My teachers about have to kill me to do reports, but I'll gladly do a right up on Toads.
I've fished Toads a ton over the past two days. The Toads used:
Stanley Floating Ribbit
Stanley Ribbit
Zoom Horny Toad
Mann's Hardnose Swim Toad
Strike King Rage Tail Shad
Yum Buzzfrog
The Setup: Shimano Curado 200DPV spooled with 30 pound Spiderwire Stealth, paired with an Abu Garcia Conolon 7ft Medium Heavy Casting Rod.
1. Stanley Floating Ribbit:
Through probably 50 casts or so, this bait has accounted for 3 fish for me. I had many open water strikes on it, but they were dinks.
Application: 4 out of 5. Great on the retrieve, great on the pause. In pads, it doesn't move as much water as other toads, but it the best in open water IMO.
Durability: 1 out of 5. Very poor durabilty, leg tore off after the 4th bite. The body tore easily on the first fish as well. The bait seems to have a foam feel to it, rather than soft plastic. I have now caught three fish on these and have gone through three baits, and the floaters only come in a pack of three.
2. Stanley Ribbit:
Through roughly 50 casts or so, the Ribbit accounted for 1 fish. The fish came in open water. Moves a good amount of water in the slop and in the open.
Application: 4 out of 5. Great open water frog as well as in the slop. THROWS A TON OF WATER.
Durability: 5 out of 5. No blemishes after a fish.
3. Zoom Horny Toad:
I'll grade this tougher because I have used it for a while. Throws a fair amount of water, pretty subtle bait though. This bait has accounted for most of my toad fish, but has been fished a ton.
Application: 4 out of 5. Rides right side up most of the time. Relatively easy to keep on top.
Durability: 5 out of 5. Very durable bait. Normally get 5 or 6 fish out of them.
4. Mann's Hardnose Swim Toad:
Great action on top. Very subtle, but moves a fair amount of water. Easy to keep on top. Accounted for 2 fish, one in open water and one in thick pads.
Application: Great in open water, doesn't really throw any water, but leaves a nice wake when retrieved.
Durablity: 3 out of 5. Soft body tears easily, hard head holds up great.
5. Strike King Rage Tail Shad:
Accounted for one fish. It hit as soon as the bait hit the water. Great action on the retrieve. THROWS A TON OF WATER! Had a few hits, but no hookups after the first fish.
Application: 4 out of 5. Easily stays on top. Great wake and moves lots of water.
Durability: 5 out of 5. Not a single blemish on the bait after the fish.
6. Yum Buzzfrog:
I've fished this bait about as much as the Horney Toad. It's accounted for some nice bass for me. I've caught spawners buzzing it over them. I also have caught some in the pads.
Application: 4 out of 5. Its a little heavier than most toads. This leads to great casting, but a pretty rapid sink rate. It's tougher to keep on top, but when you can, it gets blasted.
Durability: 4 out of 5. Tears a little around the hook. Lasts about 3 fish.
If you read the whole thing, firstly, thanks. Secondly, wow you're bored.
Good luck guys, if you enjoy these baits as much as I do, I hope you put this into consideration.
Ross