G‑Ratt Baits Executioner Weedless Swimbait
- phil32990
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The G‑Ratt Baits Executioner Weedless Swimbait is a soft‐body swimbait crafted in partnership between G‑Ratt Baits and custom-builder GCJ Baits. It’s purpose‐built for fishing in cover—weed edges, rock structure, submerged timber—hence the “weedless” designation.
Key Specifications & Features
Here are some of the standout specs and design features:
Sizes: 4″ (≈ 3/8 oz), 5″ (½ oz), 6″ (1 oz), 7″ (1.5 oz) depending on model.
Weedless version features an upper hook pocket to hide or protect the hook point from snags in cover.
Realistic details: large 3D eyes, ventral fins for stability, boot‐shaped tail for pronounced “thump” in the water.
Color variety: clear‐water patterns and dirtier-water options (e.g., “Lite Trout”, “Threadfin”, “Tennessee Shad”) to match forage & conditions.
Designed to pair with extra‐wide gap (EWG) swimbait hooks, especially when targeting largemouth, stripers, etc.
Design Purpose
The Executioner Weedless Swimbait aims to let anglers cast into heavy cover and slow roll or swim the bait through structure with fewer hang‐ups. The boot tail provides a strong vibration/thump to attract predatory fish, and the weedless hook/upper pocket design is meant to reduce snagging.
“…ideal for slow rolling on the bottom or fishing at any speed throughout the water column.” …upper hook pocket provides seamless hooksets while protecting the hook point from snags.”
Performance Review
Here’s a breakdown of how the Executioner performs in real-world fishing scenarios:
Strengths
Weedless Capability – The hidden hook pocket and general setup allow the bait to be fished through vegetation, around fallen logs, rock edges, and submerged cover with less risk of snagging. This is a big plus in heavy‐cover lakes or when targeting bass hiding in structure.
Realistic Action & Attractiveness – The boot tail design and ventral fin details contribute to a strong water displacement and realistic swim profile. For a predator like bass or striper, the thump + life‐like features (3D eyes, color options) are compelling.
Versatility – Multiple sizes let you scale the bait up or down depending on forage size, water clarity, and target species. Color variety means you can match conditions.
Quality Build – The product descriptions emphasize durable rubber, well‐finished details, and built for serious use.
Limitations / Considerations
Hook Setup Matters – Because the bait is weedless, hooksets may require a firmer or more deliberate strike than an exposed hook. Some weedless designs suffer from lower hookup ratios. The upper hook pocket helps but the angler must ensure the hook is properly seated.
Cover Compromise – While weedless, the bait may still hang if the hook or tail catches on very thick or heavy mats of vegetation. Nothing is entirely snag‐proof.
Price Point – At $12-14 for the bait, it's not inexpensive compared to simpler soft plastics.
Rigging/Hook Choice – The bait is designed to be paired with EWG style hooks; if you choose a sub-par hook or rig it wrong you may lose performance. Installing correctly matters.
Who Should Buy: Anglers who regularly fish in heavy cover (weed edges, fallen timber, stumps, rock seams) and who want a premium swimbait that minimizes snag risk while mimicking larger forage. Also useful for targeting bigger bass, stripers, or other predatory gamefish in cover.
Performance Expectation: Expect a bait that casts reasonably well, swims with a strong “thump”, and avoids many of the usual weeds/hangs—but you’ll still need to manage the hookset and technique: slow roll, bumps off cover, let the tail do the work.
Technique Tips:
Use medium‐to‐heavy rod and line suited for cover so you can drive the hook home when fish commit.
Try slow rolls right along cover (timber, rock ledges, weed edges) letting the bait stay near structure.
Vary your retrieve: sometimes slow, sometimes slightly faster to trigger reaction strikes.
Choose the size/color to match local forage—smaller sizes in clearer water, larger sizes when targeting bigger fish or in murkier water.
After each grate use, rinse the bait especially the hook pocket area to maintain sharpness and prevent weed grab.
Is it worth the premium? we would say yes for serious anglers who engage in structure/cover fishing; maybe less so if you mostly fish open water or use basic plastics. The added cost is justified by the design features and targeted use case.
The G-Ratt Baits Executioner Weedless Swimbait is a well-designed, premium soft bait explicitly built to combine swimbait realism with weedless performance. If you fish heavy cover and want something that gives you access to spots other lures can’t reach, it’s an excellent option. Just be aware that rigging and hookset technique are still important, and you’re paying for performance.