New to Frogs

ChristGilley · May 19, 2016, 02:05:36 PM

So with the water being the way it is around here, I've figured that top water is my best bet when fishing. I was pleased to see I was correct. I've only been using frogs, a little booyah frog, a lunker and I recently picked up 2 "woops"y Frogs. The "woops"y frogs were the ones to win the prize. Within an hour I'd had 4 separate fish blow up after this lure. I've never experience top water blow ups so I was excited to say the least. But now that the initial excitement has settled, I'm noticing a problem. I can't get the hook set. One instance that stands out was the 2nd blow up (and 2nd missed fish). It was an absolute explosion and I didn't waste time setting the hook. I pulled in a bit more line and yanked back with a less dramatic jerk to get the hook in deeper. At this point I'm convinced I have the fish. I can feel it's weight and every little movement and it was easily a 3lb fish, my biggest bass for sure. It comes up, shakes it's head and the "woops"y frog smacks me in the chest. After a few 4 letter words, I tossed it back out there and went back to work. A few more blow ups and the same amount of missed fish and I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. I've looked online and people say that the hookup ratio is bad with this lure if you don't bend the hooks. Well I did bend them a bit off the body but it doesn't seem to help. As exciting as watching my frog disappear under the water is, I think actually pulling in a fish would be just as nice lol. Any advice is much appreciated as always. And if anyone has tips on getting the best action when using the frog, feel free to tell me. I've left one "woops"y frog exactly how it was in the package and I trimmed the "legs" on the other so I have the option of one of the other. Thanks for reading!

Capt. BassinLou · May 19, 2016, 02:30:22 PM

Frog fishing can be very exhilarating or heart breaking wrapped up into one package. What I find that helps me is trimming the skirts about an 1". Hooks, I leave alone. Even when you do everything right, bass will still get away. Its the nature of the beast. Little tips that might help is make sure the slack is picked up, lower your rod, then set HARD!! Having the self control to make sure the frog was taken before you set helps too. Keep at it. Godluck!!

Jerod22 · May 19, 2016, 03:36:46 PM

What kind of line are you using. I would only use braid it helps with the hook set because there is no stretch. I agree with what Lou said trim the skirt a little i actually have one a little longer on one side because i think it helps we walk it easier. Same with the hooks i have bent some of my frogs and others i haven't. The biggest thing is you cant set the hook as soon as you see the explosion you have to give them another second or two make sure you pick up the slack and then i swing for the fences.

ChristGilley · May 19, 2016, 04:17:11 PM

Quote from: Jerod22 on May 19, 2016, 03:36:46 PM
What kind of line are you using. I would only use braid it helps with the hook set because there is no stretch. I agree with what Lou said trim the skirt a little i actually have one a little longer on one side because i think it helps we walk it easier. Same with the hooks i have bent some of my frogs and others i haven't. The biggest thing is you cant set the hook as soon as you see the explosion you have to give them another second or two make sure you pick up the slack and then i swing for the fences.

30lb braid, I did some looking around before settling. People were recommending 20-60lb and I thought 60 was overkill. I would wait until either the line started moving or the fish put load on the rod. And the times when they kept it in their mouths, I'd fight them for a while and then lose the hook set. I'm thinking I need to do a more solid motion and then try to set it deeper a few times while fighting the fish. I'm confident in my equipment and since I'm a beginner in this style of fishing, I'm leaning more towards inexperience then having equipment that isn't up to par

Capt. BassinLou · May 19, 2016, 04:27:07 PM

Quote from: ChristGilley on May 19, 2016, 04:17:11 PM
30lb braid, I did some looking around before settling. People were recommending 20-60lb and I thought 60 was overkill. I would wait until either the line started moving or the fish put load on the rod. And the times when they kept it in their mouths, I'd fight them for a while and then lose the hook set. I'm thinking I need to do a more solid motion and then try to set it deeper a few times while fighting the fish. I'm confident in my equipment and since I'm a beginner in this style of fishing, I'm leaning more towards inexperience then having equipment that isn't up to par

What outfit are you using? Depending on the amount of cover I'm fishing will determine my line. In some cases you may be underpowered with 30lbs. However, I don't know where you fish to assume that. I also just set the hook once. I don't do multiple sets.

ChristGilley · May 19, 2016, 04:42:13 PM

Quote from: Bassinlou on May 19, 2016, 04:27:07 PM
What outfit are you using? Depending on the amount of cover I'm fishing will determine my line. In some cases you may be underpowered with 30lbs. However, I don't know where you fish to assume that. I also just set the hook once. I don't do multiple sets.

Abu Garcia 6'6 medium heavy BlackMax combo. It works through the cover and the open water I pull the frog through. The only issue is getting the hook set solid

Capt. BassinLou · May 19, 2016, 04:52:09 PM

Quote from: ChristGilley on May 19, 2016, 04:42:13 PM
Abu Garcia 6'6 medium heavy BlackMax combo. It works through the cover and the open water I pull the frog through. The only issue is getting the hook set solid

Imho... the rod size is effecting you.. for frogging a minimum of 7ft is highly recommended. That length gives better leverage to set the hook.

ChristGilley · May 19, 2016, 05:00:00 PM

Quote from: Bassinlou on May 19, 2016, 04:52:09 PM
Imho... the rod size is effecting you.. for frogging a minimum of 7ft is highly recommended. That length gives better leverage to set the hook.

If that's true, it really sucks. The only place within 45 minutes of driving that sells fishing rods around here is Walmart. And I don't think they have any 7ft rods. I'll have to look next time I'm there but I don't think they do

Capt. BassinLou · May 19, 2016, 05:07:01 PM

Quote from: ChristGilley on May 19, 2016, 05:00:00 PM
If that's true, it really sucks. The only place within 45 minutes of driving that sells fishing rods around here is Walmart. And I don't think they have any 7ft rods. I'll have to look next time I'm there but I don't think they do

Walmart at least the one by me, have Falcon Bucco's.

ChristGilley · May 19, 2016, 05:08:39 PM

Quote from: Bassinlou on May 19, 2016, 05:07:01 PM
Walmart at least the one by me, have Falcon Bucco's.

They have some decent ones online. Shimano or another Abu Garcia would be my preference

Capt. BassinLou · May 19, 2016, 05:19:46 PM

Quote from: ChristGilley on May 19, 2016, 05:08:39 PM
They have some decent ones online. Shimano or another Abu Garcia would be my preference

Goodluck with your choices.

ChristGilley · May 19, 2016, 05:22:03 PM

Quote from: Bassinlou on May 19, 2016, 05:19:46 PM
Goodluck with your choices.

It's tough because I can get something online through Walmart and pick it up at the store to avoid shipping but my choices are limited

zippyduck · May 19, 2016, 06:12:44 PM

order one through warrior river tackle and make it a heavy action extra fast tip.

SFL BassHunter · May 19, 2016, 06:18:26 PM

Quote from: ChristGilley on May 19, 2016, 05:00:00 PM
If that's true, it really sucks. The only place within 45 minutes of driving that sells fishing rods around here is Walmart. And I don't think they have any 7ft rods. I'll have to look next time I'm there but I don't think they do

Have you considered an online purchase shipped to your home?
Walmart does have a kind of limited selection. They do have the Veritas and Vendetta series Abu's, possibly in a 7'

I use a 7'3" Carbonlite. I also use a 7'3" Dobyns 734. I prefer the Dobyns over the Carbonlite. But you aren't going to get either of those at Walmart lol.

You can always check in with Warrior River Tackle and see if he's got any frog rods or rods that would work for frogging.
If not you can check several online stores that offer free shipping once you get over a certain price. They are around.

ChristGilley · May 19, 2016, 06:20:30 PM

Quote from: rickdelprado on May 19, 2016, 06:18:26 PM
Have you considered an online purchase shipped to your home?
Walmart does have a kind of limited selection. They do have the Veritas and Vendetta series Abu's, possibly in a 7'

I use a 7'3" Carbonlite. I also use a 7'3" Dobyns 734. I prefer the Dobyns over the Carbonlite. But you aren't going to get either of those at Walmart lol.

You can always check in with Warrior River Tackle and see if he's got any frog rods or rods that would work for frogging.
If not you can check several online stores that offer free shipping once you get over a certain price. They are around.

Yeah, I've thought about it. I just have to look around for a while until I find something. The only problem is shipping is usually ridiculous to my area unless there's a special or deal going on. I'll do some looking around though. Thanks guys

Johnny Smith · May 19, 2016, 07:02:57 PM

Not really interested in bashing any manufacturers frogs but some frogs are just better than others.

We have sold several types over the years and discovered that any of them with the cheaper nickeled hooks just plain ol miss fish. Bending them helps a little and sharpening them sure cant hurt but your better off buying quality.

Jerod22 · May 19, 2016, 07:37:24 PM

I have to agree with Lou again 6'6 is to small plus it's a medium action rod I believe. I didn't think the blackmax came in my?? For the price and I know walmart sells them look at the Abu Garcia pro max combo. It comes in 7ft mh and the reel is 7:3:1.

ChristGilley · May 19, 2016, 08:34:36 PM

I'm not gonna get into brand vs brand but I will say that the "woops"y frog feels tougher and more durable then the booyah and the lunker. The hooks are also sharper. And I can't argue over the results. Out of the 3, "woops"y frog is the only to even receive attention. I'll definitely be looking into the longer rod. Fast action I'm assuming? I wasn't sure if it was me or the rod. I knew it was a little shorter then what people recommended but I figured it would work well enough. I'll find out in time. I have to go to Walmart tomorrow so I'll look more closely at their selection of rods to see what they have. If they don't have anything, I can see if I can order something and have it delivered to the store. They have the vendetta online in a 7'3 MH fast action and that's what I have my eye on

Sent while pulling out a Ford

ChristGilley · May 19, 2016, 08:35:41 PM

Quote from: Jerod22 on May 19, 2016, 07:37:24 PM
I have to agree with Lou again 6'6 is to small plus it's a medium action rod I believe. I didn't think the blackmax came in my?? For the price and I know walmart sells them look at the Abu Garcia pro max combo. It comes in 7ft mh and the reel is 7:3:1.

I misspoke, it's just a medium rod. I had been looking at Abu Garcia medium heavy rods and thought I had one lol

Capt. BassinLou · May 19, 2016, 09:15:25 PM

Quote from: ChristGilley on May 19, 2016, 08:35:41 PM
I misspoke, it's just a medium rod. I had been looking at Abu Garcia medium heavy rods and thought I had one lol

Reading this post and going back to rod length, I can see why you were having challenges landing fish. You were unfortunately underpowered. Increasing rod length and getting a MH rod will definitely improve your chances of landing more fish.

Jerod22 · May 19, 2016, 09:17:57 PM

If you are wanting to step it up the Dobyns fury rods are great plus very affordable.

ChristGilley · May 19, 2016, 09:19:03 PM

Quote from: Bassinlou on May 19, 2016, 09:15:25 PM
Reading this post and going back to rod length, I can see why you were having challenges landing fish. You were unfortunately underpowered. Increasing rod length and getting a MH rod will definitely improve your chances of landing more fish.

That's good to know, thank you. Hopefully they'll have something over 7' and in the MH variety. If not, I'll see if I can't order it there through there system and pick it up later. The vendetta really caught my eye (that's if I stick with Walmart) but I'll look at the other options. I'm glad you guys helped my find the issue, I'm sure I'm doing something wrong but at least I know something I can fix lol

bigjim5589 · May 19, 2016, 09:52:15 PM

I use a 7'6" MH Bass Pro Shops Extreme rod for frogs with 30 lb braid, and still have a hard time sometimes getting a good hook set. Those heavy wire hooks are tough to get in a bass's jaw. As others have said, it's not a high percentage technique anyway, especially of you're fishing over thicker mats. The bass will try to engulf that frog and may end up with a whole mouth full of vegetation too. So, trying to set a heavy wire hook through all that lowers your chances of a solid hook set enormously.

Since the "Tackle Box " forum is for tackle making, I'm going to toss this out there. Plus, I'm a person who loves to tinker almost as much as I love to fish. You could try changing the hooks. I had bought some cheap frogs several years ago, and the hooks were not the greatest. They started out feeling sharp, but the points bent over. I bought some Owner & Gamakatsu replacement frog hooks, but couldn't get them to fit right, so I ended up having to sharpen the original hooks. To the credit of the frog maker, the line tie connection with the hook was welded shut, which is the reason I couldn't get the replacement hooks to fit in the bodies. The replacement hooks were too short for the bodies & needed the connector.

I caught fish on those frogs, but had to switch frogs often as even the sharpened hooks would dull quickly. If you can, take them to a shop that sells replacement hooks & see if you can match the hooks with a better replacement. Trokar now has a frog hook & you won't find a hook sharper! I had also bought some of the Greg Hackney frog hooks, which work quite well for me, but they don't fit the hollow frog bodies very well. Bodies like the Ribbit or the Sizmic, they're great for them.

From what you've said about the rod you're using, you probably are under gunned, but if the hooks aren't staying sharp, then those two things combined are really working against you.

ChristGilley · May 20, 2016, 09:42:39 AM

I lucked out, Walmart had a 7ft medium heavy Abu Garcia rod I stock. I actually grabbed the last 7ft they had, the rest were 6'6 rods. Thanks for the input and advice guys. I'll definitely be putting it all to the test here soon

Sent while pulling out a Ford

Capt. BassinLou · May 20, 2016, 10:14:53 AM

Quote from: ChristGilley on May 20, 2016, 09:42:39 AM
I lucked out, Walmart had a 7ft medium heavy Abu Garcia rod I stock. I actually grabbed the last 7ft they had, the rest were 6'6 rods. Thanks for the input and advice guys. I'll definitely be putting it all to the test here soon

Sent while pulling out a Ford

I wish you the best of luck. Frog fishing is an awesome technique. Once you get the hang of it, you can fish it different ways, and in various types of cover.