Rage Toad Durability

[gnuisance]

I think the Rage Toads are a great bait and they definitely catch fish.

 

That being said, I am having issues with the durability of these baits. It seems like the legs and noses are constantly ripping. I went through two packs in an afternoon yesterday and that is a little much for me. It seems like they are only good for one fish for the most part and occasionally they rip from just the motion of casting or being pulled through cover. I wondered if anyone had any tips for me on extending the life of these baits?

 

Unless I can find some way to make them tougher I am going to have to opt for something more durable or more economical. I'm planning to try the zmans that are made from the elaztech material bc I know that stuff is very durable.

[Zach P]

I'll be the first to say these will not last long. The fish in the reservoirs, ponds, and rivers I fish destroy them, which is awesome, but on the other hand you tend to go through more than you anticipate. I've lost legs on these after one fish which really sucks. I've yet to try the zman but I have heard good reviews about them since they are elaztech and obviously float as well. You will probably need some sort of weighted hook to throw them on. Let me know how they turn out should you choose to buy some.

[Cgrinder]

Mend It. Smells terrible but saves plastics.

[doyle8218]

Damaged baits are the cost of doing business.

[Hyrule Bass]

i get 3-4 fish on my rage toads on average. also, fish will bite them with only one leg.

[hatrix]

Screw lock hooks are your friend. A hot knife will also fix any piece of plastic and does the job 100x better then mendit.

[gnuisance]

Screw lock hooks are your friend. A hot knife will also fix any piece of plastic and does the job 100x better then mendit.

 

What size and type screw locks do you recommend?

[hatrix]

What size and type screw locks do you recommend?

I have no idea what size they are really. If you buy a hook that will fit it then it will come with the right size screw lock. I will change the small ones that come on smaller hooks out for bigger ones at times but that is just because the bigger it is the better it holds really. Personally though Gamakatsu has the best screw lock on there hooks and hold so much better then everyone else but because of how its attached it can fall off the hook unless you wrap it around the shank. I buy owner hooks though over any other brand unless I am in a pinch and have to buy something else just because I need hooks. 

[tcbass]

I use screwlock hooks which work tremendously, I think they are Gamakatsu's. Not sure what size, I think 4/0 or 5/0.

 

 

I usually only lose legs, so "Mend It' wouldn't work.

 

 

 

 

Sometimes they last 10 fish, sometimes a fish nips a leg off on the first cast (irritatiting). However, that's the cost of doing business. I'm sure Ragetail is happy that they kill the fish but don't last forever otherwise they wouldn't sell anymore.

 

 

I bought some Elastztech frogs for this very reason but haven't used them yet. I haven't had great success yet with the Ragetails this year since the weeds haven't had a chance to grow, so when I start catching fish consistingly on the Ragetail I'll try the Elatztech.

 

 

 

Beware though, that from what I hear the Elastztech material has a chemical reaction with other baits and will melt to them, so you need to keep your Elatztech baits seperate from other baits. Probably their only downfall.

[ripinit]

I use the larger owner screw lock, which holds well, so I usually get quite a few fish per bait. In heavy vegetation the legs catch in the V and tear. If this start to happen a lot, punch out/round out the V with some punch, like a 25 or 32 caliber shell casing, and see if that helps..

[tcbass]

I use the larger owner screw lock, which holds well, so I usually get quite a few fish per bait. In heavy vegetation the legs catch in the V and tear. If this start to happen a lot, punch out/round out the V with some punch, like a 25 or 32 caliber shell casing, and see if that helps..

 

 

 

What?

[Toeshots]

The Zoom Horny Toad hooks have worked really well for me with the Rage Toad. They are screw lock so the baits will last a bit longer.

[ColdSVT]

Screw locks help a lot...but they arent pickeral, pike or muskie proof lol

All three are a possibilty up here in the north

I have found the Stanley Ribbits are more durable...i still use both often

[hatrix]

Ya my rib its last for ever... They also have a smaller profile and I think it is easier for the fish to get the whole thing. They weigh less then SK but cast way better I think.

[roadwarrior]

I have no issues with the Rage Toad. Under the right circumstances it is THE BOMB!