Sofia Martinez
Soft plastic frogs have been used by bass fishermen for over a decade. They are ideal for fishing in scattered, emergent vegetation. When fishing in shallow water with topwater lures, it is a good idea to have both a hollow-bodied and a soft plastic frog ready. The Zoom Bait Horny Toad is a popular choice, as its ultra-vibe feet emit a soft pitter-patter that attracts bass. The type of frog used depends on the situation, and it is the angler's job to be prepared for any eventuality.
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What You'll Learn
Hollow-bodied vs. soft plastic frogs
When it comes to fishing, both hollow-bodied and soft plastic frogs have their advantages and are suited to different situations. Here is a detailed breakdown of the differences between the two:
Hollow-Bodied Frogs
Hollow-bodied frogs are ideal for fishing in dense mats of vegetation or vast expanses of lily pads. Their large profile helps to displace the matted vegetation as you work it across the surface. They are also effective in open water or along the edges of weeds, where they can be retrieved in various ways, such as walking the lure, popping it steadily, hopping it out of the water, or pausing it. Hollow-bodied frogs are more target-oriented and can be cast more accurately to specific targets, such as stumps, trees, or dock pilings. They are also better suited for fishing pressure situations, as they allow you to twitch and pause the lure, letting it linger longer in the strike zone. Additionally, hollow-bodied frogs have super-sharp, strong hooks, which are effective for hooking and keeping bass hooked until you reach them.
Soft Plastic Frogs
Soft plastic frogs have a more compact and streamlined profile compared to hollow-bodied frogs, making them more appealing to bass at times. They are particularly effective in scattered, emergent vegetation and shallow water vegetation. Soft plastic frogs, such as the Zoom Bait Horny Toad, are equipped with specially designed ultra-vibe feet that emit a soft pitter-patter, attracting bass from long distances. They are also a good choice in early spring when the lily pads are just starting to grow underwater or when the water level has risen into the shoreline grass. The sound and speed of soft plastic frogs can resemble many things in the shallows, such as a bluegill breaking the surface or a water snake swimming.
In summary, the choice between a hollow-bodied and soft plastic frog depends on various factors, including the type of vegetation, water depth, fishing pressure, time of year, and the behaviour of the bass. As an angler, it is essential to be prepared for different situations and to understand when each style of frog will excel.
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Choosing the right hook
First, consider the size of the hook. It should be proportional to the size of your plastic frog. Using a hook that is too large may cause your rig to sink, taking away the thrill of surface frogging. A smaller hook will help keep your frog buoyant. For standard-sized walking frogs, a 4/0 hook size is recommended, while a 3/0 hook size is suitable for popping frogs. If you're using a 3-inch plastic frog, a size 2 worm-style hook works well, as seen in successful Australian bass fishing.
Next, consider the type of hook. "True weedless" hook patterns are designed with a brush guard to prevent the hook from getting entangled in vegetation. These hooks are ideal when fishing in areas with dense weed growth. Additionally, some hooks come with built-in upward bends, eliminating the need for manual bending and reducing the risk of bending too much or too little. The Ryugi Custom Frog Hook is a popular option in this category, available in both 3/0 and 4/0 sizes.
The orientation of the hook is also important. Bending the hook points upwards slightly can significantly increase your hookup ratio. However, there is a fine line—too much bending can lead to constant snagging and potential damage to the hook's integrity, while too little bending may result in difficulty hooking the fish.
When choosing a hook, consider the species of fish you're targeting. Different fish have different feeding habits and preferences. For example, if you're aiming for larger fish like spangled perch or baby bass, use larger fish profile soft plastics with matching hooks. On the other hand, smaller plastics rigged weedless can be effective for bream, mimicking the movements of baitfish, crab, or prawn patterns.
Lastly, personal preference and comfort play a role in gear selection. Some anglers prefer the ease and versatility of a spinning setup, while others opt for the accuracy of bait-casting rigs. Choose the setup that gives you the most confidence and suits your fishing style.
Remember, rigging a plastic frog requires accuracy and precision to ensure it swims correctly and looks realistic. Taking the time to select the right hook will enhance your fishing experience and increase your chances of success.
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Sound and speed
When rigging a plastic frog, there are a few things to consider in terms of sound and speed. Firstly, the type of frog lure you choose will impact the speed of your reel. For example, the Pocket Frog lure is great for high-speed reeling due to its short legs. The Rage Tail Toad, Zoom Horny Toad, and Stanley Ribbit are also good options to cover the gamut of sound and speed.
Additionally, the knot you use to tie your plastic frog to the fishing line will affect its action in the water. The loop knot is the most common and easiest to tie, providing a natural look and free movement of the frog's appendages. The Palomar knot is also popular due to its security.
When it comes to sound, the weight and placement of your lure can create different actions underwater. For example, the Owner Twist Lock hooks, specifically model 5167W (6/0, 3/32), work well for stack rigging or backslide rigging. By sliding the weight up and down, you can achieve different actions and, consequently, different sounds.
Finally, the color of your plastic frog can impact its visibility and, therefore, the speed at which fish may be attracted to it. In clear water or on sunny days, natural colors like brown, green, and tan blend in well. In muddy or stained water or during overcast days, try dark colors like black, navy, or purple for contrast. White and chartreuse can also be effective in certain conditions, so don't be afraid to experiment.
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Best soft plastic frogs
Soft plastic frogs are a fun way to fish. They are also known as topwater toads or buzzing toads. These lures are designed to be steadily reeled in to attract vicious strikes, much like finesse buzzbaits. They can be cast into the thickest cover, over dry land, and even in just inches of water.
When choosing the best soft plastic frog, it is important to consider sound and speed. Each frog has a unique sound and action, and it is critical to explore different "sounding" baits to find what your fish prefer. The Strike King Rage Tail Toad, for example, has thicker feet that create a louder, more violent sound, while the Zoom Horny Toad has thinner feet that produce a more subtle sound. The thicker the feet, the faster the retrieval rate needed to generate the desired sound.
The Zoom Horny Toad is a popular choice among anglers due to its specially designed, ultra-vibe feet that emit a soft pitter-patter, attracting bass from long distances. It is also easy to rig, pairing well with a 4/0 Lazer TroKar Magnum EWG hook to ensure a strong hold on the bass without bending when setting the hook with braided line.
Another top-performing soft plastic frog is the NetBait BaitFuel BF Toad, which utilizes technology to impregnate its baits with a subtle yet highly effective scent. While there is skepticism about the necessity of scent in faster-moving surface baits, NetBait's lures have proven effective in enticing bass to commit to slow-moving bait.
When fishing with soft plastic frogs, it is important to use the right setup. A medium-heavy rod with a softer tip is ideal for casting accuracy and managing lighter bait weights. A rod in the 6-foot, 10-inch to 7-foot range is generally recommended, although adjustments may be needed when fishing in heavy matted vegetation, potentially sacrificing casting distance for increased rod length and power.
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Topwater frog fishing
Choosing the Right Lure
Select a soft plastic frog lure with qualities like durability, hook concealment, and realistic colour patterns. The lure should have a hollow, collapsible soft plastic body that allows you to cast it into thick weeds without getting snagged. The hooks should face upwards, protected by the frog's legs and body, to prevent entanglement with vegetation. Experiment with different leg lengths, and consider trimming the legs shorter to make it easier for the fish to strike the body of the frog.
Selecting the Right Colour
The colour of your frog lure is important. In clear water on sunny days, opt for natural colours like browns, greens, and tans. In muddy or stained water or during overcast days, try dark colours like black, navy, or purple to provide contrast with the sky. White and chartreuse-coloured frogs can also be effective in certain conditions.
Finding the Right Spot
Look for areas around boat ramps, docks, piers, and other man-made structures. Bass tend to seek cover, especially in bright sunlight and warmer seasons, so cast your frog around overhanging tree branches, thick lily pad clusters, and under docks or bridges.
Retrieval Techniques
Start by slowly scooting the frog across the surface of the water to grab the attention of suspended fish. Use gentle twitching and wiggling motions to avoid spooking them away. Remember that real frogs don't constantly move, so vary the pace of your retrieval. If you're fishing near thick vegetation or lily pads, cast directly onto the shore, logs, or rocks, and then slowly retrieve your frog by loudly flopping it into the water.
Tackle Selection
Choose a robust rod with enough stiffness to extract fish from thick vegetation. A heavy-duty rod in the 7 to 7 1/2-foot range is recommended. Pair it with a high-quality baitcasting reel and a braided line in the 20 to 60-pound test range. Use a knot that is secure and won't loosen over time, such as the Palomar knot, known for its strength and suitability for all line types.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to rig a plastic frog, depending on the type of frog and fishing conditions. One popular method is to use a strong hook, like a 4/0 Lazer TroKar Magnum EWG hook, that can handle the weight of the bass without bending.
Some popular options include the Strike King Rage Tail Toad, Zoom Horny Toad, and Stanley Ribbit. These baits vary in sound and speed, allowing you to experiment and find what works best for your fishing conditions.
Plastic frogs are ideal for fishing in shallow water with vegetation. They are particularly effective in early spring when bass are more likely to bite a compact and streamlined lure.
