Are you looking to up your fishing game with a new technique? Fishing with frog lures could be just the trick! Frog lures mimic real frogs, making them irresistible to many species of fish.
Fishing with frog lures can be tricky and requires some finesse. Knowing how to use this lure effectively will make all the difference in catching fish!
“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers. -Herbert Hoover”
In this article, we’ll dive into some tips and tricks for successfully fishing with frog lures. We’ll cover techniques like how to retrieve the lure properly, what equipment you’ll need, and even what weather conditions are best for using this type of bait.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, this guide will give you the knowledge you need to start catching fish with frog lures. So grab your gear and let’s get started!
Choose The Right Equipment For Frog Fishing
Fishing a frog lure can be an exciting experience, but it requires the right equipment to ensure success. Here are some tips on how to choose the best equipment for frog fishing:
Match Your Rod And Reel To Your Frog Lure
The size and weight of your frog lure should match your rod and reel. A fast action rod is ideal for frog fishing as it provides enough power to set the hook quickly. The length of the rod should also be considered since longer rods offer better casting distance, while shorter rods provide more accuracy.
Your reel should have a high gear ratio, which allows you to retrieve the line quickly and set the hook easily. Baitcasting reels are preferred by many anglers because they allow for greater accuracy, control and leverage than spinning reels when fishing with heavier lures like a frog. This makes them perfect for fishing in heavy cover where you need the power to pull the fish out of the weeds or reeds.
Use Braided Line For Maximum Sensitivity
Braided line is the best choice for fishing a frog lure because it offers maximum sensitivity, precision, and strength. Since frogs are usually fished in weedy and heavy cover waters, braided lines cut through weeds easier than mono filament or fluorocarbon lines that get tangled more effectively. They also provide little stretch, allowing for faster hook sets and improved control over the depth and action of the frog. Fluorocarbon lines aren’t highly recommended either due to its lack of ability sink fast which would result in half-submerged hooks rather than deep ones, thus hindering their performance altogether.
Besides these benefits, braided lines are resistant to abrasions from sharp objects making it less prone to snapping off under pressure from a fish. This means you’re less likely to lose your catch because the line broke.
When choosing the right equipment for frog fishing, keep in mind the size and weight of your frog lure, rod and reel, as well as the type of line you use. By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of landing that trophy bass or pike.
Find The Right Spot To Cast Your Frog Lure
Look For Vegetation And Cover
If you are wondering how to fish a frog lure, the first thing you need to do is find the right spot to cast your line. One of the best locations to catch fish with a frog lure is near vegetation and cover. This is because frogs usually hang out around these areas and attract predators like bass that love to eat them.
You can search for pockets of vegetation or any area where there’s plenty of weed growth in shallow waters. These include lily pads, dense patches of weeds, logs or branches sticking out from water, submerged bushes, etc. Areas with abundant mangrove roots also act as an excellent habitat for bass and other predator species that you may want to target.
“Vegetation offers great shelter and creates a perfect environment for small baitfish and insects that will attract largemouth bass” -The Fisherman Magazine
Target Shallow Areas Near Drop-offs And Structure
In addition to looking for vegetation and cover, it’s wise to focus on transitioning zones that connect shallow areas to deeper water. Here, drop-offs and structure such as rocks, pilings, docks, and boulders where larger predators wait for the smaller fishes to pass by should not be missed at all. Look for relatively shallow shorelines where topography suddenly drops down to deep and darker waters.
The ideal depth range should remain between 1-8 feet, depending upon the time of year and water temperature. Summer season requires deep-water fishing, whereas spring and fall call for more shallow activities. Better yet, look for places that have both a stable oxygen supply and food sources. This way, creatures will come to those places to hang around, swarming with different populations of fish and thus giving you a higher chance of catching more prey than any other spots.
“Structure on or near the shore will hold big bass all year long. If it’s deep structure adjacent to shallow water, that’s where the real giants like to hang out – Sports Afield Magazine”
Fishing with frog lures is all about finding the perfect spot for your bait. Look for vegetation, cover, drop-offs, and structure in shallow areas to attract predator species such as bass. By targeting these locations, you’ll have a better catch rate and a greater likelihood of reeling in larger fishes!
Master The Retrieve Technique For Frog Lures
Fishing with frog lures is one of the most exciting ways to go bass fishing. Frogs are especially effective in weed-heavy waterways and shallow areas where other lures can get snagged on aquatic vegetation. To master fishing with a frog lure, having an excellent retrieve technique is essential.
Practice The “Walk The Dog” Method
The walk-the-dog method is a commonly used retrieval technique when it comes to frog lures. It involves moving the bait back and forth in quick succession while reeling in your line slowly. This movement mimics that of a fleeing frog and is sure to attract even the laziest of bass lurking beneath the surface.
To achieve this technique, start by casting your bait into the desired location. Then wait for the ripples caused by the landing of the bait to disappear before starting to reel in slowly. During the retrieve process, use short twitches of your rod tip to make the frog move erratically from side to side, creating an enticing motion that will drive hungry fish wild.
Experiment With Different Retrieval Speeds And Pauses
Aside from practicing the walk-the-dog technique, experimenting with different retrieval speeds and pauses can cater to the specific conditions you’re fishing in. When using frog lures, it’s good practice always to have various speed options to mimic how frogs move depending on their surroundings.
If you’re fishing in cooler water with less light penetration, slowing down your retrieve to allow the bait to stay in the strike zone for longer may be beneficial. In comparison, warmer waters call for quicker retrieval speeds to create more commotion on the surface.
You also want to make sure to pause during the retrieve often. Doing so can give time for any nearby bass to hone in on the bait and make a strike. Pausing can also give you a moment to catch your breath, relax, and make sure your form is immaculate throughout each cast.
Practicing different retrieval speeds, pauses, and methods will provide you with a wider scope of techniques when fishing with frog lures. With enough time on the water, mastering these skills will prove invaluable as you increase your chances of attracting the biggest, strongest fish around.
“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers.” -Herbert Hoover
Adjust Your Frog Lure Based On The Fishing Conditions
Frog lures are an excellent choice for fishing in shallow, weedy waters. They mimic the movement of real frogs and can attract large bass fish. However, to get the most out of your frog lure, you need to adjust it based on the fishing conditions. Below are some tips on how to fish a frog lure according to different situations.
Switch To A Weedless Design In Heavy Vegetation
If you’re fishing in heavily vegetated areas such as lily pads or grass, it’s best to switch to a weedless design. This will prevent your lure from getting tangled in the weeds and ensure that you don’t lose your bait. Topwater frog lures with exposed hooks may not be effective in these situations.
A weedless design typically has a hook that is set back into the body of the lure or encased in plastic. It allows the lure to glide through the vegetation without getting stuck, giving you a chance to catch bass fish hiding underneath. So if you plan on fishing in weedy areas, make sure to pack a weedless frog lure in your tackle box.
Opt For A Larger Lure In Murky Water
Murky or muddy water presents another challenge when fishing with a frog lure. Because visibility is limited, fish may have a harder time spotting smaller baits. In this case, opting for a larger lure can increase your chances of catching fish.
The bigger size of the lure creates more vibration and noise, attracting fish even in low-visibility waters. Choose a frog lure that is around 2-3 inches long, which is significantly larger than standard frog lures that measure about 1.5 inches. Also, use darker shades of green, black, and brown, as these colors stand out better in murky water.
Retrieve The Lure Slowly In Cold Water
In cold water conditions, bass fish tend to be less active and sluggish. This means you need to adjust your retrieve speed when fishing with a frog lure. Retrieving the bait slowly can increase your chances of getting a bite.
Fishing experts suggest that during colder months or in early mornings, you should reel the bait slowly across the water’s surface using small twitches. Allow the lure to rest for a few seconds before retrieving it again. This technique mimics the movement of a live frog and can entice even the most reticent bass fish.
Experiment With Different Techniques
No matter what the fishing condition is, experimenting with different techniques can help you catch more fish. When fishing with a frog lure, try different retrieval speeds, jerks, and pauses until you find the right combination that attracts fish.
You can also vary the angle of your casts. A well-placed cast along the bank or near structure such as logs or rocks could lure out hiding fish. Most importantly, pay attention to the behavior of the fish and tackle any feedback received accordingly.
“Fishing is an Art and a Science” – Robert Traver
The Bottom Line
Adjusting your frog lure according to the fishing conditions can make all the difference between landing a big one and coming up empty-handed. By switching to a weedless design in heavily vegetated areas, opting for a larger lure in murky water, and using a slow retrieve in cold water, you can drastically improve your chances of catching bass fish with a frog lure. So next time you head out to go fishing, don’t forget to pack different sized frog lures and experiment with various techniques. Happy fishing!
Set The Hook And Reel In Your Catch Properly
Wait For The Fish To Fully Take The Bait Before Setting The Hook
If you want to learn how to fish a frog lure properly, one of the most important things is to know when to set the hook. Many anglers make the mistake of yanking their rod as soon as they feel any pressure on the line, but that’s not always necessary. When fishing with a frog lure, it’s best to wait until the fish has fully taken the bait before setting the hook.
This may take some patience, and you might have to resist the urge to pull your rod too quickly. But if you wait until you feel the weight of the fish on the end of the line, then give a sharp tug, you’ll have a much better chance of hooking the fish deeply and securely.
“Fish are not interested in biting lures for fun; they’re doing it because they think they found food. Attract them by mimicking the movement of prey and let them get used to it. Once they’re convinced, set the hook.” -Keith Sutton
Keep Your Rod Tip Up And Reel Steadily To Bring In The Fish
Once you’ve successfully hooked a fish on your frog lure, it’s time to start reeling it in. The key is to keep your rod tip up and reel steadily, without jerking or pulling too hard. You want to maintain a steady tension on the line, but not so much that you risk breaking it.
As you reel in your catch, try to keep the line tight at all times. This will help prevent the fish from shaking its head and potentially dislodging the hook. You should also be prepared to adjust your drag as needed, depending on the size and strength of the fish you’re reeling in.
“When you set that hook, it’s game time. Keep your mind focused and your rod tip up, and don’t ever give up until that fish is in the boat.” -Kevin VanDam
Use A Landing Net To Safely Release The Fish
Once you’ve brought your catch close to the boat or shoreline, it’s important to use a landing net to safely remove the hook and release the fish back into the water. Trying to grab a slippery fish with your hands can be dangerous for both you and the fish, so using a net is highly recommended.
Make sure your landing net is big enough to support the weight of the fish you’re catching, but not so large that it’s difficult to maneuver. When using the net, try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible to avoid unnecessary stress or damage to its scales and skin.
“If you want to conserve something, you have to know how to appreciate it. For anglers, this means practicing catch-and-release fishing whenever possible.” -Ted Williams
Handle The Fish Gently And Release It Quickly
When removing the hook from your caught fish, it’s important to handle it gently and with care. Using pliers or forceps to grasp the hook and twist it out carefully will help reduce the risk of injuring the fish. If the hook is particularly stubborn or deep, you may need to cut the line instead.
After releasing the fish, it’s crucial to do so quickly and gently. The longer a fish is out of the water, the more likely it is to experience stress or injury, which can affect its ability to survive after being released. Hold the fish in the water, allowing it to swim away under its own power when it’s ready.
“Protecting our fisheries is a moral obligation. It preserves outdoor traditions that date back hundreds of years and supports rural economies.” -Tom Lantos
Learning how to fish with a frog lure can be highly rewarding for any angler, but it’s important to do so responsibly. By waiting for the fish to take the bait, keeping your rod tip up during reeling, using a landing net for safety, and releasing the fish gently and quickly, you’ll help ensure the longevity of our precious aquatic wildlife and keep fishing fun for generations to come.
Experiment With Different Frog Lure Colors And Sizes
If you’re looking to fish a frog lure, it’s essential that you experiment with different colors and sizes to figure out what works best in different conditions. The perfect color and size can make all the difference when trying to catch fish effectively.
Try Bright Colors In Clear Water
When fishing in clear water, bright-colored lures such as chartreuse or white are more effective than dark greens or browns. As the water becomes clearer, lighter colored lures will become more visible to fish. For this reason, a brightly colored frog lure works quite well when visibility is good. This will also allow the angler to get a better look at how the fish react to the lure so they can adjust their presentation accordingly.
“In clear water and sunny weather, use lighter colored baits: pearl or herringbone Best are white or chartreuse tips or tails.” -Gary Yamamoto, Legendary Angler
Use Natural Colors In Muddy Water
On the other hand, darker colors like black or brown are much more suitable for darker, murky water because they provide contrast against the low-visibility backdrop caused by muddy water and can create a silhouette of a real frog. Therefore, natural-looking colors tend to work better in murky environments since it emulates the habitat and prey of a bass. By using accurate colors, you have a high chance of attracting fish even if there’s limited visibility underwater
“For stained waters or night fishing I prefer black which has some underbelly markings and belly spots, but no top-color pattern.” -Doug Hannon, Bass Professor
Vary The Size Of Your Lure Based On The Size Of The Fish You’re Targeting
The size of your frog lure is another factor that can make or break a fishing session. If you’re looking to catch larger fish, then choosing bigger sized lures will be beneficial as it’ll attract the attention of more massive prey while proportionate sizes for small targets which smaller bass tends to prefer.
It’s important to pick an appropriate hook size when using various lure sizes. For example, larger hooks result in better penetration and control with heavier frogs than regular-sized ones. After all, the proper use of starter gear geared to the size of the targetted bass leads to successful angling regardless of the type of bait.
“The bottom line is if you want to consistently catch good-sized bass on topwaters like frogs, your equipment has to match up.” -Wired2Fish
Experimentation is key when it comes to selecting different shapes, colors and sizes. Remember; perfecting the art of casting a lure takes patience, persistence, practice, knowledge..and pretty much every other virtue one might consider important in order to develop a knack for catching fishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a frog lure and how does it work?
A frog lure is a type of fishing bait that mimics the movement of a frog on the water’s surface. It is designed to attract fish that feed on frogs. The lure is made of soft plastic and has hooks attached to it. When the lure is pulled across the water, it creates a realistic frog-like motion that attracts fish. The hooks are usually hidden inside the lure’s body to prevent fish from seeing them and getting scared away.
What is the best time of day to fish with a frog lure?
The best time of day to fish with a frog lure is during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low. This is when the water is cooler, and the fish are more active. The low sun also creates shadows on the water, which makes it easier for fish to see the lure moving on the surface. However, frog lures can also be effective during the day in shaded areas or when fishing in cloudy weather.
What type of equipment do I need to fish with a frog lure?
You will need a fishing rod and reel that can handle heavy line and lures. A medium-heavy to heavy action rod with a fast tip is ideal. You will also need braided line with a high pound test rating, usually around 40 to 65 pounds. Frog lures are usually fished on top of the water, so a floating or slow-sinking line is recommended. A leader of fluorocarbon or monofilament line is also recommended to prevent the fish from seeing the line and getting spooked.
How should I retrieve my frog lure to attract fish?
The best way to retrieve a frog lure is with short, quick jerks on the rod tip, pausing occasionally to allow the lure to sit still on the water’s surface. This creates a realistic frog-like motion that attracts fish. You can also vary the speed and direction of your retrieve to imitate a fleeing or injured frog. It’s important to keep the line tight to feel any bites, and to set the hook quickly when a fish strikes.
What are some tips for fishing in weedy areas with a frog lure?
Fishing in weedy areas with a frog lure can be challenging, but there are some tips that can help. First, use a weedless frog lure with hooks that are embedded in the body to prevent snagging on weeds. Second, cast near the edges of the weed beds, where fish are more likely to be lurking. Third, retrieve the lure slowly and steadily to avoid getting it caught in the weeds. Finally, be patient and persistent, as it may take some time to find the right spot and lure combination to attract fish in weedy areas.