Thinking about a shorter frog rod 2025
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
I live in the northeast and do my frogging on a 76mhf. I fish a lot of open water grass fields, and I like that length for distance casting and good hooksets. There are situations, however, when I feel the longer rod hurts my casting accuracy and thus costs me fish.
As a result, I am looking into experimenting with some different frog rods, especially since I always have one in my hand during the summer. I am looking at something slightly shorter for tighter quarters. I have never had any issues with my MH but due to its length it may have more power in the upper mid section than other MH rods.
I am considering
-Expride 72H
-SLX 72H(would probably get the combo with the xg)
-ALX toadface
-Diawa 2018 Tatula 73MH(was impressed with it in the store)
I am not interested in a dobyns 735.
What does everyone think? I am curious about the Expride as I am quite liking my 72MH, but the SLX combo would be a great deal.
Anyone have the SLX 72H? If so, how does it feel in hand? How tip heavy is it?
Hower08 reply :
Don't know about the slx rods but I fish my frogs on a 7'3 heavy or med heavy depending on cover and have no issues
d-camarena reply :
Save some money and just get the slx combo. Frogs dont require a lot of science
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
I might also use the rod to flip. I forgot to mention the new Levante perfect pitch as a possibility.
Jason Penn reply :
make sure you like the reel seats on the levante. i've got a new perfect pitch that is now a wall hanger due to seat not being comfortable to me. i only fished it one day.
other than that, they are very nice rods.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 5/20/2019 at 7:11 AM, Jason Penn said:make sure you like the reel seats on the levante. i've got a new perfect pitch that is now a wall hanger due to seat not being comfortable to me. i only fished it one day.
other than that, they are very nice rods.
I experienced that with the old tatula rods.
new2BC4bass reply :
Do you think the 3-4 inch shorter rods are going to be that much more accurate? There is a 6'10" MHF Tatula on ebay for $100.98 with free shipping. A 6'10" HF Quantum Superlite on ebay for $50 + $25 shipping. Used once and a steal at that price. I don't need a second one as I also have that rod in the Tour Edition line.
I prefer 7' and longer casting rods, but have a few under that length I also enjoy. The Quantums are two.
Of the rods you've listed I have only used the Toadface. And that was once last year. Haven't been out locally at all this year. From what I read it is not only an excellent frog rod, but quite versatile as well. But all the rods you listed should be versatile.
I am curious as to why you don't like the Dobyns 735. I read that it makes an excellent frog rod.
5by3 reply :
I sold a Dobyns 735 and replaced it with the ALX toadface and haven’t looked back. Really enjoy the rod so far but only have a few months with it so far.
LionHeart reply :
On 5/20/2019 at 3:23 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:I might also use the rod to flip. I forgot to mention the new Levante perfect pitch as a possibility.
When you say "flip" are you talking about pitching? Or actually flipping?
If you mean pitching, the old school Diawa Tatula rod 7'2" Heavy makes an excellent rod for frogs and pitching. Very light and sensitive with plenty of muscle. $130 on Ebay and totally worth it. Handle is perfect length for working a frog, maybe a tad short for what I like in a pitching rod though.
fishwizzard reply :
I’m also on the hunt for a shorter frog rod but I’m looking for something closer to 6 feet. I do a lot of bushwhack fishing and so many better cast angles are opened up to me when I bring a 6 foot rod vs a 7 foot one.
Unsurprisingly, I am not having a lot of luck. I have found a few snakehead rods from SE Asia look promising but info on them is scarce and the few places I found that would ship them to me in the US have incredibly expensive shipping fees.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 5/20/2019 at 8:51 AM, 5by3 said:I sold a Dobyns 735 and replaced it with the ALX toadface and haven’t looked back. Really enjoy the rod so far but only have a few months with it so far.
How is the balance? Why do you prefer the ALX?
Brett's_daddy reply :
For the money you can't beat a Dobyns Fury 735C IMO. If you call Dobyns directly they even have like-new refurbs for $85 shipped. You just can't beat that but again it's just my opinion and I'm on a budget, if money is no object I'm sure there are much better rods out there.
Dirtyeggroll reply :
I use a 7' H Daiwa Aird. Its a good frog rod. Doesn't need to be fancy.
johnD. reply :
Shorter rods are deadly accurate , if that's what you're after. If you are running down the bank , they are very easy to fish. Muse 6'5 heavy and the Jason Christie Cara T7 6'11 heavy , are a couple worth considering.
For fishing mats and heavy vegetation where bombing long cast are require , 7'3 heavy is what I use.
GeekFisher reply :
On 5/21/2019 at 2:37 AM, johnD. said:Shorter rods are deadly accurate , if that's what you're after. If you are running down the bank , they are very easy to fish. Muse 6'5 heavy and the Jason Christie Cara T7 6'11 heavy , are a couple worth considering.
For fishing mats and heavy vegetation where bombing long cast are require , 7'3 heavy is what I use.
I own the SLXC72H for a few weeks and tried casting with it a little bit in my yard. I frogged with a Quantum Team KVD 6'10" before and I think thats the lenght you should be after (6'8"-7'1") if you really Wanna see the difference 
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 5/20/2019 at 9:54 PM, newyorktoiowa57 said:
I was also wondering what it would be like to frog with a H power rod in general.
On 5/21/2019 at 4:01 AM, GeekFisher said:I own the SLXC72H for a few weeks and tried casting with it a little bit in my yard. I frogged with a Quantum Team KVD 6'10" before and I think thats the lenght you should be after (6'8"-7'1") if you really Wanna see the difference
What were your impressions of the SLX rod?
BaitFinesse reply :
On 5/20/2019 at 9:47 PM, fishwizzard said:I’m also on the hunt for a shorter frog rod but I’m looking for something closer to 6 feet. I do a lot of bushwhack fishing and so many better cast angles are opened up to me when I bring a 6 foot rod vs a 7 foot one.
Unsurprisingly, I am not having a lot of luck. I have found a few snakehead rods from SE Asia look promising but info on them is scarce and the few places I found that would ship them to me in the US have incredibly expensive shipping fees.
Kuying has a snakehead rod in a 5'9" XH. It is rated 1/4 to 2 oz. It might be worth a look. It is a MF though.
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32734617155.html?trace=storeDetail2msiteDetail&spm=a2g0n.store_home.productList_45619763.0
GeekFisher reply :
On 5/21/2019 at 5:10 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:I was also wondering what it would be like to frog with a H power rod in general.
What were your impressions of the SLX rod?
Frogs with at least 1/2oz wt cast great on the SLX. Btw I still own it but bass is closed here so cant use it till mid June... I was walking the frog on the snow in the yard lol 
Smalls reply :
On 5/21/2019 at 5:10 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:I was also wondering what it would be like to frog with a H power rod in general.
In my opinion, it’s almost always a necessity. Even if you’re not fishing around a bunch of crazy cover, look at the hooks on your frog. You need a rod and a hookset to really drive those suckers home. My frog rod is a broomstick. I often have to “thump” frogs out of the fishes mouth, but I know they ain’t shakin it.
5by3 reply :
On 5/20/2019 at 9:54 PM, newyorktoiowa57 said:How is the balance? Why do you prefer the ALX?
Balance on the ALX is slightly more tip heavy than the Dobyns, but not to the point that you actually notice it while you’re fishing. But imo, Dobyns has the best balanced rods on the market that I’ve used.
Alx has had a softer tip which helps with accurate casts and walking the frog, but manhandles fish once you drive the hook home. Im able to throw the junior-sized frogs comfortably on the ALX as well as the normal size. My champion felt too stiff to throw the smaller ones. By no means am I saying the champion is bad... I’d use it if I didn’t own the toadface. Just my two cents.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 5/21/2019 at 7:26 AM, 5by3 said:Balance on the ALX is slightly more tip heavy than the Dobyns, but not to the point that you actually notice it while you’re fishing. But imo, Dobyns has the best balanced rods on the market that I’ve used.
Alx has had a softer tip which helps with accurate casts and walking the frog, but manhandles fish once you drive the hook home. Im able to throw the junior-sized frogs comfortably on the ALX as well as the normal size. My champion felt too stiff to throw the smaller ones. By no means am I saying the champion is bad... I’d use it if I didn’t own the toadface. Just my two cents.
Thanks for the feedback. I would assume the ALX is lighter overall, though.
The bait monkey just overcame me and I purchased another Chronarch MGL, lol. I had been rotating my newly acquired chronarch between a different ZOLO model and an expride. I decided I would rather just get another chronarch than buy another frog rod for now.
I will likely end up buying that slx 72H combo with a month though, realistically.
d**n you, Bait Monkey!
5by3 reply :
Yeah the toadface feels a lot lighter and crisper than the champion to me. At the end of the day, it’s all about what feels comfortable for you! What works for me may not work for others.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 5/21/2019 at 7:40 AM, 5by3 said:Yeah the toadface feels a lot lighter and crisper than the champion to me. At the end of the day, it’s all about what feels comfortable for you! What works for me may not work for others.
In my original post I said that I wanted to stay away from the 735. I dislike my Champion 734 due to its weight, so I don't think I will like the 735 any better.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 5/20/2019 at 11:28 AM, LionHeart said:When you say "flip" are you talking about pitching? Or actually flipping?
If you mean pitching, the old school Diawa Tatula rod 7'2" Heavy makes an excellent rod for frogs and pitching. Very light and sensitive with plenty of muscle. $130 on Ebay and totally worth it. Handle is perfect length for working a frog, maybe a tad short for what I like in a pitching rod though.
I really did not like the reel seat on the old tatulas You are correct, I should have said pitching.
fishwizzard reply :
On 5/21/2019 at 5:42 AM, BaitFinesse said:Kuying has a snakehead rod in a 5'9" XH. It is rated 1/4 to 2 oz. It might be worth a look. It is a MF though.
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32734617155.html?trace=storeDetail2msiteDetail&spm=a2g0n.store_home.productList_45619763.0
Thanks so much!
I went ahead and ordered the shorter one, $90 is within my “roll the dice” limit and it will be good to put my idea to the test before I spend a lot more on a similar rod.
I’m actually becoming more and more in favor of medium fast rods these days. In general im finding that the more powerful the rod the slower I want the taper to be.
5by3 reply :
On 5/21/2019 at 7:45 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:In my original post I said that I wanted to stay away from the 735. I dislike my Champion 734 due to its weight, so I don't think I will like the 735 any better.
I was just using the champion 735 as a comparison to the toadface since that’s what I have experience with.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 5/21/2019 at 8:59 PM, 5by3 said:I was just using the champion 735 as a comparison to the toadface since that’s what I have experience with.
I know, I was just explaining why I wasn't interested in another Dobyns. If I am looking to spend more than for the SLX I will keep the toadface in mind.
Westcoast reply :
I use an 804c imxpro for some early season light frogging. But I do use frogs with lighter wire hooks and generally the grass isn’t so thick yet. But later on I move up to 7’4” rod that can bomb the frogs a lot further and drive those large hooks home.
FryDog62 reply :
I have:
•7-2 Tatula Heavy
•7-2 Orochi Perfect Pitch Heavy
•7-2 Zolo Toadface MH+
I like all 3 and could use any for frogging. Slight edge to the Tat for heavier cover, edge to the Toadface for ability to throw lighter frogs and walk dog well. Perfect Pitch a blend of the other two.
Personal preference, Fast/XF and budget come in to consideration..
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
So I checked out the SLX 72H in a local Store last weekend and that rod is definitely out, way too tip heavy. I really like my recently acquired Levante Jerkbait special, and am leaning towards the Perfect Pitch in that series. For the moment I am a bank fisherman and a H power rod seems like a necessity now.
Efishin reply :
I am so impressed with the XX and Levante rods I have. The Perfect Pitch is definitely a versatile rod that can be utilized for jigs and frogs. Good choice
On 7/7/2019 at 12:44 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:So I checked out the SLX 72H in a local Store last weekend and that rod is definitely out, way too tip heavy. I really like my recently acquired Levante Jerkbait special, and am leaning towards the Perfect Pitch in that series. For the moment I am a bank fisherman and a H power rod seems like a necessity now.
FishingGeekTX reply :
You can find a number of 7' heavy rods at various price points, but if you want smaller there is als:
Falcon has a dedicated frog rod: heavy christie frog rod at 6'11 ($200)
Cashion 6'9 H-F ($180)
(the MH goes up to 1oz, might be all you need)
Personally I just went *lighter* on my big frog rod (from a Dobyn's Fury Mag Heavy that wears me out), which also resulted in shorter. I also plan on doing that with my swimbait rod. Lightest I can find that's reasonable.
I got this for frogging (and if not I can re-purpose):
HS-C-701H Okuma Helios traditional guides (CM is micro guides) 7' H-F
You can find them around $120 at walmart..sometimes only the CM version. 4.4 oz (!)
Tackle warehouse has them for $175-$185 I got the HS-CM-701H Monday, haven't fished it yet, but price/weight sold me.
NathanDLTH reply :
My top three frog rods:
Orochi XXX F7-70 Destruction
-JDM model from Tackle Trap, lots of power, moderate fast, and good tip section.
Tatula Elite 7’4 H/F AGS
-the longest I’d go probably. Good tip section, solid backbone, and can double as a jig rod if needed.
Tatula Elite 7’3 H/F pitching rod
-a little tip heavy, pairs well with heavier reels for a balance standpoint. Good back up.
jtharris3 reply :
I use 7’ MH Lightning Rod Shock for froggin'. It’s been my frog rod for several years and has worked great. I’ve experimented with other rods but keep coming back to the Shock. It’s bullet proof and I don’t have to worry about it, as I am pretty hard on my frog rods. I have it paired with a Lews Tournament MB.
YoTone reply :
I use the 6'9'' heavy tatula elite. its made for skipping jigs but ive been using it for my frogging set up. its pretty sweet. it was made for skipping jigs but it can skip a frog too.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
Anybody ever frog with a destroyer FMJ?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/8/2019 at 3:34 AM, jtharris3 said:I use 7’ MH Lightning Rod Shock for froggin'. It’s been my frog rod for several years and has worked great. I’ve experimented with other rods but keep coming back to the Shock. It’s bullet proof and I don’t have to worry about it, as I am pretty hard on my frog rods. I have it paired with a Lews Tournament MB.
This rod is a really solid frog rod, I use it for my frog/flipping rod in my kayak and johnboat when I don't want to take my expensive gear. The 7' H/F Ethos from Academy makes a really good frog rod too. I use a 7' 3" H/F Ethos as my main frog rod, best frog rod I've ever used.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
Decided on the 72 Heavy Poison Adrena.
STBen1215 reply :
On 8/8/2019 at 10:03 PM, newyorktoiowa57 said:Decided on the 72 Heavy Poison Adrena.
Great rod! Let us know how you like it.
Mikeltee reply :
If you can work the frog with a short rod and it has the backbone to pull a whale out of the slop go for it. I would assume that a short rod with an adequate backbone will have a less chance at a good, fast tip but I don't understand do I know about short rods? If you are talking short as in 7'2" compared to 7'6" I wouldn't call that short and you probably arent going to notice much of a difference.
I know that you dont want to hear about the DC735C but have you heard about the DC736C? Lmao
That's what I use and it's one bad mofo. Accuracy with short casts is not my priority though. I call that pitching and flipping and the 736 can do that as well.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
Ended up going with the Tatula 71HF.
Jaderose reply :
On 8/19/2019 at 2:37 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:Ended up going with the Tatula 71HF.
You can't go wrong. My 7'3" Tat (3 or 4 years old now...can't remember) is my hands down favorite rod. Light and can chuck a frog a mile. Has the backbone to pull em out of the deepest slop. Just a joy to fish with
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
I have to say that I did not end up liking this rod. It was too stiff in the tip to cast the frog as far as I wanted.
The search continues.
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