Frog Lures and Largemouth Bass

Welcome to 2024, where the thrill of frog fishing for largemouth bass is more exciting than ever! As an avid angler, I can’t help but get a rush from casting my line with a trusty frog lure like the Booyah Pad Crasher, Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog, or the Googan Squad Filthy Frog. These lures are my go-to choices for luring out those cunning bass hiding in dense weed patches, lily pads, or along the edges of shores, logs, and rocks.

The secret to success lies in your setup and technique. I recommend pairing these lures with a medium-heavy rod and a fast-action reel to give you the power and speed needed for a solid hook set. When casting, aim for areas with thick cover and shallow waters—these spots are bass hotspots. The key is in your retrieve; mimic the erratic yet natural movement of a frog with subtle twitches and pauses. This action is irresistible to bass and will increase your chances of a thrilling strike.

In this guide, I’ll share all the tips and tricks I’ve learned to master this exhilarating style of fishing. Get ready to elevate your bass fishing game with the art of frog lures!

Equipment and Lure Selection

Choose the right fishing rod and reel for your frog lure.

Rods: For a heart-pounding frog fishing experience, nailing the right fishing rod is paramount. Opt for a medium to medium-heavy power rod, boasting a fast or extra-fast action. The exceptional sensitivity and strength of this rod type make it the ideal partner for wrangling those elusive largemouth bass.

When it comes to popular baitcasting rod brands, two names stand out among anglers:

Shimano: Renowned for their cutting-edge technology and exceptional build quality, Shimano baitcasting rods are a top choice for many serious anglers. Their extensive range caters to different fishing styles and preferences, offering outstanding performance and reliability.

Daiwa: With a legacy of crafting high-quality fishing gear, Daiwa has earned its place as one of the leading baitcasting rod brands. Their rods boast innovative features, excellent sensitivity, and durability, making them a favorite among anglers of all levels.

Both Shimano and Daiwa have built a strong reputation in the fishing community, and their baitcasting rods are sure to enhance your frog fishing adventures.

Reels: Completing the dream team is a top-notch baitcasting reel, offering unrivaled control and precision during casting. Its smooth operation ensures seamless retrieval, increasing your chances of landing that trophy bass. Explore the waters with confidence by selecting from two well-regarded baitcasting reel brands, trusted by seasoned anglers worldwide.

When it comes to popular baitcasting reel brands, two names stand out as favorites among anglers:

Abu Garcia: Known for their precision engineering and top-notch performance, Abu Garcia baitcasting reels are highly sought after by both amateur and professional anglers. They offer a wide range of models suitable for various fishing techniques, providing smooth casting and exceptional drag systems.

Lew's: Renowned for their innovative designs and advanced technologies, Lew's baitcasting reels are a go-to choice for many fishing enthusiasts. With features like high-speed retrieves and lightweight construction, Lew's reels provide anglers with a competitive edge on the water.

Both Abu Garcia and Lew's have consistently delivered high-quality baitcasting reels, making them reliable options for anglers looking to elevate their frog fishing experience.

Select a frog lure that imitates a real frog and floats on the water's surface. There are various types of frog lures available, including soft plastic frogs and hollow-body frogs. Both can be effective in enticing largemouth bass.

When it comes to enticing largemouth bass, here are three popular frog lures that have captured the hearts of anglers:

Booyah Pad Crasher Review:
This frog lure boasts an irresistible design, perfect for skimming effortlessly over thick vegetation. With its double-hook setup, hookups are more secure, ensuring those strikes turn into thrilling battles.

Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog:
Known for its lifelike appearance and realistic swimming action, this lure drives bass crazy. Its weedless design allows for smooth retrieves through heavy cover, increasing your chances of landing that prized catch.

Googan Squad Filthy Frog:
Designed by pro anglers, this frog lure is a bass magnet. The collapsible body and razor-sharp hooks ensure solid hooksets, while the wide range of colors mimics different frog species, tempting bass into explosive strikes.

Whether you go with Booyah Pad Crasher, Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog, or Googan Squad Filthy Frog, be ready for heart-stopping bass action!

Location and Casting:

Look for areas with thick vegetation, weed patches, lily pads, or other types of cover where largemouth bass might be hiding. These areas provide shade and ambush points for the bass.
Cast the frog lure into the target areas accurately. Try to place the lure close to the cover without getting tangled in the vegetation. Casting directly onto the shore, near logs, rocks, or under overhanging branches can be particularly effective.
Retrieve Technique:
Once the frog lure is in the water, allow it to sit for a moment to create ripples and attract bass.
Use a combination of steady and jerky retrieves to mimic the movement of a real frog. To achieve this, twitch the lure slightly, creating a subtle "walk the dog" action by moving your rod tip back and forth.
Occasionally pause the retrieve to imitate a resting frog. Largemouth bass often strike when the frog is still, as they see it as an easy meal.
Another effective technique is to "pop" the frog by giving your rod tip a quick downward jerk, creating a splash and drawing attention to the lure.

Creating Commotion:

Your initial statement about "loudly flopping" the frog lure is somewhat correct, but it's more about creating a commotion on the water's surface rather than making noise.
When retrieving the frog lure, make it look like a frog that's struggling or panicking on the water surface. The "plop" sound created by the frog hitting the water can attract bass, but it's the action of the frog lure that entices them to strike.

Be Patient and Watch for Strikes:

Frog fishing for largemouth bass can be a game of patience. Sometimes, bass might miss the lure on the first strike, so be prepared for multiple attempts.
Watch closely for any movement or disturbance around the lure. When a bass strikes, it often creates a noticeable splash or swirl.

Hookset and Fighting the Fish:

When you feel a strike, wait for a brief moment before setting the hook. This pause allows the bass to fully take the frog into its mouth.
Once you've detected the bite, make a strong hookset by swiftly pulling the rod tip upward and to the side. This action drives the hook into the bass's mouth.
Be prepared for a good fight, as largemouth bass can be aggressive and put up a strong resistance.

Remember to check and comply with local fishing regulations and catch-and-release guidelines, and always handle the fish with care to ensure their survival if you plan to release them.

Overall, frog fishing for largemouth bass is a thrilling and productive technique, especially in areas with thick vegetation and abundant cover. With some practice and patience, you can increase your chances of landing some impressive largemouth bass using a frog lure.