Reel speed for frogs and swimbaits

[Boomstick]

So I will probably add a 7'4" (most I could possibly fit in my car) heavy rod this year to use for frogs, huddlestons and jigs in heavy applications.

 

I was thinking of going with a 8.1:1 for frogs, but a slower reel would be better for larger swimbaits.

 

If I hit my goal of getting a boat next year, I'll add a proper longer swimbait rod, and either buy a slower reel with it, or buy a faster reel for the frog rod.

 

What do you guys think, is it easier to crank faster than slow it down?

[NathanDLTH]

A Hudd is gonna be 3oz at minn, a frog at most will be 3/4oz, nothing personal but I do not see how a frog rod will work for Hudds. I wouldn’t bother with 6inch hudds, instead going straight to the 68 special a 6inch with a 8 tail. 

 

Reel speeds: 8:1 for frogs, Hudds need a 6:2 or slower, like a round reel. 

 

Something to think about. 

[Boomstick]

Some heavy frog rods are rated up to 1.5oz and others are rated to throw up to 2oz, which is the weight of the 6" and 68 special, so I would imagine that should be good. Am I missing something?

 

Also do you need a round reel for Huddlestons? A lot of people use low profiles too. I am aware of the reel speed however and was really wondering if it's easier to slow down or speed up in my scenario.

[fishwizzard]

I just picked up a Megabass Hyuga 72H with an eye for using it for both frogs and swimbaits.  Being winter, I have not actually fished a frog on it, but it casts and walkes them well enough that I think it will work.  It works great for swimbaits up to 2.5-3oz.  

 

As for a reel, right now I have a 7.9 speed on it, which is a huge pain to slow creep a hudd on.  I think I am going to buy a 5.4 speed to put on it this spring and just crank it fast when I need to get a frog back in quick for a followup cast.  I am more excited about swimbaits then frogs thou, so that is coloring my decision.  

 

 

 

 

[Scarborough817]

personally i wouldn't be throwing hudds and frogs on the same rod. hudds are going to require a bit more weight than a frog will. especially considering once you start you are going to want to throw the 8" too. are you sure you cant fit anything longer? the dobyns fury 806sb is a great rod for hudds. what rod were you planning on getting?

[the reel ess]

I don't have a BC reel under 7:1 that I use anymore. I think it's easier to slow down than speed up. Why crank more when you could crank less?  That's how I see it.And you'll really like a fast reel for the frog.

[Angry John]

I guess i am old school as i have a 7.9 but it gets no play.  6.3 works well for most things.  I like a 7.1 for frogs but thats my fastest reel in rotation.  It is also a good speed for pitching and punching, where the bait is not worked with the reel.  I guess the best way to decided is if the bait is reeled or worked with the rod.  Jerkbaits, frogs, jigs and things you dont reel in faster can be better.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

It's easy enough to adjust retrieval speed. When choosing a reel I'm more concerned about the need to take up slack line quickly or torque for pulling heavy/high resistance baits through the water. 

[NathanDLTH]

I don’t know dude, guess it’s prefrence for me. Frogs you need a fast action where Hudds I’ve leaned toward moderate fast like the Dobyns Fury 795. Entry level swimbait rod, $119 out the door. 

 

As for reels, it’s preference too. Just me but if I’m throwing Hudds it’s gonna be Calcutta or something similar. 

[Boomstick]

6 hours ago, Scarborough817 said:

personally i wouldn't be throwing hudds and frogs on the same rod. hudds are going to require a bit more weight than a frog will. especially considering once you start you are going to want to throw the 8" too. are you sure you cant fit anything longer? the dobyns fury 806sb is a great rod for hudds. what rod were you planning on getting?

I am absolutely positive I can't fit much longer. The 7'4" is even going to be pushing it but maybe if I angle it I can get it in. I was considering maybe another Tatula to be consistent with my others. That rod is rated  up to 2oz as well where some are only up to 1.5oz, although honestly it was just a thought at this point to add a heavy rod.

2 hours ago, NathanDLTH said:

I don’t know dude, guess it’s prefrence for me. Frogs you need a fast action where Hudds I’ve leaned toward moderate fast like the Dobyns Fury 795. Entry level swimbait rod, $119 out the door. 

 

As for reels, it’s preference too. Just me but if I’m throwing Hudds it’s gonna be Calcutta or something similar. 

Like I said once I end up getting a truck (and a a boat), I will look at adding a proper rod for larger swimbaits. At the current time I would have no way to transport it. At this time, it's an improvement for my frog setup and a way to throw smaller Huddlestons.

[NathanDLTH]

47 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

I am absolutely positive I can't fit much longer. The 7'4" is even going to be pushing it but maybe if I angle it I can get it in. I was considering maybe another Tatula to be consistent with my others. That rod is rated  up to 2oz as well where some are only up to 1.5oz, although honestly it was just a thought at this point to add a heavy rod.

Like I said once I end up getting a truck (and a a boat), I will look at adding a proper rod for larger swimbaits. At the current time I would have no way to transport it. At this time, it's an improvement for my frog setup and a way to throw smaller Huddlestons.

I get it, I’m in the same spot. Good luck dude