FROGGIN WOES!!!!!!!! 2024

Muddy reply :

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Hey Do Fellas you ever throw those Snag Proof or Rojo type frogs. I have been out with them 3 times, without exagaration 20 to 25 ttakers NOT ONE HOOK UP, I even felt the weight of the fish before setting the hook WHAT AM I DOIN WRONG????? Ghoti already PM'd me, maybe i will try some of Brent's Toads and an EWG Hook.

Dominick

PS I am using a 6'6" Cabelas Fish Eagle II MH baitcasting set up wit 15 lb test line

mattm reply :

I find that using Shimao reels help ;D.

Muddy reply :

I think you need help

mattm reply :

Ok....seriously

1) Were you fishin on top of a lot of slop. If so the fish are only going on vibration and are just going to miss it a lot.

2) If you are sure your feeling the weight of the fish only two things can be wrong. 1) You are actually waiting to long and the fish is spitting the frog or 2) and much more likely there is to much give in your set up.

Most likely solution is to only fish frogs on braid. Heavier rod would help to, but I would just go buy some braid. Plus, when you do start hooking them up it will cut through the trash.

MARSH MASTER reply :

Use some sort of attractant to get them to hold longer and swallow it.

FR0G reply :

For all my froggin needs I use only braid. It provides the no stretch for extremely piercing hooksets. Also, a fast actioned, long rod would help too. Is this in open or slop type water?

Muddy reply :

Slop~~~ Mostly floating silver dollars and lilly pads. Well Long Mike and Ghoti said the same: Braid, and scent

NitroMan reply :

I used to have the same problem with my frogs. I would have very aggresive stikes but never get a hook-up.

I started talking to a buddy of mine and he suggested a weedless hook.

So I wnet to the local Wal-Mart and picked up some eagle claw 2/0 weedless hooks. I riged them up and brought the wire down around the tip of the hook and added some super glue to the top of the hook to keep the bait attached to the hook.

I tried that and on my very FIRST cast I caught one, just to see if it was luck I tried it again, and again and overall I only lost 1 all day and I think that is because I prematurely set the hook and pulled it away from the bass. This is now my goto way to rig any frog. I just received my order from Brent and I bought some of his frogs and they are terrific!!! Try them.

Brian_Reeves reply :

I use snag proof frogs a lot and have an incredible hook up ratio. I also use a MH rod with a baitcaster. The only difference that I see is that I'm catching fish and you're not ;D

Just kidding. I'm throwing mine on 30 to 65lb braid. For lilly pads, you can get away with the 30lb stuff. If you want to start playing in matted hydrilla or other thick grass, 65 or more is the way to go.

Megastink reply :

BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! Get the picture? 30-65#, but get 50#, its good all round. Also, IMO, i use at LEAST a 7' rod, and HEAVY action. Try just counting "1 Mississippi" after you see the strike. Go to this link:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1215907931/30

Simp had the same problem. Read the advise and reasoning i gave him. I think it may help you land some fish.

Pigsticker reply :

when I see guys around me throwing a hollow bodied frog with a stiff rod and braid they will get 1 fish for every three bites on average WITH the legs/skirts trimmed without the trimming maybe 1 fish for every eight bites if that, All the hits on these are by twitching the frog and then the bass hit it when it stops

Now with a soft bodied zoom horny toad me and my friends on average get 3 fish for every 4 bites, just by reeeling in at a constant pace like a buzz bait

Just my observations

Note the 1 for 3 ratio is a AVERAGE I have seen 4/4 3/4 4/5 ratios but have seen alot of 0/3 1/4s as well

Zel... reply :

Well, you know I can't give you any advise on frogin. When it becomes too frustrating, I switch to a GYCB Fat Ika, and I'm back in my comfort zone.

Muddy reply :

I figured that out sitting in the back seat the other night :

.ghoti. reply :

I don't use braid fro any bass fishing; I only use it for muskie fishing.

My frog setup is a 6'10" Setyr heavy, mod-fast rod, Energy PT 7:1 reel and 14lb geen mono. I used to have 17lb line on this, and went to 14 for better handling and longer casts. I've had no problem with the swap to lighter line. I'm fishing most silver dollars, sparse pads and pond weed. No need for heavier line to get the fish out of these.

Like I told Muddy, I bend the points of the hooks out on the Snag-proof frogs. And, I flatten out the V. That makes them no longer snag-proof, but also no longer hookup-proof. I quit using the Snag-proof frogs when Horny Toads came out. I get a lot better hookup percentage with these type of frogs.

I have a new favorite; the NetBait Paca Toad in the larger of the two sizes. I use a 5/0 EWG hook when I want to fish it slow with pauses. The big Paca Toad will float a 5/0 EWG. When I want to fish it faster, I use a 5/0 EWG Superline hook. The toad will not float this hook, but the hook is heavy enough to act as a keel and keep the bait running straight on a fast retrieve.

One thing I've discovered when using any of these toads is this; lubrication is required. These baits are thick enough that the bass can get a very good grip on them. If you can't quickly slide the bait in their mouths, you can't get a good hookset. MegaStrike works great for this. So does Pam garlic flavored cooking spray, but I no longer carry that stuff around. Mega Strike is easier and less messy to use.

Cheers,

Megastink reply :

Use whatever youre comfortable with. But i am a DIE-HARD Spro Frog Fisherman, and i throw it on 30# Power Pro. I find that a heavy action rod is best, but with a fast-med. fast tip. A little "limp" in the tip will help to increase your hookup ratio. Personally, with that set-up, i keep a 4/5 hookup ratio. But hey, maybe it just works for me...

Muddy reply :

Thanks fellas! I gotta sort this out and see what is gonna work for me

Tarpon 120 reply :

In my opinion, hollow frogs and horny toads are so different that they should not be lumped into the same category. Sure, they are both "frogs" and are topwater baits, but one is fished slow while the other is burned like a buzzbait. Hookset techniques are different as well.

For the snagproof variety I noticed my hookup ratio went way up when I switched to a Powell 735 (MH with extra fast tip). This rod teamed with a fast reel with 65 pound braid provides me with instant pressure when I get an agressive strike. Once I feel pressure I wait one long second and hammer it. If the strike is an explosion, odds are that you are going to get it. If the bait is slurped, thats where your touch and patience come into play.

Megastink reply :

Tarpon,

Granted, you FISH them two different ways (and sometimes the same way), youre EQUIPMENT remains the same. You SHOULD use the same length rod, heavy braid, and, you set the hook the same way: strike, pause one second, set the hook upwards. SO, although they are fished differently, they arent TOO far apart.

Tarpon 120 reply :

Similar I agree, but different enough for me to use the same setup as my buzzbaits. I step the rod down one notch to a 734. I have had good results with this softer tip allowing the fish to get the bait down easier. Like the buzz, I will reel down on a strike, feel the fish (hopefully) and side sweep the hookset. Different from my hollow body set, which is like yours, up quick.

roadwarrior reply :

This is the only frog I fish and I don't use braid:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_73278____SearchResults

When a bass strikes, lower you rod tip while reeling quickly.

Set the hook when you feel the fish. It's not complicated to

don't make it so!

If the fish misses, you won't "feel the weight". Let the frog

sit and chances are either she or a friend will come back.

Also, I don't believe any moving bait needs scent. The frog

strike is viscious!

8-)

Muddy reply :

I had 3 of those, gave one to Zel, ask him how he's doing ;D

Zel... reply :

$*#%$*#... and that's putting it mildly!

Megastink reply :

Zell, you didnt like the Spro Frogs?

Zel... reply :

I like them, just seem to be brain-dead when it comes to getting a hookset. BASS EXPLOSION ON THE FROG... COUNT ONE-ONE THOUSAND... SET HOOK... DUCK CAUSE HERE COMES THE BAIT RIGHT AT ME!

Megastink reply :

What line are you throwing it on?

Zel... reply :

I use frogs on two baitcast setups. (I don't care for braid)

7' Kunnan MH rod w/Cortland 20lb mono line

6'6 Berkley Lightning Rod (the older variety) MH w/Trilene XL 15lb line.

Megastink reply :

Ok, its your call whether or not you throw braid. Honestly, i dont care for it either. But after many frustrating days on the water, i now EXCLUSIVLY throw braid with frogs. I cant stress enough the importance on braid, and heres why: NO STRETCH!

Mono, like what your using, stretches. You know that. But because of the stretch, instead of counting only one second, count two LONG seconds. This will give the bass time to push all water/air out of its mouth through its gills.

In conclusion, i want to say one more thing. You talked about how frustrated you are because you miss so many fish on frogs. You also made it clear that you dont like braid, but use mono instead. You say, and i quote, "I dont care for braid"...

Dont you think that the source of your frustrations might be the fact that you ARENT throwing braid? Mono works, but is mildly effective. Braid EXCELS when Frog Chuckin'.

My advice, give braid another shot. LEARN to love it, and in time, you will.

TIGHT LINES!

Zel... reply :

Yeah you're probably right about the braid, but after I cut my left index finger down to the bone with braid, I swore I would never use it again... and although I have spooled it up on ocassion, I'm too chicken to throw it.

Megastink reply :

How did you cut it? Were you trying to pull a snag?

Muddy reply :

Hey Mega; I am very new to frogs and open to suggestions. The guy who turned me on to them is taking me out during the week for some night time froggin. He uses 17# test Trilene exclusively and his ratio is 2/5. I am confused as which way to go.

I think I will stick with the mono for now, and if frustration takes me there , I will try some braid Thank you for all your input

Megastink reply :

Hey, no problem. But honestly, i would START with the braid. My ratio is about 4/5 with it. But hey, fishing is a CONFIDENCE game:

THROW WHAT YOU KNOW!

Brad_Coovert reply :

7'6" flipping stick and 50 lb. Power Pro has been my ticket to great frog success in heavy weeds.

I still miss a fish now and then, there is no 100% hookup setup on these baits, but when I do hook 'em, they WILL come back to the boat, regardless of size of fish or thickness of grass. Braid cuts like grass better than any other line.

Brad

Zel... reply :

Quote
How did you cut it? Were you trying to pull a snag?

Yup, you hit the nail on the head.

Brad_Coovert reply :

I had a bad snag once when fishing braid. To get it loose, I wrapped the line around a cleat on teh boat and backed up using the trolling motor. Ended up pulling the snag off the bottom.

I've hurt my hands with that line as well. Now I keep a small piece of dowel rod in the boat to wrap the line around if I have to pull on it by hand.

Brad

Megastink reply :

I think Brad got it right, tie it to the cleat of your boat. However, if no cleat (or boat) is available, then at least wrap you hand in your shirt first, then wrap the line around that.... or wrap it around a thick stick.... be creative... but definitly dont wrap it around bare skin: i have cut through watermelon rind with braided line, its tough stuff.

Simp reply :

Quote
BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! Get the picture? 30-65#, but get 50#, its good all round. Also, IMO, i use at LEAST a 7' rod, and HEAVY action. Try just counting "1 Mississippi" after you see the strike. Go to this link:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1215907931/30

Simp had the same problem. Read the advise and reasoning i gave him. I think it may help you land some fish.

Yes I did but no longer!!! I switched my main baitcaster that is a 7ft HM rod to braid a few days ago. I used the Skum frog tournament edition and landed my first bass with the lure but still lost several others. I ended up lossing that frog and decided to see if I could find the Rojos Spro frog. I was lucky enough that one of our sporting goods stores has about evrey color you could want in the Rojos Spro frog. At 9$ a pop I bough just one to see what the hook up ratio would be. The first thing I did was trim the tail to get it to walk better and then set out to go fishing. After 2 hours with it I can tell you I may never buy another frog brand again. This thing has the greatest hook ups. I landed 3 fish in about 2 hours of fishing and the only time I didn't get the fish was when it just plain missed the frog.

I was ;D because we were fishing at one of our favroit ponds (it's really a small lake) that produces huge fish. Were are usually alone but today we had several outher fisherman along the bank and they weren't catching crap.Then I think they about lost it when I went back and fished a area they had just went bye and landed this solid 19inch 3lb fish.

Megastink reply :

CONGRADS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats great to hear! Im glad you took all of our advice and went for braid and Spro Frogs. It is my personal favorite! Again, congrads, and feel free to keep posting your bass you catch! I wanna see your first 5#er on your new frog set-up!

Simp reply :

Quote
CONGRADS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats great to hear! Im glad you took all of our advice and went for braid and Spro Frogs. It is my personal favorite! Again, congrads, and feel free to keep posting your bass you catch! I wanna see your first 5#er on your new frog set-up!

I'm sure it won't take long for it to happened. I've got a couple great bodies of water that are perfect for frogs. I'm one of those guys who love top water and if I could I would fish it all day lol. I usually stay on top as long as I can and then go straight to a sexy shad crankbait. The spro frog just blew my mind on it's quality compared to other frogs I've used in the past. Now I'm just trying to decide what other colorers I should buy. ;D

Megastink reply :

I rely on three mainly. White, black, and, well, FROG. I also like a brown and purple combo, because i throw frogs around areas where bluegills prevail as the main forage. And IMO, the is NO SUCH THING as a lake that ISNT good for frogs.

Simp reply :

Quote
I rely on three mainly. White, black, and, well, FROG. I also like a brown and purple combo, because i throw frogs around areas where bluegills prevail as the main forage. And IMO, the is NO SUCH THING as a lake that ISNT good for frogs.

I'm sure most places in NA are like that. Bluegill is a main source for food in my area as well. We often take my 9 year old nephew with us and set him up for blugill and he hammers them while we bass fish.

As far as colors I was thinking of getting a black one as well. I have the "Natural Green" patterned frog and on the belly it has white and yellow with some black spots in it. They all look so pretty I don't know what to choose :'(. Rainforest Black looks good but I'm trying to figure out if some of these color patterns are meant to catch fisherman or fish ;D.

Megastink reply :

I have 5 colors currently:

- Albino (for general frogging in bright conditions)

- Tropical White (for frogging in bright conditions for AGGRESSIVE bass)

-Midnight (general frogging in low light [cloudy] conditions)

-Rain Forest Black- (frogging for AGGRESSIVE bass in low-light conditions)

-Natural Green- (clear water, "Frog-Habitat" fishing)

Those are the ones i throw. They ALL catch me fish. They all work well, and im sure if you choose the right color for the current conditions, then any color will catch fish.

The nexy two colors i get are gonna be Putty Black/Barney (bluegill imitations) and Neon Glow (looks like a good "shad" color for open water)

SPRO also has a new Bronzeye coming out. Its a frog popper, and i may have to buy a new tacklebox just for them, because ill own EVERY color!

J_Zink reply :

You're in luck.

http://www.catchlargemouthbass.com/product2.html

All the secrets you need to know are right here. He's a famous fishermen too. Look at the testimonials.

wavewalker reply :

try going to a lot bigger hook an sharper hooks

Muddy reply :

Quote
You're in luck.
http://www.catchlargemouthbass.com/product2.html

All the secrets you need to know are right here. He's a famous fishermen too. Look at the testimonials.

I don't think so! i HAVE ALL THE HELP i NEED FROM THIS THREAD.

Megastink reply :

Quote
He's a famous fishermen too. Look at the testimonials.

So famous that I've never heard of him... lol...

Muddy reply :

Wasn't he interviewed by a certain !$ a word author, then fished on that guy from New Englands show?

Grey Wolf reply :

Quote

Quote
He's a famous fishermen too. Look at the testimonials.

So famous that I've never heard of him... lol...

Golly I thought there for a while that I was the only one that had never heard of him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6635

FROGGIN WOES!!!!!!!! 2024

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