A topwater frog lure for bass is a fishing lure that imitates a frog swimming or hopping on the surface of the water. These frog lures are designed to attract bass that are feeding on frogs or other small prey that move along the surface of the water.
Topwater frog lures typically have a soft, hollow body that is shaped like a frog, with two hooks on the bottom and a skirt or legs that create a realistic swimming motion when the lure is retrieved. They can be used in a variety of ways, including popping, walking, or skittering across the surface of the water to entice bass to strike.
When using a topwater frog lure for bass, it’s important to pay attention to the movements of the lure and the water around it, as bass may strike suddenly and aggressively. It’s also important to use the right equipment, such as a medium-heavy rod and a braided line, to help set the hook and reel in a strong fighting fish.
- SPRO Bronzeye Frog 60
- BOOYAH Poppin Pad Crasher
- BOOYAH Toadrunner Jr
- LIVETARGET Hollow Body
- Lunkerhunt Prop Frog
- Megabass Big Gabot
- Scum Frog Big Foot
- Strike King Sexy Frog
SPRO Bronzeye Frog 60
Features
- Size: 60 mm
- Weight: 1/2 oz.
- Gamakatsu 3/0 Superline EWG double hook
Pros
- Cast long distances
- Walking action
- 20+ color variations
Cons
- the hard body may affect hookups
- over time body may fill with water
Product Description
The Bronzeye Frog 60 was designed by MLF Angler Dean Rojas. The Bronzeye Frog 60 has a real attitude and is a leaner meaner version of its big brother. The body has been redesigned to maximize the hook-up ratio on the Gamakatsu Superline EWG Double Hook and comes in an array of fish-catching colors.
BOOYAH Poppin Pad Crasher
Features
- Super-soft collapseable plastic body
- Weedless topwater lure
- Double 3/0 hooks
Pros
- tons of color choices
- bigger disturbance for bad conditions
Cons
- leg durability
- some anglers report body fills with water easily
Product Description
The Booyah Poppin’ Pad Crasher is perfect for those times when you need more surface disturbance to get the fish to commit. Windy days, thick slop, and finicky fish that have seen other frogs all day long still will take the different action of the Poppin’ Pad Crasher. It’s a great popping frog for fishing the slop, but with the cupped mouth, it also doubles as a popper/chugger in open water. Whether you want to work acres of surface scum, skip it deep under a boat dock or work a cover-strewn flooded shoreline, the Poppin’ Pad Crasher is your go-to bait.
BOOYAH Toadrunner Jr
Features
- Body ridges built for quick planning and running straight
- Smaller moldable tail
- Smaller body profile suited for small waters or shy bass
- Scaled-down double frog hook
Pros
- loud topwater buzzing action
- added body structure to help lure stay upright
Cons
- Not the best for long casts
Product Description
Small baits can pack a big punch, and the BOOYAH ToadRunner Jr does just that. Constructed from a modified Pad Crasher Jr body with finely-tuned legs to keep it running true, this second-generation bait features all the amenities of the original Toadrunner. The tantalizingly churning 360-degree rotating tail is back in a smaller size updated to match the ToadRunner Junior’s profile. Included is the molded-in tail wire that can be used to adjust the sound and motion of the bait as needed. Ultra-sharp 2/0 hooks are consistent and unforgiving, as the blowups will come fast and furious with this one.
LIVETARGET Hollow Body
Features
- Weightlessly Glides Left And Right Across The Surface
- Anatomical Accuracy, Detailed Color, And Effortless Action Make This A First To The Market
- It Has All The Attributes To Attract Big Fish
Pros
- A smaller profile works great in ponds
- Use The Hollow Body In Heavy Cover
Cons
- For targeting Bass on Lakes, you may want to step up to a larger profile bait
Product Description
The Hollow Body Frog Popper has become a favorite to the seasoned top water angler. The narrow profile and cupped face make this bait easy to walk across the surface, creating a tantalizing sound and unique splash. The extra strong foraged hook and soft collapsible body ensure fast penetration and solid hookups. Available in two sizes. Freshwater.
Lunkerhunt Prop Frog
Features
- Double loud prop
- Weedless design
- Wide gap hooks
- Great topwater action
- Length: 3.5 Inch
- Weight: 1/2oz
Pros
- great action in areas where there are not a lot of snags or cover
- lots of noise and disturbance on the water
Cons
- long legs can wrap around the hook
- trailing hook exposed may not be ideal when fishing lily pads
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Product Description
The Lunkerhunt Prop Frog is an extremely efficient fish catcher. It has been designed to fish where other prop lures with exposed hooks cannot. Pads, wood, and slop are no match for the Lunkerhunt Prop Frog. Its unique design enables it to cruise over the top of cover, re-enter the water, and start churning up water without skipping a beat.
Megabass Big Gabot
Features
- Custom designed hook
- Open-mouth design
- Rear-mounted tail skirt
Pros
- splash walking action
- custom hook designed to excel in heavy cover
- designed to pinpoint specific pockets within the cover
- silicone seal to limit water intake
Cons
- large profile may require scaling up your typical frog rod
Product Description
The Big Gabot features a patent pending Catamaran Mouth to power pinpoint splash-walking action, redesigned weight and internals for improved durability and performance, and a custom hook to dominate monster bass in heavy cover. Carefully formulated body material offers optimal balance between structural integrity and compression, delivering unrivaled action and excellent hook-up ratios. Reinforced catamaran mouth bites into the water for splashy pinpoint-walking action to target key pockets between pads and cover. Custom hook shape, wire diameter, and penetration angles guarantee optimal hook-up ratios and improve landing percentages.
Scum Frog Big Foot
Features
- big 4/0 Owner Hook
- oversize paddle feet
- floats and weedless for buzz bait style fishing
Pros
- impactful water idsturbance
- small profile great for ponds
- can be fished with multiple action styles to induce bites on frog shy fish
Cons
- legs are a bit stiff
- action is disturbing, but unrealistic
Product Description
LITTLE BIGFOOT may be short in stature, but he can bubble with the big boys. Sometimes, a small frog is just what fish are looking for, especially a little loud frog; but, don’t underestimate this little frog. He totes a big 4/0 Owner hook and is not afraid to tangle with the biggest fish in the pond. The Scum Frog Little Bigfoot Frog sports water disturbing, oversized paddle feet that really kick up the big bass action. Producing loads of top water excitement, this weedless soft frog bait actually floats so it can be fished like a buzzbait, allowing you to spend more time casting to weedbeds, stumps, brush and other structures where big, trophy bass dwell. Or, retrieve the Little Bigfoot Frog in short strokes between pauses to attract more fish with a mind-blowing, water-bubbling action.
Strike King Sexy Frog
Features
- Aproved by Kevin Van Dam
- tons of color options
Pros
- ideal for open water
- excels in heavy cover
- minimal noise on water entry
- rattle for added noise
Cons
- hooks may require some adjustment for the ideal hook-up ratio
Product Description
The KVD Sexy Frog is one of the finest, feature-packed, frog-style baits yet from Strike King. Designed and approved by Kevin VanDam for open water and heavy cover applications, the Sexy Frog is an ideal bait for great topwater frog action! Designed and approved by Kevin VanDam Sealed nose to minimize water entry. The Sexy Frog free-floating rattle creates noise. For open water and heavy cover applications.
Frog Lure Points To Consider
Color
Choosing the best color for a topwater frog lure depends on a number of factors, including the time of day, the water clarity, and the color of the baitfish in the area. Here are a few considerations to help you choose the best color for your topwater frog lure:
- Time of day: Brighter colors tend to work well in low light conditions, such as early morning or late evening. Darker colors may work better during midday or in clear water.
- Water clarity: In murky water, it may be best to use brighter colors that can be seen more easily. In clear water, more natural colors that blend in with the environment may work better.
- Match the hatch: Pay attention to the color of the baitfish in the area and choose a color that closely matches. This can increase the realistic appeal of your lure to the bass.
- Experiment: If one color isn’t working, try another. Sometimes, bass can be finicky and may prefer a different color on a given day.
Some of the more popular color options for topwater frog lures are natural green, black, white, yellow, and orange. Ultimately, the best color for your topwater frog lure will depend on the specific conditions of the water you’re fishing in and the preferences of the fish.
Materials
Fishing conditions, the type of action you are looking for, and your personal preference are all factors when it comes to picking the best material for topwater frog fishing lures. Here are some tips to help you choose the best material for your topwater frog lures:
- Conditions: If you’re fishing in heavy cover or around weeds, you may want a frog lure that is made from a more durable material that can withstand snags and abrasions. In clearer water with less cover, a softer, more realistic material may be preferred.
- Action: The material of your frog lure can affect its action on the water. Softer, more pliable materials may have a more realistic swimming motion, while stiffer materials may create a more popping or splashing action.
- Preferences: Different materials may feel differently to you when casting and retrieving, so it’s important to choose a material that feels comfortable to use and fits your style of fishing.
Soft plastic, hard plastic, and foam are the common materials used for topwater frog lures. Soft plastic lures tend to be more realistic in their swimming motion, while hard plastic lures may be more durable and create a louder popping or splashing noise. Foam lures are also popular for their buoyancy and ability to float higher in the water, making them easier to see and retrieve. Ultimately, the best material for your topwater frog lure will depend on your fishing conditions and personal preferences.
Hooks
When you are choosing the best bass frog lure hooks, be sure to consider the size and weight of the lure, the size of the fish you’re targeting, and the fishing conditions. Here are some tips to help you choose the best hooks for your topwater frog lure:
- Consider the size and weight of the lure: The hooks on your frog lure should be strong enough to support the weight of the lure and any fish that you may catch. You may need larger, stronger hooks for heavier lures.
- Look at the size of the fish: If you’re targeting larger fish, you’ll need larger, stronger hooks to ensure that the hook sets and holds the fish. Smaller fish may require smaller hooks.
- Think about the fishing conditions: If you’re fishing in heavy cover or around weeds, you may need hooks that are more weedless or snag-resistant. In clear water with less cover, standard hooks may work fine.
- Choose high-quality hooks: It’s important to choose hooks that are sharp, strong, and durable to ensure that they stay sharp and can handle the stress of catching fish.
The most common hook options for frog lures are offset hooks, double hooks, and weighted hooks. Offset hooks are best for their weedless design, while double hooks can increase your chances of hooking the fish. Weighted hooks help your lure sink, creating a more realistic swimming motion.
FAQ
How To Fish A Frog Lure
Fishing frog lures can be an effective way to target bass in shallow water, especially around weed beds, lily pads, or other cover. Here are some steps to follow when fishing a frog lure:
- Choose the right gear: Use a medium to heavy action rod with a fast or extra-fast tip, paired with a strong and sensitive reel, and a braided line that can handle heavy cover.
- Choose the right location: Look for areas where bass might be hiding, such as weed beds, lily pads, or other cover. Cast your frog lure towards the edge of the cover and work it back towards you.
- Retrieve your frog lure: Use a slow, steady retrieve, pausing and popping the lure occasionally to create a realistic frog swimming motion. You can also try a walking-the-dog technique by twitching the lure side-to-side as you retrieve it.
- Watch for strikes: Be alert and ready for a strike at any time, as bass may strike suddenly and aggressively. If you see a bass following your frog lure but not striking, try slowing down the retrieve or changing the direction of the lure to entice the fish to bite.
- Set the hook: When you feel a strike, set the hook with a strong, upward sweep of the rod. Keep the line tight and reel the fish in, being careful not to let the line go slack or let the fish escape back into cover.
Remember, fishing a frog lure can take some practice to get the timing and technique just right. Be patient, experiment with different techniques, and have fun!
How To Tie Frog Lures
Tying a topwater frog lure can be done using a variety of knots, but the most popular knot is the Palomar knot. Here are the steps to tie a Palomar knot for a topwater frog lure:
- Double about 6 inches of your fishing line, creating a loop at the end.
- Pass the loop through the eye of the frog lure and then tie an overhand knot in the doubled line, leaving the loop free.
- Take the loop and pass it over the top of the frog lure, so it hangs parallel to the doubled line.
- Take the free end of the loop and pass it through the overhand knot that you created earlier.
- Moisten the knot with water or saliva and pull both the standing line and the tag end to tighten the knot.
- Trim the tag end to about 1/4 inch.
- Attach your frog lure to your fishing line using a split ring or a snap clip.
The Palomar knot is a strong and reliable knot that is well-suited for topwater frog lures. When tying the knot, make sure to moisten the line with water or saliva before tightening it to ensure that it is secure and does not slip.
Final Thoughts
Professional bass anglers have different techniques and preferences when it comes to fishing with topwater frog lures, but many agree on some general tips and strategies. Here are some thoughts on fishing frog bait for bass from several professional bass anglers:
- Scott Martin: Scott Martin, a FLW Tour angler, suggests using a soft-bodied frog lure with a long tail, as it can create a more realistic swimming action. He also recommends casting towards cover, such as grass or lily pads, and retrieving the lure with a steady retrieve or a stop-and-go technique.
- Bill Lowen: Bill Lowen, an Elite Series angler, emphasizes the importance of choosing the right gear and hooks for topwater frog fishing. He recommends using a heavy-power rod with a fast tip, a high-speed reel, and braided line. He also suggests using a frog lure with strong, double hooks and a weedless design to prevent snagging.
- Mike Iaconelli: Mike Iaconelli, a Bassmaster Elite Series angler, suggests experimenting with different colors and patterns for topwater frog lures, as bass can be selective based on the conditions. He also recommends using a walking-the-dog technique with the lure, which involves twitching and pausing the lure to create a zig-zagging motion.
- Gerald Swindle: Gerald Swindle, a two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year, suggests using a frog lure with a flat face and a hollow body, as it can create a more realistic splashing sound. He also recommends casting towards cover and using a stop-and-go technique with occasional pops and pauses.
Overall, professional bass anglers suggest paying attention to the details, such as the gear, hooks, and techniques, when fishing the best frog lures. Experimenting with different retrieve techniques, colors, and patterns can also help you find what works best for the conditions and the behavior of the fish.
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