I'm jealous, it looks like I won't get to go to the G this rat fishing season, too many committments. If the rat bite is on, it's the most fun you can have bass fishing. It'll stop your heart from beating when them big sows blow up on your bait. I'll warn you ahead of time they miss the bait way more than they get it. Wait to you feel pressure before setting the hook. This is very difficult. If you are a normal human being you'll hit yourself in the forehead with the rat/frog the first couple of blow ups before learning how to do it. Go with a white frog or rat if the sun's out, or dark green if it's overcast.

The Goosepond area near Scottsboro is a good place, I believe that's North Sauty. A huge creek with lot's of good fishing. South Sauty on the other side of the main lake is good too. You shouldn't have any problem finding grass mats to work.

Here's my best advice. Use a low ratio rugged bait casting reel with braided line, and the stiffest rod you have. I like my Lews BB1ng spooled with 16lb diameter 60lb break braid on a heavy action Falcon Lizard Dragger. Monofilament+wimpy rod/reel=tears of anguish. Tighten your drag down with a monkey wrench and gitcha some. When you feel pressure set the hook viciously, and winch in 4 to 8 pounds of pissed off bass along with 10 pounds of grass. Bubba style power fishing at it's finest.

Dang I done got myself juiced up...I think I feel a case of the flu comin on.