So today I picked up a artificial soft plastic frog at Gander Mtn. Never had fished with a frog before, I decided to try it out at a local fishing hole from the bank. Within 5 cast I got a huge fish come out the water and gobble up the bait. I waited a sec and then set then set the hook. The fish didnt let go, then all of a sudden it was off the hook. So I missed probably the biggest bass I've ever hooked. I noticed that my rod probably wasn't stiff enough to get a proper hook set. Any tips for fishing with a frog? Rod,reel, line set up?
I throw my frogs on a shimano zeles MH fast action with 50lb power pro super 8 slick and a 7:1 diawa tatula...
Sounds like you did everything right with the hookset.
I use a Cabelas Tournament ZX rod (usually $100 and often on sale for $69) fast action heavy with a Abu Garcia Revo Rocket 9:0:1, and 30lbs Power Pro.
I like the Cabelas rod because it is heavy but feels like a medium heavy which is really nice. It's got a lot of backbone which is important.
You didn't say if you just tied your hook on to the frog or what. You might want to check what knot you used, how much tag end you had, if the line was older, frayed, worn, or what not. If you used a snap or swivel snap that could do it also.
I didn't pull the hook all the way through the bait cause of a lot of brush in the area. When I set the i don't think I had a lot of back bone to push the hook through the bait. I have a cheap ugly stick rod and reel "spin reel" combo. 6'0 med rod. Line is stren 8.lb mono. Line was tied directly to the bait. Line never broke just didnt get a good hook set.
Gonna.make you sick but... the.biggest bass I caught this year was on a lunker hunt frog.. the ;only rod I had a the time was my ugly stick med action...so I just set the hook really hard when he hit it.... I like fishing a frog on a more flexible rod.... but you really have to drive it home to get those big hooks to penetrate.
When you use a stiff rod it seems to kill the action and you need to drag it instead of popping it....
If thay makes sense
I think if you replaced your line with 30# braid it would help tremendously. But then you have to decide if braid is what you want to use for other presentations if you have only one rod. That's your call- lots of people do it. The lack of stretch will make up the difference in the medium rods flex. Its added toughness will help ensure you get the fish in once you hook it. That's the cheapest/easiest solution.
The expensive solution is obviously to buy a "frog" or more appropriately maybe a "slop" specific rod that is 7' MHF. And even better if you can go with a baitcaster set up. Though plenty of people do just fine with spinners. This would allow you the proper set up ( with aforementioned braid) to throw frogs, toads, buzzbaits, etc into heavy cover with a decent chance of success with good sized fish.
Congrats on the frog bite! Exciting huh? !
Well, I'd say two things then:
1.) Line: switch to braid with far less stretch....as long as your ok with braid on the rest of your lures.
2.) Set Up: push the hook all the way thru the frog and then skin the tip of the hook to cover it.
What kind of frog was it? Ragetail Toads are great solid body frogs.
On 7/29/2014 at 11:00 AM, Catch and Grease said:I throw my frogs on a shimano zeles MH fast action with 50lb power pro super 8 slick and a 7:1 diawa tatula...
Daiwa doesn't make a 7.1
I throw my frogs on a 7' 4" Tatula frog rod with a Tatula Type R and the most important part is the line I use 60lb Sunline fx2.
With out a doubt it's the gear. Most specifically the rod. Sometimes the fish hooks itself, sometimes you've got to hook the fish, so definitely not saying it cannot be done.
A stout rod that's at least 7' long, high speed reel, and braided line are a must for frogging IMO.
On 7/29/2014 at 12:47 PM, CJV said:Daiwa doesn't make a 7.1
I throw my frogs on a 7' 4" Tatula frog rod with a Tatula Type R and the most important part is the line I use 60lb Sunline fx2.
7.3 whatever, big difference lol
Oh yeah it was awesome! Never fished a frog before. And that big bite so close to the bank almost scared the crap out of me. I kinda stood there in disbelieve for a sec, then tried to set the hook lol. I'm going to go get me a bait cast set up this weekend. I really like the duckett rods but dang those are pricey right now. What would you guys recommend? Also I'll be fishing in the Oakley big bass tournament in Oct when they come to douglas lake here. So I'm going to be buying up things I'll need between now and then. The frog was a soft plastic that came in a 5 pack, I'll get the name for the one who aSked later when I get home.
I have a 7'mh Duckett and a 7'h Kistler Magnesium that I use for frog fishing. And I will say the duckett may be a little pricey but I've found it perfect for my frogs when throwing them around cover and docks. My Kistler I use for thick vegetation. For some frogs I would recommend Snag Proof's Ish's Fat Frog or Bobbys Perfect Frog.
If you have a dicks sporting goods nearby, try and see if they are still having a closeout sale in your area. I recently got $450 worth of Abu Garcia veritas rods for $160.
7 mh with a fast tip will do alot of things for you, rigged up with 30 or 50 lb braid. For a reel, you can find good deals online for high end reels used, or, the bass pro shops pro qualifier, or the daiwa tatula are good <$100 reels.
My dedicated frogging setup is a St. Croix Mojo "Frog and Slop" rod (7' H/F), 50 lb braid, and right now I've got one of my older, slower reels on it and it's probably the next one getting upgraded. If there is less cover you can get away with a MH/F rod but if you can only afford one, it's better to go a little over what you need than under. With the hookset, even with the beast of a rod and braid still needs to be strong especially if they're in the thick stuff. You've got to cross their eyes and get them coming at you and don't let them bury themselves in the veggies.
On 7/29/2014 at 10:52 PM, Eric Romines said:Oh yeah it was awesome! Never fished a frog before. And that big bite so close to the bank almost scared the crap out of me. I kinda stood there in disbelieve for a sec, then tried to set the hook lol. I'm going to go get me a bait cast set up this weekend. I really like the duckett rods but dang those are pricey right now. What would you guys recommend? Also I'll be fishing in the Oakley big bass tournament in Oct when they come to douglas lake here. So I'm going to be buying up things I'll need between now and then. The frog was a soft plastic that came in a 5 pack, I'll get the name for the one who aSked later when I get home.
Eric,
While Ducketts are good rods (I have had multiple models in the Micro Magic and White Ice), there are a lot better options in that price range or even for less money IMO. I can get you a custom built rod at the same price point as the Micro Magic and it is twice the stick the Micro Magic is. The *** *** Black is a better rod than the Micro Magic as well, and it is $100-$130 depending on length and power. The Powell Endurance series is another rod that comes to mind that blows the Micro Magic out of the water. It can be had for $150 at The Fish Ranger out of Montevallo, AL. If you want bang for your buck on a baitcasting reel too, the Daiwa Tatula can be found at various places online for $100 and it is a way better reel than anything else at that price point.
Ahhh - welcome to the madness of frog and toad fishing - a great opportunity to catch the biggest bass of your life and to spend all your money and the rest of your life torn twixt joy and frustration.
http://m.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Gander-Mountain-Frog-3-5-Pumpkin/Chartreuse&i=765511&r=view&from=grid
Link above is what frog I used yesterday. Seem to do very well, very life like bait when I would walk it on top of the water.
On 7/29/2014 at 11:36 PM, JGBassinAL said:Eric,
While Ducketts are good rods (I have had multiple models in the Micro Magic and White Ice), there are a lot better options in that price range or even for less money IMO. I can get you a custom built rod at the same price point as the Micro Magic and it is twice the stick the Micro Magic is. The *** *** Black is a better rod than the Micro Magic as well, and it is $100-$130 depending on length and power. The Powell Endurance series is another rod that comes to mind that blows the Micro Magic out of the water. It can be had for $150 at The Fish Ranger out of Montevallo, AL. If you want bang for your buck on a baitcasting reel too, the Daiwa Tatula can be found at various places online for $100 and it is a way better reel than anything else at that price point.
Awesome! Thank you very much for the info. I'm on a budget like most everyone else I'm sure so this helps out a lot. I've always fished with cheap knock off brands of rods,reels, and baits. But now I'm slowly getting into tournament fishing and I know what I already have isn't going to help me do better.
On 7/30/2014 at 5:11 AM, Eric Romines said:Awesome! Thank you very much for the info. I'm on a budget like most everyone else I'm sure so this helps out a lot. I've always fished with cheap knock off brands of rods,reels, and baits. But now I'm slowly getting into tournament fishing and I know what I already have isn't going to help me do better.
Anytime Eric! BTW welcome to Bass Resource. If you ever need anything or have any questions shoot me a PM. There are a lot of great people on here that will do whatever they can to give you quality advice!
On 7/30/2014 at 5:11 AM, Eric Romines said:Awesome! Thank you very much for the info. I'm on a budget like most everyone else I'm sure so this helps out a lot. I've always fished with cheap knock off brands of rods,reels, and baits. But now I'm slowly getting into tournament fishing and I know what I already have isn't going to help me do better.
First off, what a rush getting your frog crushed, huh?
Letting us know your max. amount will help greatly in suggesting tackle within your budget. Also might want to consider if this investment is going to be a multi purpose rod/reel or only for frogs and the like, which may affect some suggestions. Once you get some tournaments under your belt, you might then wish to invest in more individual purpose rods/reels. To up the odds in your favor. Only reason I say this is that I know from experience how quickly you can spend money on this hobby/sport.
We're all going to have our opinions on what is best, but with money in mind, I'd stick to what I can physically put in my hand just to make sure I like the feel and the action of the rod and reel together. Nothing stinks more than ordering online and its just not what you envisioned or you have to return it via mail and find a replacement.
Congrats on the intro to the addiction of frogging and good luck with the new outfit.
Oh yeah it was rush for sure.
The rod and reel will be for multipurpose use right now. I plan on trying to purchase a rod and reel each month.
I've never had any luck fishing with frog looking baits BUT when I was a kid we could catch live frogs and use them as bait. The Bass would swallow them up as fast as they hit the water!
I honestly miss doing that!
Eric, frog fishing is one of the most exhilarating bass fishing applications for sure. It get's your heart pumping when a bass suddenly explodes on your offering. I have two rods dedicated for frog fishing. For bank fishing I use a 7ft MH Avid with 40lb PP on Lews Tournament MG. My other outfit I use out on the boat and its longer stouter rod. Like someone mentioned above. If you have a budget in mind you will get plenty of recommendations. My tips would be: MH or higher Rod, at least 7ft. Braid is a must imho, and 7.1:1 reel preferably. Good luck and welcome to the froggin club.
Budget combo, don't overlook the Carbonlite Rods from BPS (you can find for $99 on sale, 7-7'6" med-hvy to hvy with a quick fast action tip will do. Fast reel, get a Tatula from Ebay cheap (Less than $110) and string some 50-60lb braid, SuperSlick or Samurai and start your frog addiction! All for less than $210!
I use a Duckett Ghost 7'3" Heavy with #40 power pro braid on a 7:1:1 Revo Sx.