How to Fish for Bass with “The Frog”

This topwater lure is a favorite not only of largemouth bass, but of the bass angler. Because it floats and is basically weedless, it can be worked over and through the heavy vegetation where few other lures dare. The visual hit is extremely addictive and may remind you of the Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week.” My son recently put on a show at a nearby lake with many consecutive hits of his frog lure.

Here are four tips on how to fish for bass with frog lures:
 

1. Try different rhythms. Sometimes, bass like a slower twitch and rest pace; other times, they may want the lure to “hurry” from one lily pad to the next.

2. Not all frogs are alike. Frog lures vary in not only in color and size, but in other design features. One version has a cupped front for more of a chugging splash when twitched. Many frogs are hollow-bodied and but at least one has a solid body design that never fills with water and sinks. Another even swims to the bottom if that is what the fish want.

3. Patience. I have a tendency to miss fish with frogs because I get overly excited with the hit and set the hook too early. When that lure disappears wait a second before setting the hook. If you can resist.

4. Low light. Mornings and especially evenings are prime windows for topwater frog lures. However, I’ve experienced nerve-rattling explosions even during the middle of the day.

Warm spring temperatures mean the frogs are out. Bass know this too. If you have never tried a topwater frog lure, cast one into some thick vegetation and hold your breath.

Share this post with your friends so they also can fish more effectively! And remind them to renew or get their fishing license before getting out on the water!