The Struggles of Frog Fishing

For a long time, I hated frog fishing. The blowups were exhilarating, but the hookup ratio was terrible, making it a frustrating experience. However, as a tournament angler, I knew that mastering this technique could give me a competitive edge. I committed to learning it no matter how tough it was, spending countless hours on the water and studying the pros like Ish Monroe, KVD, and Seth. Their techniques helped me identify bad habits and refine my approach.

Choosing the Right Gear

One of the first things I realized was that many common gear recommendations didn’t work for me. Many anglers suggest a medium-heavy rod, but I found that a heavy or extra-heavy power rod with a fast action was essential for thick cover. A rod between 7’2” and 7’4” gave me the best balance of power and castability.

A high-speed reel (8:1 gear ratio) is crucial for picking up slack and driving the hooks home. While you don’t need a large reel, a high-drag model helps control fish buried in weeds. For line, I use 80lb braid but plan to try 65lb for better weed-cutting ability.

Frog Fishing Techniques

Once you have the right setup, execution is key. Long, accurate casts to weed edges and thick mats work best. Speed depends on fish aggression—start fast to trigger reaction strikes, then slow down if needed. Walking the frog can be done in two ways:

• Thick cover: Shake the rod with slack line to let the frog move naturally over obstacles.
• Less dense cover: Use a "walk-the-dog" technique with sharp rod twitches.

The biggest key to success is patience during the strike. Instead of immediately setting the hook, reel in the slack while pointing the rod at the fish. Once you feel the weight, lean forward slightly and set the hook hard to the side. This improves hookup ratios dramatically.

Frog Selection & Modifications

While technique is more important than the specific bait, I’ve had great success with Lunkerhunt, Jackall, and Scum Frogs. Lunkerhunt frogs are affordable, soft, and feature excellent hooks. Frog shape matters—pointed noses for thick cover, poppers for open water.

I also modify my frogs by adding small split shots and a glass rattle inside the body. This helps the frog move more water, create noise, and reduce missed strikes.

Conclusion

If you’ve struggled with frog fishing, don’t give up. With the right gear, technique, and patience, you’ll start landing more fish. Try these tips on your next trip, and enjoy one of the most exciting ways to catch bass!