Sofia Martinez
Fishing with a plastic frog is a fun and exciting way to fish, especially when fishing for bass. The plastic frog, also known as a topwater toad, is a versatile lure that can be used in a variety of fishing situations. When fishing with a plastic frog, the rod is an important component. A medium-heavy power, fast-action rod is typically recommended, with a shorter length of around 6 feet 10 inches to 7 feet. The technique for fishing a plastic frog involves using a series of downward rod twitches to impart action on the lure, while also keeping it moving to create a gurgling disturbance on the surface. The hook used with a plastic frog is typically an EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook, which can be rigged weedless or with a simple technique-specific frog hook. The Zoom Horny Toad is a popular choice for its sharp action and ability to be reeled in quickly, making it effective during the warmer months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of plastic frog | Soft plastic frog or buzzing toad |
| Brands | Sizmic, Zoom Horny Toad, Kalin's |
| Setup | EWG hook, medium-heavy power fast to mod-fast action rod |
| Rod length | 6-foot, 10-inch to 7-foot range |
| Technique | Long cast, straight reeling, rod twitches, slow sinking |
| Line weight | 30-65 pound braid for frog fishing, 30-40 pound braid for toad fishing |
| Rigging | Weedless, skirtless buzzbait, technique-specific frog hook, 4/0 Extra Wide Gap (EWG) hook |
| Performance | Fast reeling, crisp and consistent sound and disturbance |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic frog lure
When choosing a plastic frog lure, there are several factors to consider to ensure you are getting the right one. Firstly, you need to decide between a soft plastic frog and a hard plastic frog. Soft plastic frogs, also known as topwater toads, are exciting to fish with as you can watch them scurry along the surface, and they can be fished fast, leading to heart-stopping bites. On the other hand, hard plastic frogs are more durable and can withstand more aggressive strikes from fish.
Another factor to consider is the type of rod you will be using. If you are using a lighter bait, you will need a rod with a good tip action to load the lighter bait and cast it effectively. A medium-heavy power fast to mod-fast action rod is generally recommended for frog fishing. Consider something in the 6-foot, 10-inch to 7-foot range for a shorter rod option, which provides a good balance between power and casting distance. If you are fishing in heavy matted vegetation, you may need to use a longer rod and sacrifice some casting distance.
The way you rig your plastic frog lure is also important. For soft plastic frogs, you can use an EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook, which can be rigged weedless. This allows you to fish it over dry land and in shallow cover. You can also try a technique-specific frog hook or a simple 4/0 EWG hook. For hard plastic frogs, some people suggest using an offset hook and resting the hook in the "crevice" of the frog. However, others have found this method less successful, as it can be pulled out of the fish's mouth too easily.
Finally, consider the action and sound of the plastic frog lure. The Zoom Horny Toad, for example, has a crisp action due to its two sharply cut, thin feet, allowing it to be reeled in at various speeds while creating a consistent disturbance and sound. This makes it ideal for fishing during warmer months when fish are more active. The Sizmic Toad, on the other hand, blends the sounds of a Horny Toad and Stanley Ribbit, giving it a unique spot in the toad market.
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Selecting the right rod
When it comes to selecting the right rod for fishing with a plastic frog, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, you need a rod that can handle a light bait. Most plastic frogs on a hook with no weight will weigh less than 3/8 ounce, making them relatively light and challenging to cast. Therefore, choose a rod with good tip action that can effectively load and cast the lighter bait.
Look for a rod with a medium-heavy power, fast to mod-fast action. This type of rod provides the necessary backbone to extract the fish from cover. A shorter rod in the 6-foot, 10-inch to 7-foot range is generally recommended. However, if you're fishing in heavy matted vegetation, you may need to opt for a longer rod with more power, compromising slightly on casting distance.
The type of lure you're using also determines the ideal rod. When fishing with a hollow-bodied frog lure, you typically impart action on the bait by twitching the rod downward. In this case, a rod in the medium-heavy power range with a fast action is suitable. This setup allows for better control and precision when twitching the lure.
On the other hand, when fishing with a toad lure, the reel plays a more significant role in imparting action. A long cast is made, followed by reeling the lure back in. The hook's weight is usually sufficient to slowly sink the toad, so keeping it in motion is crucial to creating the desired gurgling effect on the surface. For toad fishing, a slightly lighter line, such as a 30-40 pound braid, is often preferred.
Additionally, consider the type of hook you'll be using with your plastic frog lure. An EWG hook is commonly used with plastic frogs, and the rod you choose should complement this setup. Ensure the rod has enough flexibility to allow for proper loading and casting of the light bait, as this will increase your chances of success when fishing with plastic frogs.
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Using the correct hook
One popular option is to use an EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook. This type of hook is designed with a wide gap between the shank and the point, allowing for better hookups. The EWG hook is a good choice for plastic frogs as it can accommodate the larger profile of the frog lure and provide a secure hold. It is recommended to use a 4/0 or 5/0 size EWG hook for most plastic frogs.
Another option is to use a technique-specific frog hook, which is designed specifically for fishing with frog lures. These hooks often feature a wider gap and a slightly different shape that allows for better hookups and secure holds, even when fishing in heavy cover.
Additionally, some anglers prefer to use an offset hook with plastic frogs. This hook style can provide a different presentation to the fish and may offer certain advantages in certain situations. When using an offset hook, it is important to position the hook correctly within the crevice of the plastic frog to increase your chances of a successful hookup.
The weight of the hook is also an important consideration. When fishing with a plastic frog, it is generally recommended to use a lighter hook that will not cause the frog to sink too quickly. The weight of the hook should be just enough to create a gurgling disturbance on the surface, attracting the attention of nearby fish.
Finally, when selecting the correct hook, it is important to consider the type of rod and line you are using. For example, if you are fishing in heavy matted vegetation, you may need to use a heavier hook that can handle the increased vegetation and still provide a secure hold.
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The best retrieval method
For soft plastic frog lures, an EWG hook is typically used. The hook can be placed in the "crevice" of the frog, or for weedless rigging, a technique-specific frog hook can be used. The Zoom Horny Toad, for example, can be rigged with a simple 4/0 Extra Wide Gap (EWG) hook or a weedless frog hook. When using an EWG hook, it's important to give the fish a few seconds to take the bait to increase the chances of a successful hookup.
The rod is also an important component when fishing with plastic frogs. A medium-heavy power, fast to mod-fast action rod is generally recommended for fishing plastic frogs. A shorter rod, around 6 feet 10 inches to 7 feet, can provide better control, but in heavy matted vegetation, a longer and more powerful rod may be necessary. The rod action is crucial when fishing with hollow-bodied frogs, as a series of downward rod twitches can impart action on the bait.
When fishing with plastic toads, the reel also plays a significant role. A long cast can be made, followed by straight reeling back to the boat. The weight of the hook is usually sufficient to slowly sink a toad, so pausing the retrieval will cause it to dive under the surface. Keeping the toad in constant motion will create a gurgling disturbance on the surface, attracting fish.
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Where to buy plastic frogs
Plastic frogs are available in a variety of online stores, with options for bulk purchases or individual buys. Here are some places to consider:
Amazon
Amazon.com offers plastic frogs in bulk, which are ideal for crafting, classroom settings, or party decorations. You can find a range of colours and designs to suit different preferences. These mini plastic frogs are easy to store and transport, usually coming in containers or bags. They are also simple to maintain and can be cleaned without damage, making them suitable for children.
Alibaba
Alibaba.com provides wholesale mini plastic frogs for crafting projects. These small plastic frog toys have unique features, such as a lever or spring mechanism that makes them jump when pressed, mimicking real frog hopping. They also offer ribbiting frogs, which produce frog sounds when a button is pressed. These toys can stimulate children's imagination and encourage creative play. Alibaba also has a range of different sizes, styles, and materials, including realistic models with lifelike detailing.
Etsy
Etsy is a global marketplace that supports small businesses and offers unique, creative goods. You can find plastic frogs in various sizes, colours, and designs to suit different age groups and interests. Some sellers may even personalise your order.
Walmart
Walmart offers plastic frogs in bulk, perfect for kids' parties, goody bags, and wedding favours. They also have jumping plastic frogs in assorted colours, adding a fun element to any event.
GlowUniverse
GlowUniverse.com offers 1" mini plastic frogs, which are perfect for kids' parties or school events. These colourful frogs come in packs of 12 and are a fun novelty item.
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Frequently asked questions
A medium-heavy power, fast-to-mod-fast action rod is recommended. A shorter rod in the 6-foot, 10-inch to 7-foot range is ideal for fishing in heavy matted vegetation.
An offset hook can be used, with the hook resting in the "crevice" of the frog. Some people also suggest using a technique-specific frog hook or a simple 4/0 Extra Wide Gap (EWG) hook.
The Zoom Horny Toad is a popular choice, as it has a crisp action and can be reeled in quickly while creating a consistent disturbance. The Sizmic Toad is another well-known option that has been around for decades.
Fishing a plastic frog involves casting it out and then reeling it back in. The weight of the hook will cause the toad to sink slowly, so it's important to keep reeling to keep it gurgling on the surface.
