Knowing the proper techniques and tips on how to fish topwater frogs will maximize your success. Fishing with topwater frogs is one of the most exciting experiences for fishermen. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience when a bass and other predatory fish explode on a topwater lure. Frog fishing can be rewarding but understanding the science behind topwater fishing is important. Frog fishing can also be frustrating if you’re not hooking up as often as you’d like.
Slightly Bend The Hooks of Topwater Frogs
Missed hook sets are one of the most frequent problems with topwater frogs. This occurs as a result of the hooks lying too flat on the frog’s body. Bending the hooks slightly upward is a simple yet powerful strategy to counter this.
Tips for when bending hooks on a topwater frog:
- Bend the hooks gradually upward with a pair of pliers. Avoid going overboard as this may weaken the hooks or increase their susceptibility to snags.
- The hook is more exposed due to the modest upward bend, which facilitates simple penetration of the fish’s mouth during a strike.
This little tweak can make a big difference in your hook-up rates for your topwater frog.
Trim The Skirt on Topwater Frogs
Long rubber skirts that resemble frog legs are attached to topwater frogs. The skirts give the frog more realism, but they can also present problems. If the skirt is overly lengthy, fish could bite the skirt instead of the frog’s body, missing opportunities for a hook-up. To avoid this, think about cutting the skirt.
A tip when trimming the skirt of topwater frogs:
- Reduce the skirt’s length to ¾ – 1 inch in length. As a result, there is less material for the fish to consume, increasing the likelihood that it will swallow the entire topwater frog.
Experiment with the skirt length to maximize your topwater frog’s performance.
Retrieving a Topwater Frog Takes Patience
Setting the hook too early is one of the major blunders fishermen make while retrieving topwater frogs. Your first reaction may be to jerk the rod and set the hook when you see a strike. But frequently, this leads to the angler yanking the frog out of the mouth before the fish has a chance to swallow it. Bass will sometimes injure their prey before gulping it down. This results in vicious strikes where the bass doesn’t swallow the frog. The fish will return soon after for an easy meal.
Retrieving a topwater frog tip:
- When a fish strikes, fight the desire to set the hook instantly. Instead, wait a second or two before jerking your rod. Counting in your head before setting the hook is a great solution for hook sets.
You’ll notice improvements in your success when having patience while retrieving topwater frogs.
Fishing Topwater Frogs in The Right Conditions
Because topwater frogs work best in specific conditions, it’s critical to understand when and where to utilize them.
- Thick Underbrush: Frogs thrive in locations covered with thick underbrush, including lily pads, dense weeds, and floating debris mats. Topwater frogs can go through cover where other lures would get tangled.
- Dim Lighting: For frog fishing, the best times of day are early morning, late evening, or cloudy days. Predatory fish hiding below can see the frog’s silhouette more clearly due to the decreased light.
Anglers will increase the efficiency of their topwater frogs by concentrating on the right conditions.
Topwater Frog Fishing Gear
Using the proper gear and these tips on how to fish topwater frogs is crucial for success.
- Fishing Rod: Opt for a heavy or extra-heavy topwater fishing rod with a fast action tip. This setup provides the power needed to drive the hooks home and pull fish out of heavy cover.
- Fishing Reel: A high-speed reel is essential for quickly picking up slack and keeping the fish from diving back into the cover after the hook set.
- Fishing Line: Use a braided line, preferably 50-65 lb test, for its strength and low stretch. The braided line cuts through vegetation and provides the strength required for heavy cover.
Quality Topwater Frog Lures
Anglers demand quality topwater frog lures when seeking fishing success. Topwater lures by Red Angle Fishing Products are designed for quality and durability.
- Wacky Walkin’ Frog: For walking and gliding over dense cover, pads, foliage, and open water, the Wacky Walkin’ Frog is ideal. The weedless design of this hollow-body frog produces a topwater lure that drives shy fish crazy and produces mega blow-ups.
- Body Size: 2.8”
- Weight: .55 oz
- Psycho Poppin’ Frog: A hollow-bodied topwater lure with aggressive motion in open water is the Psycho Poppin’ Frog. Positioned at a 30° angle, with its back partly submerged, gives the appearance of a resting frog. Fish get crazy when they see this topwater frog, which causes massive blow-ups.
- Body Size: 2.8”
- Weight: 1/2 oz
Concluding Topwater Frog Fishing Tips
Using topwater frogs to catch fish is a science and an art. Make small adjustments, such as bending up the hooks, shortening the skirt, and using patience when setting the hook. Try these tips on how to fish topwater frogs the next time you’re out on the lake. Let us know in the comments below how our tips on how to fish topwater frogs helped.
