Walking The Dog/frog Help....

[bkohlman]

I have a 2-man bass boat and would like some advice if you have any tips on top water fishing, specifically walking the dog and frogs, with limited vertical space.

 

Thanks!

 

 

[Ozark_Basser]

For a frog definitely use braid.  It's really difficult and inconsistent when using anything else in my experience for the walking technique. I like a 7MHF with a soft tip in any situation that isn't super heavy cover. In heavier cover I would recommend using a longer stouter rod. Don't see how anyone on a bass boat could have limited vertical space though. 

[Ozark_Basser]

If you don't know how to walk a spook, I'd learn that first.  It's easier and more forgiving as far as the walk the dog technique goes. 

[MO_LMB]

If you are dealing with space constraints such as in a 2 man boat or while on shore, my best advice is instead of the 12 oclock to 6 oclock jerk, i would recommend more of like a 10 to 4. I think it allows you to move the bait more efficiently with limited space. 

[BassinLou]

To walk a spook type bait or frog you don't need vertical space. Well... to set the hook of course, but, to walk effectively you keep your rod tip down. My first recommendation is to learn how to walk a spook type bait. It's easier.  Take your time and find a rhythmic cadence. Keep the rod tip down and tap towards the water gently. Give the bait just enough slack to allow it to move side to side. It's all in the wrist. Once you get the spook down, to walk a frog take 75%-85% off the cadence, especially if you are using braid. It will take some time, but if you stick to it you will be able to effectively fish both style baits quite easily. Good luck. 

[Mike L]

With the room restriction you have, you'll have to make an over hand cast.

I'd use a min of 30# braid.

Keep a good amount of slack in your line, nothing will walk with a tight line.

If you're useing a frog with long legs you can cut one leg shorter than the other. That will help it to turn.

The problem with that tho is it will want to continue to walk to one side, which if you take that in account when you cast can be a good thing as it's easier, at least for me, to change your retrieve angle a bit.

Which is what you would want to do sometimes anyway.

Mike

[shanksmare]

MikeL hit the nail on  the head. To get a lure to walk you must provide slack line for it to walk. You can walk a spook at a fast cadence, slow cadence or anything in between. In fact you can vary the cadence so in effect there is no cadence. But you must sort of bounce your rod back as you twitch it to provide the necessary slack for the spook to walk. When you walk a frog, I have found that it works better if the twitches are much smaller than those you would use to walk a Spook.

If you are walking a frog through lily pads and your line is draped over a pad, you will find that it will not walk because the pad prevents you from getting the slack to the frog. Practice, its not that hard to do once you do ut right.

[cyclops2]

Use braid.

 

Only bad thing about braid is some wear grooves in anything they slide on.

 

No vertical space ?    me to I use a Bimini top all summer.   Side twitches practiced  with the lure 25' away.  Piece of cake.

[gulfcaptain]

Use braid.

 

Only bad thing about braid is some wear grooves in anything they slide on.

 

 

Myth, been using braid on ALL my rods for the last 4yrs, longer in saltwater.  There isn't a bit of a groove in any of my rods.......quality braid you will not have any issues.  Stick with Power Pro or 832.  Look at frogs that walk easy.  Spro Bronzeye Shad and Snag Proof's Ish's Phat Frog walk very well without any kind of bait alterations.

[cyclops2]

I was using Spider & Cajun 4 pound. It cuts fast & deep in a finger compared to mono 4pound.

[hatrix]

Myth, been using braid on ALL my rods for the last 4yrs, longer in saltwater. There isn't a bit of a groove in any of my rods.......quality braid you will not have any issues. Stick with Power Pro or 832. Look at frogs that walk easy. Spro Bronzeye Shad and Snag Proof's Ish's Phat Frog walk very well without any kind of bait alterations.

I have yet to see braid do that either. I don't believe any of that.

If your having trouble walking a frog it is probably because you twitch to far. Only move your rod tip like inches at a time. Any more and you just end up pulling the frog along. Even sometimes I loose it for a bit after not frogging for a long time. It takes a couple casts to get the feel back for it when you get out of practice.

[gulfcaptain]

I was using Spider & Cajun 4 pound. It cuts fast & deep in a finger compared to mono 4pound.

Well yes, you don't want to wrap ANY braided line around your fingers or hands......IT WILL leave nasty cuts.  But as for guides nope......Fingers....yep.

[cyclops2]

I have a favorite rod with a tip guide that has 2 grooves that will shred the 4#. New tip on the way.  The + 40# tests never groove a tip.

[gulfcaptain]

Was the tip plastic ringed?

[cyclops2]

yes

[cyclops2]

What is a ....I am 77 ...So I am out of touch for a GOOD ? excellent VERY smooth tip material   4# will not tolerate rough finishes. I cast long floaters with deep weedy bottoms. The 4 # cuts the weeds nicely.

[gulfcaptain]

Ceramic, zirconia inserts will give you no problems.

[Blues19]

Like others have said, the most important thing with walking the dog is keeping slack in the line

[cyclops2]

Age shows . Could not recall either name. Many thanks. 

 

Rich

 

I will do a web search for places selling them.  I really should do about 15 rod tips. Spin & fly .  You made my day.