BassinLou

This time of year, I choose to go towards the later half of the day. Summer is going be tough. Water temps where I go fishing was 92.5 degrees!! The fishing was not that good either. Only tips I can provide you are the following: Like some have mentioned if going nocturnal suits you then go for it. Fish first thing in the morning for a few hours and/or fish the last few hours at the end of the day. If you can only fish in between, then hydrate like crazy, cover up head to toe, and summon a lot of patience. As far as where to fish, look for the slop with varying types of vegetation. What helps me is, that I imagine what I would do if I was out in the summer sun. (Besides fishing of course..lol) I would be seeking shade and lots of it. In turn the bass do the same thing. Pitching, flipping, and punching, should be high on your list.

I am a 60/40 split with the rod having the higher percentage.

2 things stand out. Your rod length and type of line used. Mono is very springy, especially when frogging. The rod length imo should be at least 7ft, for better leverage and castability. If that's the only rod you have, then work with what you got. You can switch to 40lb braid, and your catch rate should improve. Good luck

The 2 frogs I throw and really like are Booyah pad crashers and LiveTarget frogs. Out of those 2, LT's are one of the best frogs out on the market presently. Imho. I am currently experimenting with Sebile's pivot frog but the jury is still out on this one. When it comes to frogs everyone preference varies widely. My advice is to try the different brands, and over time you will gravitate towards a particular kind or one specifically. Best of luck.

The jig and the frog have caught me some nice bass in the last couple months.

I have used the brand in question, and I am an avid frogger. Have been for over 12 yrs. I have used several frogs in the past and I currently only throw 2 brands. If I offend any one its not my intention, the frog brand in question on this thread, although they will you catch fish, it's a POS. Durability is horrible. You will lose the legs within a few fish and it will tear badly soon after. There are better frogs out there imo. Skirted frogs will last longer. The legs and I will be the first to admit I fell for them, are gimmicky. LOL.... They are enticing to see when the frog is moving, but they won't stay on for long unfortunately.

To the OP, I don't know what budget you are working with or if you have any particular rod companies in mind, but I have using a Dobyns Champion 734 and I its been great. I have been using it strictly for jigging.

I was fortunate enough to head out to the Alley yesterday after being sidelined for a bit. It was great being out. We fished from 3pm to 815pm. Boat traffic was light, outside temps was 90 degrees, water temps varied between 90-92.5 degrees. Winds were ESE at 14. Skies were partly cloudy to overcast through out the afternoon and early evening. Perfect considering the heat we have been having lately. Baits used were HB frog and jig. The fishing was on the slower side. We had to work for every catch we boated. At the end of the day we boated 17, which for this time of year are low numbers. None the less we had a good time and had fun. Here are some pics of my bigger catches. Enjoy!!

Great work Lee!!

To the OP, I wasn't aware you fishing with a spinning rod, I assumed you were using a M B/C rod. I have not used a spinner for frog fishing for over 15 yrs now, however I do remember that when I did throw them they were on a 7ft MH spinning rod. Hopefully that helps. Ultimately though, I believe a B/C setup will serve you better in this and other applications. Best of luck to you.

Some may prefer short rods, but my recommendation for froggers is minimum: 7ft MH, 7 speed ratio reels, and 40 lb braid. Ideal, in heavy cover: 7'3" 7 speed ratio reel (hawgtech handle) and 50lb braid. This kind of setup is a tank.

Does anyone own a pair of Smith's sunglasses. They came across my radar recently, and was curious if anyone had any experience with them. Thanks.

Topwater98, keep fishing!! Keep learning and fine tuning techniques and you will break your PB sooner than you think.

I thought it was just me. This has been an ongoing issue for me, for at least a few months now. I just don't post pics as much anymore, too many steps to re-size the pic until its finally accepted. Before it was a lot easier. I could do it through my phone in 1 step. Something changed along the way unfortunately.

Mudfish aka bowfin.

I fish mainly in the Florida Everglades and Miami-Dade canals.

I had a rage rod for one season, you will not have any problems using braid.

I started off with a uni to uni yrs ago, however due to its strength and smaller profile the alberto became my go to knot. Extremely easy to tie.

The only braid I have thrown, and have had 0 problems with for many years is Power Pro. I throw 40lb for medium to light cover and 50lb for heavy cover.

Economical, Good quality, found in many retailers: Power Pro. Knot to join braid with leader: Alberto knot.

These stories bring back too many sad memories..... ..............

This is very true. I assumed it was a freshwater outfit.

I have been hearing reports it was slow day out on the alley today. Yesterday, it was crazy. Today slow.

Very short answer.....NO.

Is that the only one you have? The reason I ask is because I never throw out retired frogs. I strip them down for their hooks and skirts. That way, if I break off a hook, I have a whole bunch of spares. I know Gami sells frog hooks that look identical to the Kopper's frog.