frog rod flippin flipping rod revo sx baitcast baitcaster Suggestions for a frog/pitching rod n reel set up

[juicebass]

I'm looking into buying a new set up that will I will use for pitching/flipping and frogging.

As for the area of where i fish, the average bass is around 2.5-3lb, with the big ones nearing 5lbs. There's pads and some slop, and lot's of weeds.

I've done well getting strikes off the frog and some day's my hook up ratio is good, and some day's it isn't (i'm using a 6'10" shimano crutial -spinner bait rod). I have been using the same rod to throw some 3/8oz jigs, and some plastics creature baits. I've done just fine with my ratio on hookset's off the jig and plastics, but like i said, some days with the frog it's mostly misses, and yes. i'm waiting to feel the weight of the fish before hooksets..

Looking for your guys help into the rod size i should get... i have been hearing a lot about 7'11 heavy rods, or 7'6 heavy rods (i've specifically been looking at the Abu Garcia Verita's rods because of the 100$ price point).. what would be a good hybrid so i can use for both frogging and pitching? seems like all the pros are using super long rods on 65lb braid... But would that set up be overkill for the smaller sized fish im catching? should i go Medium heavy or heavy? closer to 7 feet or closer to 8? im leaning towards the 7'11 heavy, and will put 65lb braid.. like i said sometimes im fishing in slop and pads.. yet somedays im in open water on the shallows.. I tried flexing the 7'11 heavy veritas in the stores, it seems super stiff and there isnt much flex.. i'm wondering if this will give me a harder time keeping bend in the rod with a lighter 2.5lb fish.. maybe im better off with a shorter or medium heavy, i did really like the 7'6" MH model, flexed it in store and it had nice bend, but i'm not sure if this will be a good rod for frogging or pitching?

i find the bass elite series pro's advice on rods is hard because i always assume their talking about big rods and 65 braid because they reel in 9lb Okechobee bass. But maybe that same set up wouldnt be good for me, or maybe its needed for any sized bass as long as the conditions are the same (slop, pads, stumps)

 

For the reel i think i will go with the Abu Garcia Revo SX in the 7.1.1 gear ratio. From doing my research it seems to be great for what i need. I want something with the high gear ratio, and for it to be durable and light. (and someone at BassPro told me to stick with a light reel when flipping so my wrist doesn't get tired)

i was maybe going to go with the new shimano curado 200i 7.2.1, super smooth, but a bit heavier and larger profile, also its a sold 60-70$ more.

 

please some replies and info will be appracited!

 

Thanks

[gulfcaptain]

Rod wise, I would look at something between 7'3" and 7'6" if you're wanting to do both.  I have two 7'11"'s and there is no way I would frog fish with them....too much rod to hold all day and try and walk a frog.  My dedicated frog rod is a 7'3"H Falcon (fast action).  It has enought tip to cast and work the frog, but enough power to pull big fish out of cover and ski them in.  Reel wise, find something YOU like.  I would look into IPT and find something around 29-34 IPT which will vary in gear ratio depending on the size of the spool.  I have an 8.1 reel that has the same IPT as anothers 7:3.1.  I would suggest finding something weighing under 7.5oz if you can.  Most companies MH's will work (I have a 7'3" and a 7'6" in a different company that we can't mention) fine for what you're looking for.  Just find a rod that you can comfortably fish say a 3/4oz flipping weight on that has a nice feel, isn't too stiff and feel you could walk a frog with. But as for myself, I wouldn't use a 7'11" unless you're wanting to get a dedicated flipping rod.

[iabass8]

Dobyns 735-any series

[rippin-lips]

The 735 in the Dobyns Fury series would be right in your price range.  Other mentionable $100 rods would be...

10+3= ## 0men 

Daiwa tatula 

 

[TorqueConverter]

The Abu Ike power rods come in a frog/toad variant which is 7'4'' MH and rated to throw between  5/16 and 1 oz.  I'm looking at getting one for frogs and skipping plastics as well as pitching but I'm unsure how good the rod is going to be with bottom contact baits.  Worth a look IMO.           

[Robert Riley]

You are definitely good with that reel, I'd opt for the frog variant of the veritas if I were you, or a Dobyns Savvy 735. 

[juicebass]

4 hours ago, gulfcaptain said:

Rod wise, I would look at something between 7'3" and 7'6" if you're wanting to do both.  I have two 7'11"'s and there is no way I would frog fish with them....too much rod to hold all day and try and walk a frog.  My dedicated frog rod is a 7'3"H Falcon (fast action).  It has enought tip to cast and work the frog, but enough power to pull big fish out of cover and ski them in.  Reel wise, find something YOU like.  I would look into IPT and find something around 29-34 IPT which will vary in gear ratio depending on the size of the spool.  I have an 8.1 reel that has the same IPT as anothers 7:3.1.  I would suggest finding something weighing under 7.5oz if you can.  Most companies MH's will work (I have a 7'3" and a 7'6" in a different company that we can't mention) fine for what you're looking for.  Just find a rod that you can comfortably fish say a 3/4oz flipping weight on that has a nice feel, isn't too stiff and feel you could walk a frog with. But as for myself, I wouldn't use a 7'11" unless you're wanting to get a dedicated flipping rod.

Great reply!

Thanks for the info will definitely use your advise! 

 

[juicebass]

1 hour ago, Robert Riley said:

You are definitely good with that reel, I'd opt for the frog variant of the veritas if I were you, or a Dobyns Savvy 735. 

would the frog version work well for punching and pitching/flipping as well? if so looks like i have a great idea of what i need now!

 

 

1 hour ago, Robert Riley said:

You are definitely good with that reel, I'd opt for the frog variant of the veritas if I were you, or a Dobyns Savvy 735. 

 

[juicebass]

4 hours ago, gulfcaptain said:

Rod wise, I would look at something between 7'3" and 7'6" if you're wanting to do both.  I have two 7'11"'s and there is no way I would frog fish with them....too much rod to hold all day and try and walk a frog.  My dedicated frog rod is a 7'3"H Falcon (fast action).  It has enought tip to cast and work the frog, but enough power to pull big fish out of cover and ski them in.  Reel wise, find something YOU like.  I would look into IPT and find something around 29-34 IPT which will vary in gear ratio depending on the size of the spool.  I have an 8.1 reel that has the same IPT as anothers 7:3.1.  I would suggest finding something weighing under 7.5oz if you can.  Most companies MH's will work (I have a 7'3" and a 7'6" in a different company that we can't mention) fine for what you're looking for.  Just find a rod that you can comfortably fish say a 3/4oz flipping weight on that has a nice feel, isn't too stiff and feel you could walk a frog with. But as for myself, I wouldn't use a 7'11" unless you're wanting to get a dedicated flipping rod.

 whats your opinion on guides? micro or regular? not really sure which would be better and what exactly the difference is...

[gulfcaptain]

I fish both, micros are great, but if you get a lot of "junk" it will clog the guides and become a pain.  So open water, reeds, light grass I'll fish the micros, but if it's really nasty, lots of say cottonwood blossoms or something similar that's mixed into the grass or it just has a lot of junk mixed in(scum and whatnot) I'll fish the standard guides although the rods I use have smaller guides almost like macro, they are just a bit larger then the minima guides.  This helps keep the guides clear of debris.  If you do find one with minima guides you kinda have a best of both as they are small, but not so small they get clogged up.  Hope this helps

[Robert Riley]

I find that microguides pop off frequently. I don't like them in general, never noticed much of a difference. But that's just personal. 

But the rod would work for flipping. If you plan on flipping more than frogging, then get a flipping rod. 

[Frogfather]

I'm in a similar situation: 5+ pounders are monsters where I fish.  My two cents...

Reel: as mentioned before IPT (low 30s) and weight are extremely important elements to pick a reel. 

Rod: MH-fast. 10+3= 0men  is ablsoulety the best rod in your price range. I'm on my 4th frog rod and will be going back to 10+3= 0men next summer. Fishes a little on the heavy side compared to my other mh  rods. Quality is outstanding, 7/7'1 in length. Frog = No Micro guides. Too much junk. 

Line: 50 lbs braid. Powerpro  

side notes: 

-Longer rods are not ideal for frogging  because of issues with casting accuracy, walking the frog, and skipping with longer Rod is more difficult. 

-if you are flipping more than frogging, longer Rod is the way to go. 

-have follow up bait when frogging when you miss (senko/Etc...)

-trailer hook for frog will help increase hook up but decrease action of frog.

Hope this helps  

FF

 

 

 

 

 

[5fishlimit]

For several years I got by just fine with a 7' Veritas (first generation) MH/F rod.  Since this rod was closer to a H action it worked just fine.  The reel I had on it is a Lew's Tournament speed spool with 65# braid.

I have since "retired" this combo for a 7'4" St. Croix LTB Slop and Frog rod.  This rod is the perfect length and action for me as I can easily use it for double duty work.

[juicebass]

14 hours ago, Frogfather said:

I'm in a similar situation: 5+ pounders are monsters where I fish.  My two cents...

Reel: as mentioned before IPT (low 30s) and weight are extremely important elements to pick a reel. 

Rod: MH-fast. 10+3= 0men  is ablsoulety the best rod in your price range. I'm on my 4th frog rod and will be going back to 10+3= 0men next summer. Fishes a little on the heavy side compared to my other mh  rods. Quality is outstanding, 7/7'1 in length. Frog = No Micro guides. Too much junk. 

Line: 50 lbs braid. Powerpro  

side notes: 

-Longer rods are not ideal for frogging  because of issues with casting accuracy, walking the frog, and skipping with longer Rod is more difficult. 

-if you are flipping more than frogging, longer Rod is the way to go. 

-have follow up bait when frogging when you miss (senko/Etc...)

-trailer hook for frog will help increase hook up but decrease action of frog.

Hope this helps  

FF

 

 

 

 

 

Awesome, great reply!

[Puggz]

Flippin rods typically have a large space between the reel seat and the first guide, not all rods that may fit these applications have this.  For example the St Croix Legend Tournament has 2 rods with almost identical specs. One for Flippin, one for Punchin. The Punchin rod has the first guide closer (typical) to the reel seat. 

I guess what I'm getting at is watch how the various manufacturer market their rods.  A 7'6", Heavy Med/Fast or Fast will suite the applications you want.  But if you want to have a proper flipping rod in the mix, its nice to have the extra room between the reel and the 1st guide.

And my recommendation is either a G Loomis IMX Flip/Punch (7'6: Hvy) or a St Croix LTB Flippin... Loomis has a full grip, St Croix is split.. Both are extremely light, lifetime warranty, and catch fish..:)

 

 

 

[Evan K]

Would the 7'6" Lucky Craft "Carolina Rig" Heavy casting rod currently on sale at TW for $50 be a good one for this application?

[Robert Riley]

If im not mistaken, A carolina rig rod would have an extra fast action, where as you want a fast action on a frog rod. I try to use my DX745 for frogs every now and then, and it is just too fast, pulls the frogs out of the bass's mouth.  

[Evan K]

Hm. I guess you may need to use it with some stretchy line and a lighter drag. Mono wouldn't be bad actually since you visually see the strikes, instead of feel them.

[Chris at Tech]

2 hours ago, Robert Riley said:

If im not mistaken, A carolina rig rod would have an extra fast action, where as you want a fast action on a frog rod. I try to use my DX745 for frogs every now and then, and it is just too fast, pulls the frogs out of the bass's mouth.  

I believe your 745 is a fast action rod, and I think both the 5 and 6 power Dobyns are frequently with frog fishing among their recommended techniques.  Keep fishing the frogs on that rod and I think you'll settle into the hook setting timing needed.  It seems every year, I need to re-a cclimate myself to that style of fishing, and the timing.

2 hours ago, Evan K said:

Hm. I guess you may need to use it with some stretchy line and a lighter drag. Mono wouldn't be bad actually since you visually see the strikes, instead of feel them.

Not sure that's a good idea if you're pitching or froggin' in thick vegetation.  For me, both of those are a quick way to have your heart broken!

[ABW]

23 hours ago, Evan K said:

Would the 7'6" Lucky Craft "Carolina Rig" Heavy casting rod currently on sale at TW for $50 be a good one for this application?

Check out the Powell Inferno 7'2" Mag Heavy Frog rod

[68camaro]

On December 21, 2015 at 6:57 PM, iabass8 said:

Dobyns 735-any series

Ditto, I use this with Shimano Curado 7.1:1 reel and 50 lb braid.

[Evan K]

3 hours ago, ABW said:

Check out the Powell Inferno 7'2" Mag Heavy Frog rod

I'm sure it's a good one, but I already bought the Lucky Craft rod.

[juicebass]

Thanks for the info guys. Picked up the Revo sx in the 7.1.1 ratio. 

Also grabbed the Veritas 2.0 7'6" MH fast rod. I couldn't find the frog series but since I'll be frogging and some pitching i figured it would be a good balance to use it for both. 

Will probably look to get a big flipping stick and punching type set up in the future!