Rods

[D.ru]

I’m struggling to understand how people throw light top water frogs on medium heavy- heavy rods that are rated for much heavier lures. I purchased a 7.1 medium heavy st croix bass x that is rated for 3/8 ounce to 1 ounce and I couldn’t even throw a 3/16 ounce tungsten for a Texas rig and could barely cast it out more then 15 or so feet. 

[MN Fisher]

It's all about getting the tension and brakes set properly. I use my Fuego-Aird-X H/F spooled with 50# briad to toss hollow frogs all the time.

[.ghoti.]

It’s not just the rod. The rod, reel line and lure have to all work together.

[D.ru]

I was using the shimano slx I’m considering upgrading the reel.

[.ghoti.]

Line?

[D.ru]

15# power pro v2 line. 

[Jrob78]

The average size hollow body frog weighs 1/2oz and generally cast a mile. Something is wrong with your set up. Also, 15lb braid is mostly reserved for spinning gear due to its diameter, that might be your problem. I use 50lb on my heavy/fast frog rod and can cast a frog about as far as I can cast anything. 

[D.ru]

Should a medium heavy rod be able to cast a lure that weighs less then what is recommended on the rod? 

[jbsoonerfan]

Something is definitely wrong. The rod can handle that just fine. Braid might be too light, but I would start with spool tension and then brakes.

[ike8120]

I am using 50# Power Pro on a Dobyns 735C with Speed Demon reel. Can cast a decent distance with this setup. Using hollow bodied frogs and noisy flapper

[Dens228]

7 hours ago, D.ru said:

Should a medium heavy rod be able to cast a lure that weighs less then what is recommended on the rod? 

I cast weightless rigged 4 and 5 inch Senko's on a MH rod all the time. No issues with casting or distance.  I also have a Lew's Tournament Pro on that rod.  Make sure you set the tension on the reel correctly. 

[browne762]

I cast a hollow body frog pretty far with a SLX on a heavy power St Croix Mojo Bass so I would figure you'd be able to with the same reel and a MH Bass X.

[Deleted account]

13 hours ago, D.ru said:

Should a medium heavy rod be able to cast a lure that weighs less then what is recommended on the rod? 

It depends, mostly not, but not just the weight, but how the lure is balanced and how aero dynamic it is will be a factor, but as a whole most rods will struggle to cast a lure 1/2 the weight of what they are rated for. Also a faster rod will cast lighter lures in its range better than a slower one, but again, it's all a system, and it either works or doesn't, and that doesn't take angler skill and experience into the equation.

[Tennessee Boy]

How far can you throw the frog?  Have you used #15 Power Pro on this reel before on other rods?

 

Oh...and welcome to the forum!

[new2BC4bass]

How heavy is the plastic you are using with the 3/16 oz. T-rig?  St. Croix rods are known to fish on the heavy side.  I will say 15 feet seems a bit on the short side even if the total weight is at 3/8 oz.  This is why I try to keep weights off either end.  Rod performance is better if lure weight is in the middle somewhere.

[CrankFate]

Somethings off, it should be even easier with the thin braid. 1/2 oz is plenty heavy.

[r83srock]

I love that rod mentioned. Used it tonight with an older citica and 30lb braid to throw an 1/8oz bullet weight Texas rigged pit boss. I was making short casts and pitches and occasionally launching it out 30 yards or so, I have no issue. Got my limit too ?

[WRB]

It's not the rod, reel or line. My guess is the rod maybe too fast for the casting motion being used or the OP isn't skilled using bait casting reels.

Start by using a heavier weight around 5/8 oz like a casting plug and learn how to cast it 30 to 40 yards before trying lighter weights.

Start at the beginning by setting the spool tension and brakes properly.

Tom

[Smalls]

Your brakes are probably set too high, and you probably have some dig in with 15 lb braid, not allowing it to flow off the reel smoothly. 

 

If we’ specifically talking about hollow body frogs, you need to seriously bump up your line test. 15 lb braid might as well be sewing thread when frogging. It’ll snap about as easy.