AvoidingYardWork

I find in dirty water, where its more reaction based, it doesn't seem to matter. Everything else is chosen on a technique basis. Jerk baits get fluoro, frogs get heavy braid, squarebills get fluoro due to jagged rocks etc...

I'm thinking the Curado 150 mgl is going to be a classic. I've loved that reel so far, been progressively replacing my hodgepodge of reels with that line.

I've been using a Daiwa Tatula CT for throwing my frogs lately and its been holding up pretty good. I don't really want to use anything too fancy since I fish frogs in the sloppiest weeds I can find.

I started out bargain hunting and buying reels second hand or during sales. I had reels from several companies (13 fishing, daiwa, shimano, abu, and lews). Recently I find I've been replacing all my casters with Shimano. The Curado MGL stuff is just so solid and well priced that I find it hard to buy anything else. I also find that the Shimano frames fit my hands better than any other bait caster line, but that's purely personal preference. All my other reels either had weird quirks, or developed issues. My Shimanos just keep working with only basic maintenance. I even love their SLX line for beater reels and back ups.

I'm usually fishing frogs in heavy vegetation and slop. They're little more than silhouettes in that scenario so I go for black or dark browns. Any color on the top just helps me see the frog and if I'm retrieving it correctly.

I haven't used them yet, but apparently these are a pretty good replacement for Uncle Josh: https://www.papawesporktoads.com/

spinner bait/bladed jig depending on wind and cloud coverage mag draft 6" some sort of glide bait Large and small jerkbait (vision 110+ jr, and regular 110) lipless popper Squarebill some sort of dead float soft plastic (poop bait, whacky senko etc)

Popper or popping frog if there isn't vegetation. But the second the mucky weeds are there, its hollow body frog all day. Will run a buzzbait or plopper around docks, but usually prefer to pick apart any structure with a popper. Its crazy where you can put a popper with some careful casting.

I can second this. I have the Sierra 704 (kayak fishing so I like a little shorter rod) and its a great moving bait rod with enough flex to keep them pinned.

I didn't realize the Revo X moved to an all carbon body. Lol there is literally no reason to buy Abu now, especially since the SLX line keeps getting better. I was going to say the only compelling reel was the Revo X since it offered good durability and decent enough casting for a decent price. I mean I ended up replacing my Revo with a Curado because once you start using Shimano and Daiwa its hard to go anywhere else, but it was a decent enough reel on my frog setup.

#1 Hallow body frog #2 Some form of popper: pop max, rico, googan blooper (don't sleep on this one, replace the hooks and it is a killer) #3 Suspending Jerkbait #4 Spiner bait/bladed jig The rest of the time I'm trying out new stuff or trying to commit time to making lesser used lures/techniques work.

I've ordered several Curado reels without issue. The price was hard to ignore.

Every year I say I'm going to work towards competency with bottom contact baits (jigs, neds, etc)...and every year the frog bite takes over then I lose focus and its back to spinner/chatterbaits, jerkbaits, and rat baits. I started messing with poop baits and Deps bull flats with some promising success, I intend to circle back on those as well.

The MGL 70 K is the refresh of the MGL 70. Just got one for jerkbaits myself. Fantastic reel, cast smooth and retrieves with the competent solid feel typical of a Curado. If you're not careful, you'll spool the reel on a long bomb cast.

I've really enjoyed the Dobyns Fury 735. Its not quiet a pool que so you can whip frogs pretty far and it's light enough to not tire my wrist out. With the warranty and general affordability, I'm not afraid to cast into the gnarliest weeds I can find. I imagine the 705 would be similar. I've heard great things about the Exprides though.