Fishing with frogs for bass is a popular and effective technique anglers use to target largemouth bass.
Lure Selection: Anglers use frog imitation lures designed to resemble real frogs. These lures typically have a soft, hollow body with lifelike details such as legs and eyes.
They come in a variety of colors and sizes.
Frog Imitation Lures: Anglers use frog imitation lures, often referred to as frog baits or frog lures, to mimic the appearance and movement of real frogs.
These lures typically have a hollow or soft body, lifelike legs, and a hook hidden underneath.
Lure Action: The key to fishing with frog lures is creating a realistic frog-like action.
Anglers use popping, twitching, and reeling techniques to make the frog lure move across the water’s surface, imitating a real frog’s natural movements.
Bass Strikes: Largemouth bass is known to strike at frog lures aggressively. When a bass sees the frog lure on the water’s surface, it may explode out of the water and engulf the lure, creating an exciting and visually thrilling fishing experience.
Targeting Bass: Largemouth bass are the primary target when fishing with frogs. These predatory fish are known for aggressively striking at frogs, especially in areas with dense vegetation or cover.
Topwater Presentation: Frog fishing is a topwater technique where the lure is worked on the water’s surface.
Anglers cast the frog to lure near cover, such as lily pads, weeds, or fallen trees, and retrieve it with a series of pauses, pops, and twitches to mimic the movement of a frog.
Location Selection: Look for areas with ample vegetation, shallow water, and good bass habitat.
Lily pads, weed beds, submerged vegetation, or areas with overhanging branches are prime spots to target.
Time of Day: Frog fishing can be effective during low-light conditions such as early morning, late afternoon, or cloudy days when the bass is more active near the surface.
Retrieve Techniques: There are various retrieve techniques to entice bass strikes.
Some common methods include a steady retrieve with occasional pauses, a “walking the dog” technique where the lure is worked side-to-side, or a stop-and-go approach with quick pops and pauses.
Hooksets: When a bass strikes the frog lure, waiting before setting the hook is important.
This allows the fish to take the lure into its mouth fully. When ready, set the theme in a firm and swift motion.
Patience and Observation: Frog fishing can require patience, as strikes may be explosive but infrequent.
Observing the water for signs of bass activity, such as swirls or vegetation disturbances, can help identify potential strike zones.
Tackle Setup: Use a medium to heavy action rod with a fast or extra-fast tip for better hooksets.
Pair it with a baitcasting reel and a strong braided fishing line that can handle heavy cover and provide good sensitivity.
Safety Considerations: When fishing with frogs, be mindful of any potentially dangerous wildlife, such as alligators or snakes, that may also be attracted to the frog lures.
Frog Fishing for Bass can be a thrilling and productive technique, allowing anglers to witness explosive strikes on the water’s surface.
It requires skill in lure presentation, reading the water, and patience to entice those bass strikes.
Fishing frog lure
An artificial lure designed to mimic the appearance and movement of a real frog is called a fishing frog lure.
It is specifically crafted to attract largemouth bass and other predatory fish that feed on frogs.
Here are some key characteristics of fishing frog lures:
Lifelike Design: Frog lures are meticulously designed to replicate the look and behavior of real frogs.
They often feature a soft, hollow body with detailed legs, eyes, and sometimes even realistic color patterns.
This lifelike design aims to fool bass into thinking it’s a real frog.
Buoyancy: Frog lures are typically buoyant, allowing them to float on the water’s surface.
This enables anglers to use them effectively for topwater fishing techniques.
Weedless Design: Many frog lures are designed to be weedless, meaning they have hooks that are partially or fully hidden within the lure’s body.
This design prevents the lure from getting snagged in vegetation or another cover, allowing anglers to fish in areas with heavy vegetation without constantly getting hung up.
Action and Movement: Frog lures are designed to create realistic movement when retrieved.
Anglers can manipulate the lure by twitching, popping, or walking it across the water’s surface to mimic the movements of a real frog.
This action helps attract bass and trigger strikes.
Color and Size Variations: Frog lures come in various colors and sizes to imitate different species of frogs and match the natural prey found in the fishing location.
Common colors include green, brown, black, and combinations of these.
The size of the lure may vary to target specific bass feeding patterns.
Hook Quality: Frog lures have sharp, sturdy hooks that can penetrate the fish’s mouth and secure a solid hookset.
The hooks are often made of strong materials to withstand the fights with large and powerful bass.
Retrieve Techniques: Anglers can employ different retrieval techniques with frog lures, such as a steady retrieve, stop-and-go, or a “walking the dog” action.
Experimenting with other techniques can help determine what triggers the best response from the bass.
Topwater Action: Frog lures are primarily used for topwater fishing, retrieved along the water’s surface.
The lifelike movements and sound generated by the lure simulate a frog swimming or hopping, attracting the attention of the bass.
Fishing with frog lures can be an exciting and productive technique for targeting bass, especially in areas with heavy vegetation or cover.
These lures’ lifelike design and topwater action make them an enticing and effective choice for anglers pursuing largemouth bass.
Best frog lure for bass
Several highly regarded frog lures are known to be effective for bass fishing. Here are some popular choices that are often considered among the best topwater frog lures for bass:
Booyah Pad Crasher: This hollow-bodied frog lure is designed to be weedless and features a realistic profile and lifelike legs.
It has good action and works well in open water and heavy cover situations.
Spro Bronzeye Frog: The Spro Bronzeye Frog is widely popular among anglers. It has a soft body, excellent action, and a double-hook design that improves hooking and landing ratios.
Livetarget Hollow Body Frog: This frog lure is known for its incredibly realistic appearance and lifelike swimming action.
It features a hollow body, lifelike legs, and a soft texture that encourages the bass to hold on longer.
River2Sea Bully Wa 2: The River2Sea Bully Wa 2 is a versatile frog lure with a soft body and a cupped face, which creates a strong popping sound and splash upon retrieval.
It works well in both open water and heavy vegetation.
Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog: The Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog is a compact lure with a hollow body and lifelike legs.
It has a subtle walking action that can entice strikes from finicky bass.
Zoom Horny Toad: While not a traditional frog-shaped lure, the Zoom Horny Toad is a soft plastic bait resembling a frog and incredibly effective for bass fishing.
It can be rigged weedless and worked on the surface or just below.
Remember, the best frog lure for bass can vary depending on the fishing conditions, location, and the angler’s preference.
It’s always a good idea to have a selection of different frog lures in your tackle box to cover a range of situations and give you options to adapt to the bass’s preferences.
Frog fishing rod
Here are some key considerations when choosing a frog fishing rod:
Length: For a fishing rod between 6’6″ to 7’6″.
This length provides the necessary leverage to cast accurately and control the fish during the fight.
A longer rod can help with longer casts, while a shorter rod provides more control in close-quarters fishing.
Power: Select a fishing rod with a medium-heavy to heavy power rating.
Frog fishing often involves casting into heavy cover, and a sturdier rod will help you pull fish out of the vegetation without losing control.
A medium-heavy to heavy power rod also helps set the hook on bass that strike aggressively.
Action: Choose a fishing rod with a fast or extra-fast action.
An immediate action rod bends primarily in the upper third, allowing quicker and more powerful hooksets.
This is crucial when frog fishing, as you want to penetrate the fish’s mouth quickly and effectively.
Material: Look for a fishing rod made from a strong and durable material such as graphite or composite.
These materials provide the sensitivity needed to detect subtle strikes and the strength to handle the powerful runs and jumps of bass.
Line Weight and Lure Weight: Ensure the frog fishing rod is compatible with the line weight and lure weight you plan to use.
Frog fishing often requires heavier lines (typically 40-65 lb braided lines) and larger frog lures, so the rod should be designed to handle these specifications.
Comfort and Grip: Consider the ergonomics and comfort of the rod’s handle. Look for a handle design that provides a secure and comfortable grip, especially during long fishing days.
Remember, personal preference and fishing conditions may influence your choice of a frog fishing rod.
It’s essential to test out different rods and find one that feels comfortable in your hands and suits your fishing style.
Consulting with local anglers or professionals can also provide valuable insights into the best rod options for frog fishing in your area.
Frog fishing setup
To set up fishing with frogs for bass, you’ll need the following equipment and tackle:
Fishing Rod: Choose a medium-heavy to heavy power rod with a fast or extra-fast action.
For a length between 6’6″ to 7’6″ to provide casting distance and control.
Fishing Reel: Pair your rod with a high-quality baitcasting reel with a smooth drag system.
Choose a reel with a gear ratio suitable for frog fishing, typically in the range of 6.3:1 to 7.3:1.
Fishing Line: Use a strong and abrasion-resistant fishing line. The braided line is preferred for frog fishing due to its strength and sensitivity.
Choose a line weight of around 40-65 lb, depending on the fishing conditions and the bass size you expect to encounter.
Frog Lures: Select a variety of frog lures that closely resemble the local frog species.
Choose colors and sizes that match the natural prey found in the area.
Popular frog lures include the Booyah Pad Crasher, Spro Bronzeye Frog, Livetarget Hollow Body Frog, and River2Sea Bully Wa.
Hooks: Frog lures often come with hooks, but you can upgrade them if needed. Ensure that the hooks are sharp and strong enough to handle aggressive strikes from bass.
Wide-gap hooks are commonly used to increase hooking efficiency.
Leader Material (Optional): In situations with a heavy cover or targeting larger bass, you may use a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader to provide additional abrasion resistance and stealth.
How to set up your frog fishing tackle
- Attach the reel to the rod by aligning the reel seat and securely tightening it.
- Spool the reel with the chosen braided fishing line, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Tie the braided line directly to the frog lure’s hook using a suitable knot, such as the Palomar knot or the improved clinch knot. Ensure that the knot is secure and trim any excess line.
- If using a leader, attach it to the braided line using a suitable knot such as the double uni knot or the Albright knot. Tie the other end of the leader to the frog lure.
- Check the hooks on the frog lure for sharpness and replace them if necessary.
- Adjust the reel’s drag to the desired tension based on the size of the fish you target.
- Perform test casts to ensure that the rod, reel, and line are properly balanced and that the lure moves smoothly through the air.
Remember to familiarize yourself with the specific recommendations and instructions provided by the manufacturers of your fishing tackle.
Additionally, always follow local fishing regulations and best practices for handling and releasing fish.
How to fish a frog in open water
Fishing a frog in open water can be a successful technique for targeting bass. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a frog lure:
Choose the Right Frog Lure: Select a frog lure that matches the local frog species and the natural prey in the area.
Look for a lure with a lifelike design, realistic color patterns, and good action.
Casting: Cast your frog lure towards areas with potential bass-holding structures such as weed beds, lily pads, submerged vegetation, or around any visible cover in the open water.
Aim for areas where the bass is likely hiding or waiting to ambush prey.
Retrieve Technique
- After your frog lures lands on the water, allow it to sit for a moment to create ripples and attract attention.
- Start your retrieve by slowly reeling in the slack line.
- Use a steady retrieve to make the frog swim across the water’s surface.
Pauses and Twitches: While retrieving the frog, periodically pause and twitch the rod tip.
This action mimics a real frog’s movement, creating subtle splashes and ripples that can trigger strikes from the bass.
Walking the Frog: Another effective technique is ” walking the frog.” After casting, give the lure a slight twitch, causing it to move from side to side.
Repeat this motion while reeling in the line, creating a zigzag or walking action that imitates a frog in distress.
Observe Strikes: Watch for any movement or disturbances on the water’s surface as you retrieve the frog lure.
Bass often strike aggressively, creating a noticeable splash or commotion. Be prepared for a sudden, explosive strike.
Hookset: When a bass strikes your frog lure, wait briefly to ensure it has it fully in its mouth.
Then, execute a firm hookset by swiftly jerking the rod upward. This helps drive the hooks into the fish’s mouth and secure a solid hookset.
Fighting the Fish: Once you’ve hooked a bass, maintain tension on the line and allow the fish to fight.
Keep the rod tip up to prevent the bass from diving into vegetation or other structures.
Use a combination of rod movements and steady reeling to guide the fish towards you.
Landing the Fish: Use a landing net to bring the bass close to you and carefully scoop it up without damaging the fish or yourself.
If you’re practicing catch-and-release, handle the bass with wet hands or use fish-friendly landing tools to minimize stress and ensure its safe release.
Remember to adjust your fishing techniques based on the conditions, water clarity, and the behavior of the bass.
Experiment with retrieve speeds, pauses, and different frog lure presentations to find what works best on a given day.
Your fishing techniques are based on the conditions, water clarity, and bass behavior.
Vary your retrieve speed, pause lengths, and the overall presentation of the frog lure to find what triggers the most strikes.
Experimentation and adapting to the specific fishing situation will increase your chances of success.
Tips for Frogs fishing
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to Catch Bass on Frog Baits
Choose the Right Time: Frog fishing for bass is most effective during the warmer months when frogs are more active.
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times, as bass are more likely to feed near the surface.
Choose the Right Frog Bait: Make your frog bait look just like the local frog species in terms of size and color.
Look for a soft plastic frog with realistic details like lifelike legs and body texture.
Target the Right Areas: Look for areas with dense vegetation, lily pads, grass mats, or another cover where frogs are likely to be found.
These areas provide hiding spots for bass and ample opportunities to ambush prey.
Cast and Retrieve: Cast the frog bait near or on top of the cover, allowing it to land softly on the water’s surface.
Begin your retrieve immediately and engage the frog bait’s legs to create a realistic swimming or hopping action.
Practice Realistic Retrieval
- Mimic the movements of a real frog by retrieving the lure with short, quick hops or a steady swimming action.
- Create pauses and twitches to imitate a frog’s natural behavior.
- Experiment with different retrieve speeds and variations to trigger more strikes.
Match the Hatch: Choose frog lures closely resembling the local frog species and their natural colors.
Bass is more likely to strike a familiar lure that matches the prey they are accustomed to.
Work the Edges: Target the edges of weed beds, lily pads, and another cover where bass may lurk.
Cast your frog to lure close to the edges and work it along the transition zones. Bass often position themselves along these edges, waiting to ambush passing prey.’
Work the Frog Bait: Combine steady retrieves and short pauses to imitate a frog’s movement.
Experiment with different retrieve speeds and variations, as bass may prefer other presentations on different days.
Use the Right Equipment: Invest in a quality frog rod and reel setup. A medium-heavy to heavy power rod with a fast or extra-fast action is ideal for frog fishing.
Pair it with a high-quality baitcasting reel and use a braided fishing line of around 40-65 lb test strength.
Practice Stealth: Approach fishing spots quietly and avoid making unnecessary noise or disturbances.
Bass can be easily spooked, so stealthy movements and casting accuracy are essential.
Be Mindful of Cover: When a bass strikes, it may head for cover to try and escape.
Keep your rod tip up and apply side pressure to steer the fish away from vegetation, fallen trees, or other obstacles.
Practice Catch and Release: If you’re not keeping the bass for consumption, handle them gently and minimize their time out of the water.
Use fish-friendly landing tools and wet your hands before handling the fish to reduce stress and increase their chances of survival when released.
How to rig a frog for bass fishing
To rig a frog for bass fishing, follow these steps:
Choose the Right Frog Lure: Select a frog lure that matches the local frog species and the natural prey in the area.
Look for a lure with a lifelike design, realistic color patterns, and good action.
Prepare the Frog Lure: Ensure the frog lure has a weedless design with hooks hidden or protected by the lure’s body.
This helps prevent snagging on vegetation and allows for a more effective presentation.
Tie the Line: Tie your fishing line directly to the frog lure using a suitable knot. The Palomar or improved clinch knot is commonly used and provides secure connections.
Adjust the Hooks: Examine the hooks on the frog lure and ensure they are sharp. Use a hook file or replace the hooks to ensure optimal hooking efficiency.
Position the Hooks: Many frog lures have hooks that protrude from the top and bottom of the lure.
Position the hooks so they lie flat against the body of the frog lure. This helps reduce snagging and increases the chances of a solid hookset.
Apply a Trailer Hook (Optional): In situations where the bass is striking aggressively but not getting hooked, you can add a hook to the frog lure.
The trailer hook can increase hooking percentages. Attach the trailer hook to the belly of the frog lure using a small piece of wire or a specialized hook attachment.
Check the Action: Give the frog lure a few test casts and retrieves to ensure a natural swimming or hopping action.
Make any necessary adjustments to the lure’s position or how the hooks lie to achieve the desired action.
Work the Frog Lure: Cast the rigged frog lure near areas with potential bass-holding structures, such as weed beds, lily pads, fallen trees, or other cover in the water.
Retrieve the lure with short, quick hops or a steady swimming action. Experiment with different techniques, pauses, and twitches to trigger strikes from the bass.
Remember to adjust your fishing techniques based on the conditions, water clarity, and the behavior of the bass.
Pay attention to any strikes or activity near the frog lure and be ready for an explosive strike.
Can you fish with frogs?
Yes, it is possible to fish with real frogs as bait. Using live frogs as bait can effectively target certain species of fish, including bass, pike, and catfish.
Here are some points to keep in mind when fishing with live frogs:
Check Local Regulations: Before using live frogs as bait, familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations in your area.
Some places may have restrictions on using live bait or specific rules for using live frogs.
Obtain Frogs Legally: Ensure that you acquire live frogs legally and ethically. Catching frogs for bait may require permits or specific permissions, depending on the location and local regulations.
Proper Handling
- Handle the frogs with care to minimize stress and harm.
- Wet your hands before handling them to protect their sensitive skin.
- Avoid squeezing or injuring the frogs in any way.
Hooking the Frog: When using live frogs as bait, hook them securely through the lip or the back legs.
The hook should be exposed enough to allow for a good hookset but not excessively so that it causes harm to the frog or makes it less mobile.
Presentation
- Cast the live frog near areas where fish are likely to hide, such as weed beds, lily pads, or submerged structures.
- Allow the frog to swim or float naturally, imitating the movement of a real frog.
- Retrieve the line gently to avoid excessive disturbance.
How to work a frog bass fishing
When working with a frog for bass fishing, the goal is to imitate the movement of a real frog and entice the bass to strike.
Here’s how to work a frog effectively:
Cast Near Cover: Target areas with vegetation, lily pads, grass mats, or another cover where bass are likely to hide.
Cast the frog to lure close to the edges of these areas to maximize your chances of attracting bass.
Allow the Frog to Rest: After the frog lure lands on the water, allow it to sit momentarily to create ripples and attract attention.
This mimics a real frog that has just landed on the water’s surface.
Retrieve with Short Hops: Start your retrieve by gently pulling the rod tip, causing the frog to lure to move with short hops.
Use quick, rhythmic motions to make the frog “walk” or “pop” across the water’s surface.
This action mimics a real frog moving across lily pads or other vegetation.
Vary the Speed: Experiment with different retrieve speeds to determine what triggers the most strikes.
Sometimes a fast, erratic retrieve can trigger a reaction strike, while other times, a slow, subtle retrieve can entice a more cautious bass.
Pause and Twitch: Periodically pause the frog lure during the retrieve to mimic a resting or injured frog.
This pause can be just a second or two, followed by a slight twitch of the rod tip to create subtle movements.
These actions can attract bass by simulating the behavior of an easy target.
Work the Edges: Pay close attention to the edges of vegetation, lily pads, or any other cover.
The bass is likely to strike a frog lure in these prime areas. Focus your retrieve near these edges, making the frog appear vulnerable and enticing to bass.
Watch for Strikes: Keep your eyes on the frog lure, as bass strikes can be explosive and happen quickly.
Look for disturbances, splashes, or sudden movements on the water’s surface that indicate a bass has taken the bait.
Set the Hook: When you see or feel a strike, resist the urge to set the hook immediately.
Allow the bass a moment to fully take the frog to lure into its mouth before executing a firm hookset.
This ensures a solid hook penetration and increases your chances of landing the fish.
When should I use a frog for bass fishing?
You should use a frog for bass fishing when the following conditions are met:
- Vegetation and Cover: When fishing in areas with dense vegetation, lily pads, grass mats, or other types of cover where bass are likely to hide.
- Active Bass: When the bass is feeding near the water’s surface, particularly during periods of low light such as early morning, late evening, or cloudy days.
- Warm Water Temperatures: When water temperatures are warm, typically in the range of 60°F (15°C) and above, bass becomes more active and are more likely to strike topwater lures.
- Post-Spawn and Summer Months: During the post-spawn period and the summer months, the bass is searching for larger prey items and is more willing to strike at a frog lure.
- Clear or Slightly Stained Water: When fishing in clear or slightly stained water conditions, the visual presentation of a frog on the water’s surface can attract bass from a distance.
It’s important to note that bass fishing can vary based on location, time of year, and other environmental factors.
It’s always a good idea to observe the behavior of the bass in your specific fishing area and adjust your techniques accordingly.
What line to use for bass fishing with frogs?
For bass fishing with frogs, it is recommended to use a braided fishing line. Braided lines offer several advantages for frog fishing:
- Strength: Braided lines have high tensile strength, allowing you to handle big bass and pull them out of heavy cover without fear of line breakage.
- Sensitivity: Braided lines have minimal stretch, providing excellent sensitivity.
- This lets you detect subtle strikes and react quickly when a bass hits your frog bait.
- Abrasion Resistance: Braided lines are highly resistant to abrasion, making them suitable for fishing in heavy cover where bass tend to hide.
- Low Visibility: Braided lines have a small diameter compared to their strength, resulting in less visibility in the water.
- This can be advantageous when fishing in clear or lightly stained water.
When choosing a braided line for bass fishing with frogs, consider a line with a test strength of around 30 to 50 pounds, depending on the size of the bass in your fishing area and the density of the cover you’re fishing.
Pair your braided line with an appropriate leader, such as fluorocarbon, to provide invisibility and shock absorption.
Are frog lures good for bass?
Yes, frog lures are excellent for bass fishing. Bass are predatory fish that often feed on frogs as a natural part of their diet.
Frog lures are designed to imitate the appearance and movement of real frogs on the water’s surface, making them highly effective in attracting bass strikes.
Using frog lures for bass fishing offers several advantages:
Topwater Action: Frog lures are topwater baits floating on the water’s surface, creating enticing movements.
This can trigger aggressive strikes from bass, providing an exciting and visual fishing experience.
Mimicking Natural Prey: Frogs are a common food source for bass, and frog lures closely resemble real frogs in color, shape, and movement.
This makes them highly enticing to bass, increasing the likelihood of a strike.
Fishing in Heavy Cover: Frog lures are designed with weedless hooks and features that allow them to navigate through dense vegetation, lily pads, and other types of cover where bass hide.
This enables anglers to target bass in areas inaccessible to other lures.
Aggressive Strikes: Bass often strike frog lures with explosive force, resulting in thrilling topwater strikes that are both exciting and memorable for anglers.
When fishing with frog lures for bass, it’s important to use proper techniques, such as working the lure with realistic movements, targeting areas with cover, and being patient for the bass to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
With practice and observation, frog lures can be highly effective in catching bass and provide an enjoyable fishing experience.
What is the best color frog for bass fishing?
The best color of frog for bass fishing can vary depending on the specific fishing conditions, including water clarity, light conditions, and the behavior of the bass.
However, there are a few color patterns that tend to be effective for bass fishing with frog lures:
Natural Frog Colors: Green and brown color patterns that closely resemble the appearance of a real frog are often successful.
These natural frog colors can be effective in various water conditions and provide a realistic presentation.
Black or Dark Colors: Black or dark-colored frog lures can be effective in low-light conditions or when fishing in heavily shaded areas.
The contrast of a dark frog silhouette against the water’s surface can make it more visible and enticing to bass.
White or Light Colors: White or light-colored frog lures can work well in situations with ample light and high water clarity.
They can be more visible to bass in clear water and may elicit strikes.
It’s important to note that bass can exhibit preferences for certain colors based on factors specific to your fishing location.
Experimenting with different color patterns and observing the bass’s response can help determine the most effective color on a given day.
Additionally, it’s worth considering using frog lures with color patterns matching your area’s local frog species.
This can provide a more realistic presentation and increase your chances of success.
Ultimately, it’s a good idea to have a variety of frog lures in different colors in your tackle box, allowing you to adapt to the fishing conditions and the preferences of the bass on any given day.
Conclusion
Frog fishing for bass is a popular and effective technique that can yield exciting results.
By imitating the movement and appearance of a real frog, anglers can entice bass to strike aggressively on the water’s surface.
Adjust your techniques based on the conditions, water clarity, and bass behavior.
Please pay attention to their responses and be willing to experiment with different retrieve speeds, pauses, and twitching actions to find what works best on a given day.
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