SCUM Frogs

[HAWG Fisher]

What is the secret of getting a consistant hookset with this bait? I love this bait but im having trouble getting the fish in the boat!!!!

PLEASE HELP!!!! Thanks

[warmer]

one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand.

[CWB]

First make sure the fish actually got the bait. Depending on where you are fishing it might just have gotten a mouthfull of slop. Count to 2 or if you can stand it 3 and reel up and if you feel him, hit him with all you've got. Once they get hold they usually don't let go. I use scent on my frogs.

Using Braided line helps. A lot of times the fish inhales so much grass with the bait you'll just end up yanking the bait out of his mouth but thats part of the game. If you see your line moving you know he's got it so slam him now!

[Sam]

ColdwaterBassin says it all.

Let him take the frog; count to two or three seconds; and slam the hook home after you have reeled in all of the slack.

You will not hook every one but you will improve your hooking ratio.

It takes some practice and I still get excited when he hits the bait and I have to try to control myself from setting the hook, immediately.

Some say to wait until you feel the "weight" of the fish with the frog.

I can't do that so I count (sometimes too fast) to two or three seconds and then slam the rod home, eager to see if I got him.

One "crazy" suggestion that I have done and it can work so take it or leave it.  Use a trailer hook.

Yes, one trailer hook on one of the two frog hooks, facing up, can improve your hookset ratio.

At the same time, depending on the slop, pads and grass you are fishing, it can drive you crazy with hangups.

So if you are fishing open water next to a bulkhead or shoreline; or over pads and grass; or parallel to pads and grass; consider using a trailer hook.

Just a suggestion.  

[snapper G]

Make sure you let the bass eat it, count to 3 Mississippi and than let him have it!!

[mayassa]

i always let them take it, I feel the pull-set the hook

[HAWG Fisher]

Thanks for all the replys!!!! I am having a blast with it and as someone said its a rush when they blast it off the top of the water!! I was fishing a pond yesterday that has an overflow channel into some backwater thats about 2 acres and probably about 3 to 4 foot deep. Its solid water grass and moss. But as soon as that frog hits the surface they Blow up on it!!!!! Ill post a pic of the best I got lastnight in a few to see what ya all think? Thanks, HAWG

[HAWG Fisher]

This pond is in the middle of a section that is only acessable with a 4 wheeler at best..........Caught probably 20 to 25 nice fish in about 2 hours!!!! Here is the only one I took a pic with.

[Sam]

She is beautiful.

Keep your honey hole to yourself and keep enjoying it for years.  

[fishinfiend]

Great catch Hawg fisher. This is the first year I have started fishing frogs and it is AWESOME.

[CWB]

As Sam said, cherish this spot. You don't know how lucky you are.

I mostly fish the lakes close to Chicago and the fishing is pretty good but you have to put up with alot of cr*p. Jet Skis and water skiers/tubers coming within 10 feet of you and worse another fisherman pulling up right in front of you and fishing down the weedline or bank you are fishing. I was froggin some pads a few weeks ago and had a pontoon boat cruise between me and the pads instead of going behind me. I had a few choice words for him and kept fishing. Sorry for the rant but I feel better now.

P.S. Nice fish dude!

[iceintheveins]

You just have to wait until you feel the bass moving off with the bait, then set the hook HARD! Heavier line helps get a good hookset as well.

[bass slayer 17]

i usually wait till i feel the weight of the fish and then i give a strong hook set.. i use 65lb braid and a MH rod to do the rest of the work to yank them out of the scum.. keep ALOT of pressure on the fish all the way to the bank or boat because if they get any slack line they will throw your frog.. good luck and catch a hawg