FishLab we learn by doing. The water is our lab, and we love research! We know there’s a reason when a lure works, and that angling is part art and part science. It’s a puzzle where the pieces constantly change, sometimes in our favor... sometimes not. But, by applying decades of experience, bold creativity, a little patience and a lot of time on the water, we can better the odds of finding that successful formula. We know that making effective lures means understanding the target fish and the food they eat... and we do! FishLab lures are realistic, scientifically accurate, meticulously crafted, well made, and designed for one purpose... to catch fish! FISHLAB. SCIENCE OF THE STRIKE.

 

Contact: Jonathan Gaytan

(909) 467-6653

E-mail:Jonathan@okumafishingusa.com

Bill Siemantel