Help Me Learn The Frog!

[bartdude186]

i have fished frogs for a pretty long time but have no confidence in it. I also have hook setting issues. i generally throw a SK KVD Sexy Frog early and late. I always get atleast a couple of strikes but  i never get the hook set, and i have tried about everything i can and always end up throwing my rod down and picking up something else. any advice or tips for me?

[gripnrip]

I caught my first frog fish this past Saturday.  It was my first time ever using the bait.  So don't give up. I feel the same way about the jig.  I have a bunch of them and have used them from time to time but I have yet to get bit.

 

What power rod are you using?  Are you immediately setting the hook on the blow up?

[bartdude186]

I caught my first frog fish this past Saturday.  It was my first time ever using the bait.  So don't give up. I feel the same way about the jig.  I have a bunch of them and have used them from time to time but I have yet to get bit.

 

What power rod are you using?  Are you immediately setting the hook on the blow up?

i'm using a M/H rod, should i be using a heavy? also i know that some of the strikes i'm setting the hook too early, but i have tried waiting too. is there a general rule of how much time to wait? it's not nice to have large hooks flying at you at 70mph. On a side note i have the same issue with the jig as you, i have several but just can't get bit to save my life. Thanks for the reply!

[gripnrip]

No it should be fine.  I was using a heavy in some nasty grass.  Exposed dead grass was just above the water with some new sprouting up.  I missed my first fish.  It blew up.  I felt pressure and set the hook.  I knew I was supposed the wait a second or two.  I think I was just surprised that I actually got a strike.  lol  The next 2 fish I caught.  They both missed the bait the first time around.  After they missed, I paused the frog and twitched it a little.  I then retrieved it back and casted out again.  Needless to say they both didn't miss.  I counted a long 2 count and crossed their eyes! 

 

From what I have read a MH rod is better to walk the dog.  I worked the frog like it was scarred and fleeing an attack.  As with any lure let the fish tell you what they want.  The reason I say this the next day I didn't get bit at all. . . . except the first place that I missed the one in the above paragraph.  Guess what?  I missed it again about the same time, the same place, worked in the same direction, at approximately the same time!  Anyways just don't give up.  

 

I was using an Iobee frog.  Spro makes a good one as well.  I haven't heard much about the KVD but I'm sure it catches fish.  As far as the jig. . . . I placed a $125 order.  In my next tournament I will catch a bass on a jig or I won't weigh an d**n thing!  lol

[Teal]

Bartdude, exactly which rod are you using? Which line also?

[Sam]

Try this site for info on frog fishing.

 

http://www.hogbass.com/

 

 

[MarkH024]

I do a lot of frog fishing as I've said in many other posts. I'd be glad to help out anyway I can. I fish frogs on weed edges, open water, and in the thickest nastiest stuff. I use a 7' MH/F action rod with a 7.0.1 reel. Typically my line is in the 40lb-65lb braid. No reason to use any other line with a dedicated frog rod. 

Setting the hook with a nice "One-onethousand" count should do it.  More than likely the problem is setting it too fast. Another thing to consider is you want a bit tighter of a drag especially in the slop. Once the fish eat it, they'll dive straight down to the bottom with it. If they wrap that line on a pad or any other bulk of weeds, it'll create slack and they'll spit it.  Also you should be setting the hook in an upward position meaning over the top of your shoulder. If you're trying to set the hook on the side you will miss much more. 

[mjseverson24]

how to fish a frog depends on the seasonal patterns the bass are in. you have to determin weather the bass is trying to eat the bait or just trying to kill it. each situations demands a different mindset on how to move the bait and also set the hook. typically durring the spawn period bass will more or les just try and kill your bait not eat it as there natural response for protecting their beds. in this case you should set the hook much faster. the rest of the year the bass should be feeding not protecting so i also use a 7.1:1 gear ratio reel to pick up slack fast, lock down the drag and reel untill you feel a little presure and give a large over the shoulder hookset. try and get there head out of the slop and ski them in to the boat as quickly as you can. it is not as important over sparse cover, but in thick cover get em up and out quickly for your best chance to land the fish. Oh and the kvd frogs are my favorite frogs I think they are the best on the market while they last, but after a few dozen fish they usually get pretty messed up. Good luck

 

Mitch

[bartdude186]

wow guys thanks for all the advice! sorry it took a while for me to respond, i had to work a long day today. I'm almost positive i am setting the hook too early now, and i will try the one onethousand count to help me out. i do not have a dedicated frog rod but, i will soon be investing in one because the fish around here seem to love it if i can get the hook in em i will be in business. Also i may have been setting the hook to far to the side in the past, i will switch to an over the shoulder hook set. once again thanks for the advice! much appreciated!

[Jay Ell Gee]

My best piece of advice would be to not worry about counting at all after a strike. Simply reel up your slack line and when you feel the weight of the fish, hammer it. A lot of times you'll see your line cruising away.

[Bigbassfisher77]

I fish frogs from sunrise to about 9 and then from two hours before sunset to sunset. If its rainy and cloudy all day then ill fish it mid day was well. As far as setting the hook, once the fish grabs don't instantly set the hook, give him time to eat it.

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

I like what MarkH024 said about count "one one thousand". He beat me to it. I was gonna say I wait a full good second to set the hook. I basically set it on the count of two, not after but right on 2. I rarely miss a top water hook set.

[Dusty Lewis]

I would wait a second or two as well. I know it's easier said than done but reason being is regardless if the bass is protecting or feeding he is still going to eat it. If the bass didn't inhale the bait when he hit it he will have to open its mouth again to swallow it. Setting the hook to early or a sideways hook set stands a greater chance of losing the fish. Waiting a second or two will allow the fish to get the bait further back in its mouth. That's my opinion.

[bartdude186]

Good news guys, i went out today and didn't miss even one hookset. looks like i was setting the hook way too early. thanks for all the help! it helped me land a couple of nice fat ones today.

[Deleted account]

I do a lot of frog fishing as I've said in many other posts. I'd be glad to help out anyway I can. I fish frogs on weed edges, open water, and in the thickest nastiest stuff. I use a 7' MH/F action rod with a 7.0.1 reel. Typically my line is in the 40lb-65lb braid. No reason to use any other line with a dedicated frog rod. 

Setting the hook with a nice "One-onethousand" count should do it.  More than likely the problem is setting it too fast. Another thing to consider is you want a bit tighter of a drag especially in the slop. Once the fish eat it, they'll dive straight down to the bottom with it. If they wrap that line on a pad or any other bulk of weeds, it'll create slack and they'll spit it.  Also you should be setting the hook in an upward position meaning over the top of your shoulder. If you're trying to set the hook on the side you will miss much more. 

 

This  ^.