Omar Khalid
Soft plastic frogs are used as fishing lures, and there are a variety of ways to rig them. A popular method is to use a Wide Gap hook, which is suitable for soft plastics due to its thickness. Another option is to use a single 5/0 EWG or screwlock hook, which can be inserted Texas-rig style. For those new to fishing, there are many online resources, such as YouTube videos and forums, that provide step-by-step guides and advice on how to rig a soft plastic frog for fishing effectively.
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What You'll Learn
- Soft plastic frogs are not top water bait unless they're hollow
- EWG hooks are good, but the screw lock method is better
- The best hook for this lure could be a wide gap frog hook with a screw lock
- Soft-bodied frog lures don't come with hooks or instructions
- Insert the hook Texas-rig style, with or without weight
Soft plastic frogs are not top water bait unless they're hollow
Soft plastic frogs are not topwater bait unless they are hollow. Hollow-bodied frogs are designed to sit atop the water and vegetation. They are ideal for fishing in dense mats of vegetation or vast expanses of lily pads, where bass hide underneath the canopies. The hollow design makes it nearly impossible to snag, and the bass will be looking to feed upwards.
Soft plastic frogs, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. They are solid-bodied plastic baits with "kicking" feet that help the bait rise to the surface and create action during retrieval. Soft plastic frogs excel in shallow water with vegetation, where their unique sound and water displacement can resemble a bluegill breaking the surface or a water snake swimming. The constant retrieve and water displacement from the feet of a soft plastic frog create a unique sound that can attract bass from long distances.
When choosing between a hollow-bodied and soft plastic frog, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific fishing conditions. Hollow-bodied frogs are ideal for situations where you want the frog to remain on the surface, such as when walking it across open water or matted vegetation. Soft plastic frogs, with their solid bodies and kicking feet, provide more action and sound during retrieval, making them effective for attracting bass in shallow water.
The type of hook used is also an important consideration when using soft plastic frogs. EWG hooks are commonly used, but the screw lock method is recommended due to the thickness of the plastic. A Wide Gap hook in size 2/0 or 3/0 would be ideal for a soft plastic frog lure. Additionally, the speed of retrieval is critical when using soft plastic frogs. Baits with thicker feet will create a louder and more violent sound, requiring faster retrieval to generate the desired sound. Baits with thinner feet produce more subtle sounds, allowing for slower retrieval while still attracting bass.
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EWG hooks are good, but the screw lock method is better
When rigging a soft plastic frog lure, the hook you use is critical. EWG hooks are a good choice, but the screw lock method is even better for thick soft plastics.
EWG stands for Extra Wide Gap, and these hooks are popular and versatile. They are ideal for Texas rigging or Carolina rigging a 10" worm. The wide gap design makes them suitable for soft plastic lures, providing good hooksets. The EWG Monster, for example, is a heavy-duty option with a high carbon, heavy wire, and surgically sharp hook.
However, when it comes to soft plastic frog lures, the screw lock method offers some advantages. The screw lock style, combined with a wide gap hook, provides a secure hold on the thick soft plastic. This setup is ideal for "swimming underwater frog" bait presentations.
To rig a soft plastic frog with the screw lock method, you'll need a single 5/0 EWG or screw lock hook. Insert the hook Texas-rig style, with or without weight, ensuring the point of the hook rests in the slot at the top of the frog. This slot is designed to hold the hook securely in place.
The screw lock method ensures a strong connection between the hook and the soft plastic frog lure. It provides a more robust hold than simply relying on the gap of the EWG hook. This secure connection increases the chances of a successful hookset when fishing with thick soft plastics.
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The best hook for this lure could be a wide gap frog hook with a screw lock
When it comes to fishing, selecting the right hook for your lure is crucial. If you're using a plastic frog lure, a wide gap frog hook with a screw lock is an excellent choice and here's why. Firstly, the wide gap design is ideal for accommodating bulky baits, ensuring that your plastic frog lure fits securely without restricting its movement in the water. This feature keeps your bait weedless, allowing it to reach the depths where the fish are.
The screw lock mechanism on the hook plays a vital role in keeping your lure in place. It ensures that your plastic frog lure remains firmly attached, reducing the chances of it coming loose or falling off the hook. This feature is especially important when fishing in areas with heavy cover or when casting your line long distances.
Additionally, the high carbon steel construction of the wide gap frog hook with a screw lock adds to its appeal. This type of steel is known for its strength and durability, ensuring that your hook can withstand the rigours of fishing and the strikes of aggressive fish. It also provides the necessary sharpness to penetrate the mouth of your target fish effectively.
Another advantage of the wide gap frog hook with a screw lock is its versatility. It is designed not only for plastic frog lures but also for a variety of soft plastic baits, including swimbaits and worms. This versatility allows you to use the same hook for different fishing techniques and target various species of fish. The hook is available in different sizes and weights, enabling you to select the most suitable option for your specific fishing needs.
Overall, the wide gap frog hook with a screw lock is a highly effective and versatile choice for fishing with plastic frog lures. Its wide gap, screw lock mechanism, durable construction, and versatility make it a top option for anglers seeking to improve their lure presentation and increase their chances of catching their desired fish.
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Soft-bodied frog lures don't come with hooks or instructions
Soft-bodied frog lures are a type of plastic bait with a solid body and kicking feet that help the bait rise to the surface and create movement as it is retrieved. Unlike hollow-bodied frogs, they do not come with hooks and will need to be fitted with an aftermarket hook.
When choosing a hook for your soft-bodied frog lure, it is important to select one that is specifically designed for this type of lure. The most common types of hooks used with soft-bodied frog lures are EWG (extra-wide gap) hooks and screwlock hooks. These hooks are designed to fit securely into the slot at the top of the frog lure, with the point of the hook resting in this slot.
Wide gap hooks, such as a 2/0 or 3/0 size, are recommended for soft-bodied frog lures. Gamakatsu offset shank EWG worm hooks are also mentioned as a good option, as they are fairly easy to find and have a wide gap that is suitable for thick soft plastics. However, regular worm hooks are not recommended as they do not have a wide enough gap for effective hooksets.
When rigging a soft-bodied frog lure, it is important to follow the correct technique. The Texas rig style is commonly used with soft-bodied frog lures and there are many videos available online that demonstrate this method. By using a Texas rig, you can insert the hook with or without a weight, allowing the lure to maintain its weedless properties while still being able to hook a fish effectively.
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Insert the hook Texas-rig style, with or without weight
Texas rigging is a weedless method of putting the bait on the hook, with or without a weight. The setup for Texas rigging is simple and can be used with baitcasters or spinning tackle. A longer rod, around 7 feet with a medium-heavy action, is ideal as it helps to take up slack quickly on the hookset.
When inserting the hook Texas-rig style, selecting the right size and gauge of the hook is crucial to the action of the plastic and ensuring the penetration of the barb inside the fish's mouth. The size of the hook should generally depend on the size of the plastic you are rigging. For instance, a large ribbontail worm, such as a 10-inch worm, is best paired with a 5/0 hook. Smaller hooks (1-14) are used for smaller worms and creature-style baits, with the hook size decreasing as the number increases. If there is a lot more plastic to clear when setting the hook, you may need a larger gap, such as an Extra Wide Gap (EWG) hook.
The Texas rig is commonly paired with a bullet or nose weight in front of the hook. A good bullet shape slip sinker is critical to Texas rigging. The weight should be matched to what you are fishing and the mood of the fish. A bobber stop in front of the slip sinker can help keep the weight, hook, and plastic together, preventing tangles and allowing easier movement through thicker cover.
To insert the hook, take the point of the hook down through the middle of the nose of the worm and then come out the side about 1/8 to 1/4 inch down. Poke the hook out the side and start pulling it back out of the worm through that exit hole. Once the hook is pulled through, bring the worm over the elbow of the offset hook or the keeper on a straight shank hook, and then twist it.
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Frequently asked questions
A wide gap hook is best for a soft plastic frog. A 2/0 or 3/0 size should work well.
Insert the hook Texas-rig style, with or without a weight.
Avoid using regular worm hooks, as they don't have a wide enough gap to get good hooksets in thick soft plastics.
There are many videos on YouTube that provide step-by-step instructions on how to rig a plastic frog for fishing.
