Rod For Frogs And Flipping Into Thick Weed Mats And Punching Thru Them

[katmandew]

I'm hoping to kill 2 birds with one stone here, but would like some suggestions.  I can go for an upper end rod if needed, but if a mid grade rod will suffice, I'm not opposed to it.  I want to be able to use one rod for hollow body frogs fished over thick weed mat flats.  The weeds are coontail and are nearly 20 feet tall in places.  Need the power in case a toad tries to take me deep into that stuff.  Also would like to double this setup for pitching and flipping a jig or a soft plastic down into this weed mat and if possible use this rod for flipping and pitching moderate to heavy wood cover.   Any suggestions to a rod that might do well in both situations?

[Quitlimpin]

MBR844. A lot of guys like longer rods, but for me, it's perfect for heavy duty work.

[Grantman83]

Dobyns champion 736c. I use it for just those applications

[ww2farmer]

A  technique specific flipping/punching rod does not make a good frog rod IMHO..............BUT a good frog rod can be an OK flipping rod. I know it doesn't make any sense, but those that know what I am talking about will agree. If it were me....and I wanted one stick for both applications, I would get one that exceled at frogging, and COULD be used for flipping/punching. As it is, I have a rod dedicated to each technique. I use my frog rod for other stuff...........like swim jigs in heavy cover, skinny dipper type swim-baiting in heavy cover, etc..... but the flipping/punching rod is dedicated to just that...............save for the handful of times a year I toss umbrella rigs or mega sized hard swimbaits.

[deep]

Here's a budget suggestion that works for me: Berkley Lightning 7'6". Rated upto 1.5 ozs and it fishes more like a medium-fast rod. I'm not sure if it'll have enough power for the sort of cover you're looking to punch through though. It's far from ideal for frogs. but I fish frogs even less than I punch mats.

 

P.S. Watch Bub Tosh's videos on youtube; he recommends a moderate taper for a punching rod.

[bassinbrian]

Going by what I've used the Zombie Dee Thomas will suit your needs perfectly. It's rated up to 4 oz and its 7'6". Plus it has a soft enough "tip" to really sling a frog and soft enough where you don't have to worry about snapping your rod in the thickest of junk

[Mr. Bassin II]

Kistler KLX Grass Punching Stump Grinder X-Heavy rated from 3/8 oz to 2oz.  Choose your length from 7', 7'3", or 7'6".

 

I have the 7 footer and use it for both purposes you describe.  It is not overpowered with a 2 oz puching weight, will launch a hollow body frog into the next parish, and has plenty of backbone to pull a fish out of the nastiest slop imaginable.  Does an outstanding job pitching 1/2 oz jigs as well.  

 

Oh yeah, I feel that this rod is as sensitive and balanced as a comparable Dobyns DX.  Can be had for less than $200 as well.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

7'11" XHY Denali Jadewood is what I got for the S Fl slop.

[katmandew]

What about the Duckett's?  Looking at these 2.  Which would have the stiffer tip?  For some reason, they don't list taper with these rods.

 

DFMM70XH-C

DFMM70H-C

[Mr. Bassin II]

What about the Duckett's?  Looking at these 2.  Which would have the stiffer tip?  For some reason, they don't list taper with these rods.

 

DFMM70XH-C

DFMM70H-C

Have both of these.  Would recommend the XH since you desire to use it for punching as well as frogs. In this line, this is my go to rod for heavy cover and slop.  My personal opinion is that the Ducketts have a slightly softer tip and slightly under powered for their rating compared to other rods.

 

I use the heavy action for jigs less than 1/2 oz., larger spinner baits, and have used for frogs in sparse cover.  It is a versitile rods but I don't it has the backbone to handle the duties you describe.

[jignfule]

MBR844. A lot of guys like longer rods, but for me, it's perfect for heavy duty work.

Very versatile rod. I use mine for both light flipping and froggin

[JROC]

A  technique specific flipping/punching rod does not make a good frog rod IMHO..............BUT a good frog rod can be an OK flipping rod. I know it doesn't make any sense, but those that know what I am talking about will agree. If it were me....and I wanted one stick for both applications, I would get one that exceled at frogging, and COULD be used for flipping/punching. As it is, I have a rod dedicated to each technique. I use my frog rod for other stuff...........like swim jigs in heavy cover, skinny dipper type swim-baiting in heavy cover, etc..... but the flipping/punching rod is dedicated to just that...............save for the handful of times a year I toss umbrella rigs or mega sized hard swimbaits.

 

I agree totally,

If it were me I would not get a Zombie rod unless you've handled one before. I would go with a Powell Max Frog rod and save a few dollars. If you can get your hands on a 844 that would be great. I've used that rod for frogs and have great success with it on 30# braid.

I've never used the Powell max frog rod but I've read alot about it.

for flipping I use custom spiral wrapped  st. croix 7'11"  legend elite blank and I love that rod. I have the zombie 7'10" rod and I wouldn't use either for frogs.

[TimothyLieuw]

I know I am a little late to the party but thought I would chime in!

I ususally go with a GLoomis IMX904CFPR Matched with Shimano Curado I and some 50lb power pro. I almost religiously throw the koppers live target frog but if the local tackle shop doesn't have them I go with o'l faithful the Booyah Padcrasher

[roadwarrior]

23 minutes ago, TimothyLieuw said:

I know I am a little late to the party but thought I would chime in!

I ususally go with a GLoomis IMX904CFPR Matched with Shimano Curado I and some 50lb power pro. I almost religiously throw the koppers live target frog but if the local tackle shop doesn't have them I go with o'l faithful the Booyah Padcrasher

What's three and a half years among friends?

Welcome aboard!

 

[Mike L]

On 7/3/2013 at 9:26 PM, ww2farmer said:

A  technique specific flipping/punching rod does not make a good frog rod IMHO..............BUT a good frog rod can be an OK flipping rod. I know it doesn't make any sense, but those that know what I am talking about will agree. If it were me....and I wanted one stick for both applications, I would get one that exceled at frogging, and COULD be used for flipping/punching. As it is, I have a rod dedicated to each technique. I use my frog rod for other stuff...........like swim jigs in heavy cover, skinny dipper type swim-baiting in heavy cover, etc..... but the flipping/punching rod is dedicated to just that...............save for the handful of times a year I toss umbrella rigs or mega sized hard swimbaits.

Ditto 

My "frog" setup also does triple duty..frog, swim baits, carolina rig..7' Falcon "Carolina Lizard Dragger" with a PQ spooled with 30# power pro.

But for flipping in heavy cover and especially punching I use a dedicated combo just for that ...7' 2" h/xf micro guided Smoke rod with a Curado G spooled with 65# power pro.

 

Mike