Finesse Frogging... Going to change the game! 2024
Master Bait'r reply :
I've been working on a theory lately. It's the same school of thought that makes baits like the Ned Rig and Trick Darters extremely fun and productive baits- downsizing. Now this makes perfect sense in most approaches, but frogging? Can it be?? YES!! I've been obsessively testing and experimenting and I'm happy to say I have definitely got some encouraging news to report.
I figured that all things constant, a smaller hollow bodied bait *should* draw more strikes as well as allow more of the bait to be taken into the fish's mouth, which is where a lot of the problems from missed strikes come from on frogs in the first place. This seems like a given but it raises a few issues. Namely, how are you going to cast it on your frog setup? Most people have Heavy rods and 50#ish braid and a 1/4oz frog is going nowhere. Believe me, I tried. Not worth anyone's time.
Wanting the same exact effect but smaller, I looked to my Jig & Worm setup. A stout MXF rod, 20# braid and a light baits reel with a decent drag. Bingo- it would BOMB the 1/4 oz frog and I could put it on a specific lilly pad with almost no noise even on the longest casts. Casting issues solved and walking abilities retained, I went to work again to see how it changed the bite.
Let me tell you... I've tested this multiple times now because I didn't want to report a fluke- I'll work an area of a couple hundred feet of weed line with my favorite heavy frog gear, then do it again with the finesse setup. A few times I even reversed it and went finesse first. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. The number of hits was WAY up on the finesse side. It wasn't even close.
Every fish in the pond hit those little hollow bodies- but it was lacking in terms of hookset percentages. The fish would inhale it, and from there it was a crap shoot as to whether or not the hooks made it into something or if they were just holding it in their mouth... Likely a combination of less backbone in the rod and smaller bodies sometimes having tough compressions along with a less than stellar drag on my reel when I started this endeavor. So I went to work again to figure out how to make it jive and capitalize on the windfall of strikes.
Having a whole stash of tiny frog and hollow bodied creatures at this point, I basically took them all apart and put them back together with bigger salvaged hooks into my favorites. Pics below to show my top 3 producers and illustrate the hook upsizing I'm referring to.
Thats a snag proof leech with about half the weight snipped out and glued into the tail, a Live target 45 (iirc) and a LH 1/4oz Lunker frog with skirt legs. All have hooks that *look* too big and cumbersome to be effective, but the light weight of the baits helps them not get hung up to a surprising degree.
As for hooksets, just wow. I've been testing this out for a while with outstanding results but today was the day the jury delivered a final verdict- I can't hold this in anymore. This morning I went from a really tough bite to an absolute nonstop hootin and hollerin slamfest. I probably boated 25 fish in the final 2 hours with several hat trick back-to-backers once I switched to the finesse frogs. Just plucking them off the edges of the pads one after another... I'd say I couldn't believe it but it's been happening every time I use them!
So. Now you know pretty much what I know. The quiet, tiny approach flat out boats fish when all factors are properly addressed. Even when the bass are seemingly tight lipped and it's "too hot"... Try the little guys and use light pops in the tiny spaces around the edges of the pads to tease them out. A couple little splashy twitches and a long stall seems to be the dinner bell combination for whatever reason, but results have varied day to day and space to space.
If you use it, please report your findings! I want to compile as much input as possible, but in my studies the results seem undeniable. I just switched reels to a Pixy R and it made a big difference too, so the same concerns are valid as big frogs, but add lightweight finesse casting in there now. Big drag, light baits and fast ratio with an extra fast rod, appropriately sized braid with *OVERSIZED FROG HOOKS IN YOUR FROGS* and you're good to go.
Now go forth and pillage! Be sure to report your findings!! Cheers and I hope it works out for you as well as it has for me!
chadmack282 reply :
How much do the smaller frogs weigh with over sized hooks & add weight?
Master Bait'r reply :
I'm not positive, but there doesn't seem to be a big jump in weight. Also it seems the lighter weight frogs tend to take on less water fwiw.
flyfisher reply :
I am not surprised at your findings at all because i have been fly fishing using smaller frogs for years and have great success. I am forced to be more finesse like in my approach due to the tackle and it does result in some good fish.
I guess now I'll have to try it on my conventional gear as well.
Nice write up
Fisher-O-men reply :
I see your first million coming! Fish maybe!
MassYak85 reply :
I wanted to try using smaller frogs (</= 1/4 ounce) because I too thought it would probably increase the bites on tougher days, but just haven't done it yet due to what you said, casting that on a frog setup is not happening. But I might try it out a little on another rod.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/11/2016 at 4:57 AM, MassYak85 said:I wanted to try using smaller frogs (</= 1/4 ounce) because I too thought it would probably increase the bites on tougher days, but just haven't done it yet due to what you said, casting that on a frog setup is not happening. But I might try it out a little on another rod.
The biggest piece to the puzzle is probably the hooks though to be honest. I feel like they build those frogs to have a hookset by a big rod, and I just wasn't getting the purchase with the lighter setup. Little frogs brought the hits but the hooks put them in the boat. HUGE difference once those hooks got swapped out. Everything just clicked!
Catt reply :
Seriously!
I've filed for copyright infringement!
I've been working on this for 4 or 5 months...well one of sons has been.
After everything I've taught about the effectiveness of Texas Rigs & Jigs he loves top water lures!
Especially small top water lures, when I'll throw a 1/4 oz buzzbait he'll throw an 1/8 oz.
This year I set him up with my frog rod & the next week he had a 4 1/2" H2O Xpress Frog.
His setup is a Shimano CI100DSV 6.2:1, Shimano Crucial 6' 10" medium heavy xtra fast, spooled with 15# Power Pro.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/11/2016 at 6:41 AM, Catt said:Seriously!
I've filed for copyright infringement!
I've been working on this for 4 or 5 months...well one of sons has been.
After everything I've taught about the effectiveness of Texas Rigs & Jigs he loves top water lures!
Especially small top water lures, when I'll throw a 1/4 oz buzzbait he'll throw an 1/8 oz.
This year I set him up with my frog rod & the next week he had a 4 1/2" H2O Xpress Frog.
His setup is a Shimano CI100DSV 6.2:1, Shimano Crucial 6' 10" medium heavy xtra fast, spooled with 15# Power Pro.
Oh man, this is right up his alley!
WRB reply :
Welcome to the 90's, it's been at least that long since CA Delta river rats have been winning tournaments using 1 1/2" 1/4 oz to 2" 3/8 oz hollow body Snag Proof frogs with home made over size hooks.
I have been using a small 2" white hollow body frog over a decade when bass are after shad in the brush, works good.
My first Plummer frog was a small 2" frog back in 80's. The hollow body frog evolution has been greeting bigger frogs The smaller size frogs are very popular in the spring.
Tom
clh121787 reply :
I'm just curious what's gonna happen when you get a big one hooked up. Can this rig muscle fish through the slop?
Bluebasser86 reply :
Hmm, I just bought a 6' 6" MH/F Avid X and put a 70 HG Scorpion with 30lb braid on it. I have a couple small frogs, I might be giving this a shot.
beardown34 reply :
what is the thinking behind larger hooks helping you set the hook with a medium rod?
sometimes if i'm out with my toddlers i'll just have my medium rod with me, and like you i've found that the hooksets frequently do not penetrate the bass's mouth.
Catt reply :
On 7/11/2016 at 9:40 AM, clh121787 said:I'm just curious what's gonna happen when you get a big one hooked up. Can this rig muscle fish through the slop?
The problem with hooks & frogs is well documented!
The first suggested fix for any frog is to bend the hooks outward.
My son Kade fishes the stock H2O hooks but slightly bends them outwards.
@Master Bait'r suggested hooks will handle any size bass in just about any cover.
Below is what Kade has pulled 6# plus bass out of with finesse frogs!
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
I pretty much leave frogs at home and use Ikas or senkos in places I used to throw frogs. People state often to throw a senko as a back up to a missed frog bite well just eliminate the frog to begin with. The smaller form lets the rig get in their mouth easier less missed strikes. Plus if one does miss, the ika will fall in place and bass comes back for it a lot of the time. I for sure hook into many more this way. In the pic this stuff I feel is better suited for lure that will drop in the open spots or a person can drag the ika on top still.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/11/2016 at 9:40 AM, clh121787 said:I'm just curious what's gonna happen when you get a big one hooked up. Can this rig muscle fish through the slop?
I've not had one break me off, but I also don't throw this rig WAAAAAY back into super heavy pads either. I will usually use this around the edges, in lighter kinds of pads or grass or if there is a big open space in the heavier pads.
That said, the largest I've pulled is probably around 3# and I didn't experience any problems. If it doesn't use the pads to twist the frog out you're probably good. The thinner braid also seems to cut through the veg better. As long as you're mindful that you won't be able to flip a 5er onto the pads you're pretty good to go IMO.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/11/2016 at 9:50 AM, beardown34 said:what is the thinking behind larger hooks helping you set the hook with a medium rod?
sometimes if i'm out with my toddlers i'll just have my medium rod with me, and like you i've found that the hooksets frequently do not penetrate the bass's mouth.
Well its a combination of factors really.
In stock from the hooks are very close to the body to avoid snagging. It's good for that, but with the smaller bodies that doesn't leave much room or the plastic to get out of the way and let the hook find lip. It seems as though even the smaller frogs were designed to have the hook set with a dump truck and chain lol... On the lighter rod it worked occasionally, but I still found that frustrating given the massive uptick in strikes. In order to get good hooksets on small frogs and lighter gear, you need more hook exposure.
In terms of snagging, it seems as though the tiny baits are in a bit of a Goldilocks zone. They're light enough that their weight alone didn't seem to deform the frog at all, so when you're getting it through stuff, someone with a good "jig hand" will have no problem gently teasing it through without a snag. Ham fisted people may run into issues at first but they'll learn. Also it's a bit of finding the right hooks as well. Too heavy and it'll start to snag or sink. Too light and it's giving stock hookups. I wish I had a more definite equation to relay but this is still kind of an experiment for me.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/11/2016 at 12:03 PM, Catt said:The problem with hooks & frogs is well documented!
The first suggested fix for any frog is to bend the hooks outward.
My son Kade fishes the stock H2O hooks but slightly bends them outwards.
@Master Bait'r suggested hooks will handle any size bass in just about any cover.
Below is what Kade has pulled 6# plus bass out of with finesse frogs!
My friends always laugh when I have a "moment" as we drive by someplace with crazy cover. I literally yell or scream out loud like there was a 12" spider in the car. They're all like "OMG WHAT?!?!!" And I'm all "Dude!! PLANTS!!!! And... And water!!"
Lol
Catt reply :
@Master Bait'r there is thousands & thousands of acres of marshes all over where I live!
That picture is about a month old, the lily pads are twice that size & it doesn't show the hydrilla, milfoil, & coontail moss under the pads.
It's a frog fishing heaven. 
snake95 reply :
On 7/10/2016 at 11:48 PM, Master Bait'r said:Now go forth and pillage! Be sure to report your findings!! Cheers and I hope it works out for you as well as it has for me!
Awesome write-up. We have the Ned Rig, the Rage Rig, etc. I guess a small frog with big hooks will from now on be referred to as the MB rig?
A few more questions:
I guess I should go downstairs and open up my frog box and try it out, but I think you just upsize by pulling out the old hooks and sliding in ones from a bigger frog? Or is there a specific double hook you prefer as a replacement?
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/12/2016 at 5:35 AM, snake95 said:Awesome write-up. We have the Ned Rig, the Rage Rig, etc. I guess a small frog with big hooks will from now on be referred to as the MB rig?
A few more questions:
I guess I should go downstairs and open up my frog box and try it out, but I think you just upsize by pulling out the old hooks and sliding in ones from a bigger frog? Or is there a specific double hook you prefer as a replacement?
MB Rig lol... Fap Rig perhaps?
Well different frogs are put together differently. I've found the most common "swappable" kinds to be the open double hook style ones and likely a figure right looking connector that pokes out the nose hole and you tie onto.
Like this
Once you get a few apart you'll see what I mean. Mixing and matching is easy with the open spreadable kind of hooks. Different frogs of different sizes all pretty much have custom sized hooks, ie a booyah and a live target will both be different. When you have a bunch and can mix and match you end up getting some good combos! The cannibalized frogs make cool XMas ornaments too btw too. 
Good luck!
MI.Kayaker reply :
Caught this MB-inspired fish on a 1/4oz Livetarget this afternoon. Good suggestion!
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/12/2016 at 6:38 AM, MI.Kayaker said:Caught this MB-inspired fish on a 1/4oz Livetarget this afternoon. Good suggestion!
YES!!!! Right in the roof of the mouth too! Nice fish!
fishwizzard reply :
This is very interesting. I am dipping my toe into frogging, but as most of the spots I have in mind are more full of duckweed then any thicker cover, I have been messing with smaller/lighter frogs. I also am not super accurate with a casting rig, so being able to use a spinning rig to get baits where I want them has been a big plus. However, my hook up ratio with hollow body frogs is just awful, maybe 1 in 5 or worse. I have been messing with solid frogs using large EWG hooks or smaller flipping hooks, but I think your "small frog/big hook" system might be even better.
RyneB reply :
The smallest Koppers frog is a terrible frog. Noone in their right mind would expect to catch fish on it. Please, send them to me and I wI'll dispose of them properly. The hooks can't handle big ones in thick stuff
JayKumar reply :
Very cool! Might cover it in the BassBlaster....
primetime reply :
Great Post..I have added larger hooks to many of my frogs, especially the Spro Popping Frog in smaller size which comes in 2/0 and seems to be a bit on the small side. I move up to a 4/0 Owner Double frog hook and it works much better. Academy now has a popping from that is a clone of the Spro Frog and they have 3/0 Hooks on them (I have only looked at them online) but I have changed out hooks on all my older Snag proof Frogs which had the thick legs before the Perfect Frog came out. I hate the Wide gap Owner hooks, so I put 5/0 Owner hooks on them, and then take the Wide gap Owners that seem to not do the job and add them to the smaller frogs...
I agree that finesse Frogging is a great idea, I often fish the small 45T Live Target Frog on 15lb Big Game or on my Medium Action Spinning Rod with 20lb braid and I have not had problems losing fish, or with hooksets. The Live Target hooks are razor sharp, and I file them after every few strikes, but Tiny frogs like the 3/16 baby Bully Wa, 3/16 Scum Frogs, often work really well.
My Buddy throws the 3/16 scum frog which he adds 2 suspend dots on the hooks for weight and flash, and 2 small split shots for added weight, and throws them on a Medium action spinning rod to skip them, and he uses 15lb braid, and often cleans up in water I fished with 40lb braid and the exact same frog....The Tiny Scum Frogs are Fantastic since fish can't really hold it without having the hooks if you trail that short hula popper style skirt. Scum Frogs come with Owner hooks, and if you look at the tiny ones you can see the hooks are desinged for lighter line as they are thin....
Jrob78 reply :
On 7/12/2016 at 9:04 AM, JayKumar said:Very cool! Might cover it in the BassBlaster....
Very cool! If you guys don't get the BassBlaster, shoot @JayKumar your email address, well worth it.
I don't know Jay and I'm not affiliated in any way. Just trying to pass on something cool.
This thread is featured in today's addition.
IndianaFinesse reply :
That looks like something I'll have to try. Do you like the smaller pad crashers and what is your favorite size of finesse frogs?( it still seems strange to have the words "finesse" and "frogs" in the same sentence)
Drew03cmc reply :
I bought my first frog yesterday for $1.96 at Wally World, it's a Snag Proof in green with the solid legs. Would that be Finessey or is that more of the standard size? I'm looking at spooling a Black Max 3 LH with 20/6 PP and tossing it on a 6' M Garcia rod...whatcha think?
ww2farmer reply :
I have been doing this for years.............keep playing with it, it works.
Further North reply :
OK...really stupid question: Where do we find the "little frogs"?
I tie small frog-like poppers for flies all the time...but am curious where to find small frogs...
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/17/2016 at 10:39 AM, Further North said:OK...really stupid question: Where do we find the "little frogs"?
I tie small frog-like poppers for flies all the time...but am curious where to find small frogs...
Usually right next to the big ones! The same place *should* sell a couple sizes to choose from. TW, DSG, BPS etc... They all carry them. Just check the weight, you're looking for around 1/4oz or so.
On 7/12/2016 at 9:04 AM, JayKumar said:Very cool! Might cover it in the BassBlaster....
Hey thanks for the shout out! Admittedly I had to Bing it, but I will have to sign up! I really like your format and content!!
On 7/13/2016 at 9:56 AM, IndianaFinesse said:That looks like something I'll have to try. Do you like the smaller pad crashers and what is your favorite size of finesse frogs?( it still seems strange to have the words "finesse" and "frogs" in the same sentence)
Yeah pad crashers are nice and soft. The smaller ones are just teetering on the edge of what I'd consider a finesse frog, but they alone with the LT 45ers are both great frogs that are slightly larger and will work well once dialed.
My favorite size is probably the lunker hunt 1/4oz frogs though. They have the tiniest profile and seem to just have a certain knack to draw strikes. I have several in various states of leg destruction and they all give slightly different looks. With legs they chug straight better and with skirt legs they walk and wiggle really well. To each their own though, different people will like different ones better and for different reasons. I think trying different stuff with your specific combo is important though.
TxHawgs reply :
Pretty sure there is or was just recently an article on finesse frogging on another popular fishing forum.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/18/2016 at 12:49 PM, TxHawgs said:Pretty sure there is or was just recently an article on finesse frogging on another popular fishing forum.
@JayKumar just took the info that @Master Bait'r posted and did a write up on it in BassBlaster.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/18/2016 at 1:09 PM, Bluebasser86 said:@JayKumar just took the info that @Master Bait'r posted and did a write up on it in BassBlaster.
Pretty excited about that! Nothing would make me happier than enough people experimenting, catching fish and talking about it that someday it gets picked up and actually made right from a factory. With all the boatless paddles that get produced nowadays I don't think it's much of a stretch to imagine.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Here is a pic of some various sized frogs
Smallest to largest pictured
- lunker pocket
- cabelas chuck-it jr
- cabelas chuck-it jr
- live target 45t
- booyah pad crusher jr
- r2s bully wa 55
- KVD
- spro 65
- Koppers 65
Master Bait'r reply :
Was spending some time FFing again this AM, nailed probably 6 or 8 1-1.5ers on it, and then it happened...
What was more than likely my PB inhaled the sumbich and I set the hook like my life depended on it. Solid as a rock, it stopped my rod dead. He turned and I got to see the side of the body and it took off, my drag started peeling like crazy- mind you a PXLR has a pretty stout drag- so I'm trying to reel in but it's pulling me so hard my boat is now barreling towards the weeds, I watch the line go straight in, make a big right hand turn around some pads and stop dead as the momentum crashed me into the same spot as the line tightened- I had it locked up- bucking and stuck down in the pads, but it was there. My heart was pounding and I was trying to clear the pads as fast as I could... And I grabbed the line. Tugged it twice to try and loosen the pads while clearing with my other hand- it shook it's head and the line went *POINK*
I yelled out loud like you see in the movies. Probably a couple times, actually. They may have heard me in space. I've never been so heartbroken, and it's all my fault for pulling on it like an idiot. I even lost my favorite finesse frog. Double whammy! I should have cleared all the pads by hand or just reached down and noodled it out. I'm such an idiot. Oh well. Live and learn I guess... At least I know they're there and FFing isn't just a dink magnet. I guess I really need to be more mindful of the finessey nature of the beast, although that fish was an exceptional outlier. I'm not going to be able to let that go... I need to catch that fish now. On a FF.
Master Bait'r reply :
Oh, and some pics of the tiniest dinks caught so far... Even the smallest fish can still fully inhale the little frogs. These things really are the Ned Rigs of the frog world.
JeepFisher reply :
Been doing this for a couple years as well (not replacing the hooks, just using the smallest frogs). Yes it catches dinks but also catches bigger ones. Some of the best luck ive had is just throwing it under some branches and letting that little frog sit for 20 or so seconds then whooomp. The fish in my favorite lake seem to respond more to the light tap tap tap of the smaller frogs than the more commotion that the bigger ones produce. Great post!
Master Bait'r reply :
Dang, broke off a freshy again today. Pretty sure it was a pickerel this time but the little guys were blasting away again just like they always do. I'm definitely setting up the boy with a FF when I bring him out Weds. He is going to LOVE it!
MassYak85 reply :
On 7/20/2016 at 9:01 PM, Master Bait'r said:Was spending some time FFing again this AM, nailed probably 6 or 8 1-1.5ers on it, and then it happened...
What was more than likely my PB inhaled the sumbich and I set the hook like my life depended on it. Solid as a rock, it stopped my rod dead. He turned and I got to see the side of the body and it took off, my drag started peeling like crazy- mind you a PXLR has a pretty stout drag- so I'm trying to reel in but it's pulling me so hard my boat is now barreling towards the weeds, I watch the line go straight in, make a big right hand turn around some pads and stop dead as the momentum crashed me into the same spot as the line tightened- I had it locked up- bucking and stuck down in the pads, but it was there. My heart was pounding and I was trying to clear the pads as fast as I could... And I grabbed the line. Tugged it twice to try and loosen the pads while clearing with my other hand- it shook it's head and the line went *POINK*
I yelled out loud like you see in the movies. Probably a couple times, actually. They may have heard me in space. I've never been so heartbroken, and it's all my fault for pulling on it like an idiot. I even lost my favorite finesse frog. Double whammy! I should have cleared all the pads by hand or just reached down and noodled it out. I'm such an idiot. Oh well. Live and learn I guess... At least I know they're there and FFing isn't just a dink magnet. I guess I really need to be more mindful of the finessey nature of the beast, although that fish was an exceptional outlier. I'm not going to be able to let that go... I need to catch that fish now. On a FF.
d**n dude sounds like I need to give this a shot. What frogs would you recommend, I don't have any under 3/8 ounces I don't think. And are you throwing these on casting gear? I was thinking of using a MH spinning rod I have spooled up with some 20lb braid.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/28/2016 at 4:21 AM, MassYak85 said:d**n dude sounds like I need to give this a shot. What frogs would you recommend, I don't have any under 3/8 ounces I don't think. And are you throwing these on casting gear? I was thinking of using a MH spinning rod I have spooled up with some 20lb braid.
I get a 1/4oz pocket frog and the baby jawbone frogs together. Rip off the LHunt legs, swap in skirt legs and put in the hooks from the jawbroni. That's seems to be the money shot so far. The frog is the smallest there is, and skirt legs make it even smaller and easier to inhale. It is kind of a pain to have to do but it's pretty consistently the highest producer. I've lost a few, used the above recipe again and although the jawbone hooks kind of suck it still works and you can bend them around to where you want them and it will slay.
I'm using casting gear I would normally throw jig and worm type baits with but spinning would be fine too. MH may work but it's all about the rod loading so results will vary. I like my MXF setup because it lets me bomb them super far and the lightness doesn't make a big splash.
It definitely will never replace the big dog frog setup because it can't reach into the heavy stuff but it's killer on the fringe.
MassYak85 reply :
On 7/28/2016 at 11:27 AM, Master Bait'r said:
I get a 1/4oz pocket frog and the baby jawbone frogs together. Rip off the LHunt legs, swap in skirt legs and put in the hooks from the jawbroni. That's seems to be the money shot so far. The frog is the smallest there is, and skirt legs make it even smaller and easier to inhale. It is kind of a pain to have to do but it's pretty consistently the highest producer. I've lost a few, used the above recipe again and although the jawbone hooks kind of suck it still works and you can bend them around to where you want them and it will slay.
I'm using casting gear I would normally throw jig and worm type baits with but spinning would be fine too. MH may work but it's all about the rod loading so results will vary. I like my MXF setup because it lets me bomb them super far and the lightness doesn't make a big splash.
It definitely will never replace the big dog frog setup because it can't reach into the heavy stuff but it's killer on the fringe.
Thanks man, is there any trick to doing the skirt legs? I remember I tried to do that on a normal size frog once and it was a serious PITA.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 7/28/2016 at 11:49 AM, MassYak85 said:Thanks man, is there any trick to doing the skirt legs? I remember I tried to do that on a normal size frog once and it was a serious PITA.
Yes. Get a pair of these babies and it's a breeze.
Tie a knot in the middle, push these through the leg holes and grab a "foot" and push/pull it through both holes at once. Also a dab of spit seems to really help too.
Master Bait'r reply :
Spun up a couple freshies for the weekend.
Finally figured out the right way to make a lake fork trailer hook work as a single frog hook too. I've used it a few times and it definitely helps snagging. May have to add some suspendots to put some weight back in it but it works well.
Sam reply :
On 7/11/2016 at 6:41 AM, Catt said:Seriously!
I've filed for copyright infringement!
I've been working on this for 4 or 5 months...well one of sons has been.
After everything I've taught about the effectiveness of Texas Rigs & Jigs he loves top water lures!
Especially small top water lures, when I'll throw a 1/4 oz buzzbait he'll throw an 1/8 oz.
This year I set him up with my frog rod & the next week he had a 4 1/2" H2O Xpress Frog.
His setup is a Shimano CI100DSV 6.2:1, Shimano Crucial 6' 10" medium heavy xtra fast, spooled with 15# Power Pro.
Those Academy frogs are outstanding!
Catt reply :
On 8/5/2016 at 6:36 PM, Sam said:Those Academy frogs are outstanding!
I like em just fine!
Master Bait'r reply :
We don't have any BPS or Academy locations. One Cabelas in Hartford, a Gander Mtn in Kingston, and few DSGs scattered around WMass.
Its sad. Finding a good Mom & Pop with more than a few bobbers is even harder.
Catt reply :
Academy does sell online
Master Bait'r reply :
On 8/5/2016 at 8:26 PM, Catt said:Academy does sell online
It's just not the same! 
Master Bait'r reply :
Been doing pretty darn good with the ff's lately but I snuck out after a massive thunderstorm today before I went stir crazy and had a KILLER afternoon.
Nailed this fatty within the first 5 minutes.
and about a half dozen decent smaller guys after that
also saw a fox
a heron
... and a beautiful sunset. Cheers!
Catt reply :
Awesome!
hawgenvy reply :
Maybe I'm wrong about this, but aren't big hooks on little frogs less weedless because the points are now so far from the body?
Master Bait'r reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 11:15 AM, hawgenvy said:Maybe I'm wrong about this, but aren't big hooks on little frogs less weedless because the points are now so far from the body?
You are not wrong! These are about working the very fringe edge of the weeds with minimal entry noise (sounds like a bluegill smooching the surface instead of a big splash) and a profile that is SUPER easy to say yes to as well as fully inhale... The more exposed hooks translate to great hookups even with the rod you'll need to cast a tiny frog well. I am usually trying to cast directly on the last fat pad before open water if it's heavy and concentrating on the first 2ft of open water, or working through sparse or light pads etc.
I use this technique in conjunction with a heavy combo and a normal 1/2oz or so frog for actual heavy cover and deeper back into pads, not as a replacement for it.
Master Bait'r reply :
Saturday was a good day, but WOW... Today blew it out of the water! I got stuck with a late material delivery, so rather than sit around and watch paint dry I shot out and caught some water time.
Got this guy right off the bat. Healthy, perfectly round dark sider that made almost no noise at all taking the frog under.
Then I battled some wicked wind gusts for about 45 mins before retreating to a wooded cove and regrouping from a direction I could work the wind. 10 or so later I got around to a point with a loosely padded mini-peninsula outcropping and casted to the pads behind it, working the frog across the open water to the tip of the point. As it neared the greenery, a huge wake kicked up behind it and in the waves and pads I couldn't see it anymore... I just watched for a second and when I saw the line move I cracked the whip into it and started reeling like heck. I got him to shoot out of the pads instead of into them and although he took the boat and my drag for a few strolls into deeper water I was able to net him relatively quickly. Definitely my biggest fish of the year and knocking on the door of my PB. Head and body like a cinder block!
Had a good afternoon from there too, as shown by the smattering of dinks below. The finesse frog has been untouchable lately.
Also a few I didn't take pics of. Anybody else crushing hopes and dreams with these little customs or is it just me??
Torn Thumb reply :
Just curious as to the lake that you are on? I have some bigger frogs coming in the mail, then I just have to get some smaller ones for the body. I've been wanting to try this.
IndianaFinesse reply :
Have you tried putting a trailer hook on them? Do they still walk with a trailer hook?
On 8/16/2016 at 7:44 AM, Master Bait'r said:Saturday was a good day, but WOW... Today blew it out of the water! I got stuck with a late material delivery, so rather than sit around and watch paint dry I shot out and caught some water time.
Got this guy right off the bat. Healthy, perfectly round dark sider that made almost no noise at all taking the frog under.
Then I battled some wicked wind gusts for about 45 mins before retreating to a wooded cove and regrouping from a direction I could work the wind. 10 or so later I got around to a point with a loosely padded mini-peninsula outcropping and casted to the pads behind it, working the frog across the open water to the tip of the point. As it neared the greenery, a huge wake kicked up behind it and in the waves and pads I couldn't see it anymore... I just watched for a second and when I saw the line move I cracked the whip into it and started reeling like heck. I got him to shoot out of the pads instead of into them and although he took the boat and my drag for a few strolls into deeper water I was able to net him relatively quickly. Definitely my biggest fish of the year and knocking on the door of my PB. Head and body like a cinder block!
Had a good afternoon from there too, as shown by the smattering of dinks below. The finesse frog has been untouchable lately.
Also a few I didn't take pics of. Anybody else crushing hopes and dreams with these little customs or is it just me??
just last week I caught one on a finesse frog that weighed 5.1 pounds!
Master Bait'r reply :
On 8/16/2016 at 7:50 AM, Torn Thumb said:Just curious as to the lake that you are on? I have some bigger frogs coming in the mail, then I just have to get some smaller ones for the body. I've been wanting to try this.
Its a ~10 acre pond. Newly private thanks to a few downed trees. Tons of cover and maxes out around 20-25 feet or so.
Pocket frogs and the smaller jawbone frogs seem to match up well for swaps. Also skirt legs get hit more for whatever reason.
On 8/16/2016 at 8:04 AM, IndianaFinesse said:Have you tried putting a trailer hook on them? Do they still walk with a trailer hook?
just last week I caught one on a finesse frog that weighed 5.1 pounds!
I don't bother. The bigger hooks leave me wanting for nothing in terms of hookups and I feel like a bare hook is asking for problems. Also I generally am not trying to walk them either. One or two little splashy twitches and a few second pause seems to be the money train.
Thats a great ff fish, nice work! Got any pics?
IndianaFinesse reply :
On 8/16/2016 at 8:25 AM, Master Bait'r said:Thats a great ff fish, nice work! Got any pics?
Thanks, unfortunately I was fishing alone and I don't carry a cell phone with me while fishing so I couldn't get any pics.
Master Bait'r reply :
Got another decent one today on the ff. Saved the day! I was getting skunked up until then.
Swamp Rat reply :
Well, MB you have spilled my secret weapon for YEARS...lol. I have been on Staff with Snag Proof for over 10 years, and while I throw the normal inventory of bigger frogs, I usually throw a 1/4oz Tournament frog whenever I can. I have 2 different rigs for this type of frog, a 7' MH spinning rod with 20# braid so I can skip the frog for certain terrain or just for a different type of presentation, and a 7' M baitcaster with 20# braid for normal use. I have experimented with hooks, but usually use the factory hook, not bent upward, but hand filed extremely sharp, and use a sweep set instead of trying to cross their eyes with the hook set. Not very many missed fish...way less than when power fishing with frogs, and it is also a great frog for following up another frog guy.
I do agree that not casting too far also helps hookup ratio, and a lot of times I am pitching the frog short distances. Mostly, 40-50' casts, work it, move to another point or unique structure...
the reel ess reply :
My PB to date came on a 1/4 oz Snag Proof Original Frog. The same one in my avatar.
Master Bait'r reply :
After being reminded of this thread, I wanted to post this fattie skunkbuster I got about two weeks ago on a FF. It's continued to produce for me even into the fall even though I've been so busy I haven't been fishing much.
Robeng reply :
MasterBaitr - Thanks for this and to the rest for their valued input. Nice writeups.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 10/13/2016 at 10:39 PM, Robeng said:MasterBaitr - Thanks for this and to the rest for their valued input. Nice writeups.
My pleasure! I love frog fishing and this dimension of it is so much fun it defies logic. It needs to be shared and enjoyed!!
IndianaFinesse reply :
On 7/11/2016 at 5:11 AM, Master Bait'r said:
The biggest piece to the puzzle is probably the hooks though to be honest. I feel like they build those frogs to have a hookset by a big rod, and I just wasn't getting the purchase with the lighter setup. Little frogs brought the hits but the hooks put them in the boat. HUGE difference once those hooks got swapped out. Everything just clicked!
If you had to replace the hooks with regular frog hooks (not swapping between frogs, I don't have enough to do that) which size would you put on the pocket frog?
fishwizzard reply :
Yes, I have been toying with making some finesse frogs and have yet to hit on a hook that fits well in the smaller frogs.
IndianaFinesse reply :
On 12/31/2016 at 1:38 AM, Bunnielab said:Yes, I have been toying with making some finesse frogs and have yet to hit on a hook that fits well in the smaller frogs.
I tried putting some 4/0 hooks on them, but it weighed so much that it sank with the slightest bit of water inside. I wonder if a 2/0 or 3/0 might work?
fishwizzard reply :
I will have to look around for the hooks I bought, I think they were 4/0. I didn't even get to the water test phase, I couldn't get them to sight straight in the frog. I think I am going to buy some figure 8 links and see if that lets me use a shorter, but still oversized hook and have it seat better inside the frog.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 12/31/2016 at 1:13 AM, IndianaFinesse said:If you had to replace the hooks with regular frog hooks (not swapping between frogs, I don't have enough to do that) which size would you put on the pocket frog?
Its different from company to company and many have their own bends etc.... There is no universally good size, as each company makes them slightly different. I did find that the jawbone frogs' hooks are right about the golden size and shape, and the frogs are cheap. Booyahs etc also will work but I don't want to ruin a Booyah, y'know?
You definitely need a light gauge hook to avoid sinking it though. I really hope a company or two will come out with an actual true finesse frog with protruding hooks and skirt legs so we don't have to go through so much effort to dial them in.
I miss froggin so much. I seriously can't wait for pad season to be back in full swing!
Brayberry reply :
Have you tried the FF this spring?
Master Bait'r reply :
On 4/24/2017 at 8:08 PM, Brayberry said:Have you tried the FF this spring?
Not yet I just got my kayak moved up here and have been out once. Also my main spot has only been sans ice for a week, pads and topwater in general are a ways off still.
I did just capitalize on a DSG sale for a bunch of green tea pocket frogs @B3G3, so I made up a bunch of extras. I'm definitely ready for it!
Catt reply :
@Master Bait'r
My son Kade read the entire thread last year & started fishing finesse frogs with limited success but he hung with it.
His second trip this year produced his biggest frog fish to date!
fishwizzard reply :
I found a Booyah frog in a tree but it was ripped up, so I took the hook and made myself a finesse frog. I look at the hooks and fear I am gonna loose it on the first cast, but I am excited to give it a try. I have a spot in mind that is mostly duckweed, so I am going to try it there first.
Catt reply :
How's y'all frog bite?
Mine is nearly nonexistent!
Lot of rain the last 3 weeks is keeping the surface temperatures down & the water super clear... At least that's my excuse!
PECo reply :
On 6/6/2017 at 7:47 PM, Catt said:How's y'all frog bite?
Mine is nearly nonexistent!
Lot of rain the last 3 weeks is keeping the surface temperatures down & the water super clear... At least that's my excuse!
What kind of frog do you throw?
Dtrombly reply :
On 6/6/2017 at 7:47 PM, Catt said:How's y'all frog bite?
Mine is nearly nonexistent!
Lot of rain the last 3 weeks is keeping the surface temperatures down & the water super clear... At least that's my excuse!
It's rough here in NW Ohio. Gotten a few blow ups on the livetarget field mouse, none on the frog.
Catt reply :
On 6/6/2017 at 8:14 PM, PECo said:What kind of frog do you throw?
H20 or Ribbit
RoLo reply :
On 6/6/2017 at 7:47 PM, Catt said:How's y'all frog bite?
Mine is nearly nonexistent!
Lot of rain the last 3 weeks is keeping the surface temperatures down & the water super clear... At least that's my excuse!
Central Florida is somewhat south of Louisiana, so our transitions probably take place a little sooner than yours.
We generally experience our best topwater bite during the post-spawn, which in central Florida
usually spans from the 2nd week in April to the 3rd week in May. In our area, the surface activity
has cooled off about 2 weeks ago, so at your latitude it may be your turn in the barrel 
Looking at that waterlily bed, the Stanley Ribbit is what I'd be throwing.
Roger
Brayberry reply :
So glad this thread was revived, it's probally my single favorite thread.
jtharris3 reply :
Speaking of finesse froggin'...
Ultra-Finesse froggin'
fishwizzard reply :
On 6/7/2017 at 8:27 AM, Brayberry said:So glad this thread was revived, it's probally my single favorite thread.
I know! I made a finesse frog over the winter but had forgotten all about it.
Brayberry reply :
I have 2 here just waiting to get out and try them. This weekend they should get their chance
the reel ess reply :
On 6/7/2017 at 9:29 AM, jtharris3 said:Speaking of finesse froggin'...
Ultra-Finesse froggin'
Might also catch a panfish with it.
On 6/6/2017 at 11:12 PM, RoLo said:
Central Florida is somewhat south of Louisiana, so our transitions probably take place a little sooner than yours.
We generally experience our best topwater bite during the post-spawn, which in central Florida
usually spans from the 2nd week in April to the 3rd week in May. In our area, the surface activity
has cooled off about 2 weeks ago, so at your latitude it may be your turn in the barrel
Looking at that waterlily bed, the Stanley Ribbit is what I'd be throwing.
Roger
The frog has caught me something every time I've tried it since mid spawn. I switched from the standard Pad Crasher to the popping model and gotten a few more bites.
RoLo reply :
On 6/8/2017 at 1:11 AM, the reel ess said:Might also catch a panfish with it.
The frog has caught me something every time I've tried it since mid spawn. I switched from the standard Pad Crasher to the popping model and gotten a few more bites.
Frogs work year-round here in Florida, but they're at their BEST during the post-spawn & post-summer seasons.
For wide area coverage I prefer a solid toad, namely the 'Stanley Ribbit', but for "frogging" I use
a 'Popping Pad Crasher' like you, and a 'Spro Bronzeye Popper' (not necessarily fished as poppers)
I have a huge drawer full of other hollow frogs and solid toads but they're just collecting dust
Roger
earthworm77 reply :
I'm a big fan of the smallest Koppers frog. I scored a ton of them a while back and the bass in my pond in NC love those frogs.
the reel ess reply :
On 6/8/2017 at 1:27 AM, RoLo said:
Frogs work year-round here in Florida, but they're at their BEST during the post-spawn & post-summer seasons.
For wide area coverage I prefer a solid toad, namely the 'Stanley Ribbit', but for "frogging" I use
a 'Popping Pad Crasher' like you, and a 'Spro Bronzeye Popper' (not necessarily fished as poppers)
I've got a huge drawer full of other hollow frogs and other solid toads but they do nothing but collect dust
Roger
Yes, I've found the Poppin' PC walks more easily than the standard. So you can walk, pop or mix up the retrieve. I also have a bunch that never get used. I will occasionally tie the one in my avatar on a spinning combo just for kicks.
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