FROGS FROGS FROGS! That’s this forecast in a nutshell but let me delve into some of the finer points about frog fishing that will increase your odds of landing some big fish this month.
Water temps will likely be well into the high 70’s and the spawn should be over. Lilly pads and shallow grass will be filled with bass fry and guess who’s lying just beneath guarding them?…that’s right, mama and daddy bass. While most of the fry guarding bass will be males, some will be hefty in size, but rest assured, the big females will not be far, and they are hungry. Buzzing frogs like the Gambler Cane Toad and Buzz’n Cane Toad are great choices; both create a distinctly different action and sound. Those, and hollow-body frogs like Spro, will be my primary lures, and both will be fished on 50 pound test braid with stout rods.
When fishing a buzzing-type frog over vast stretches of shallow vegetation, target irregularities like edges, pockets and points within the grass. Keep the frog moving at a fairly quick pace and keep an eye out for anything that appears to run toward it or swirl underneath it. If this happens and no strike occurs, don’t return the frog for another attempt. Have a stick bait like a Gambler Ace or other weightless jerkbaits at the ready to present to the reluctant bass. Rig your frog on a 5/0 or bigger EWG-style hook.
For hollow-body frogs, I like to target grass edges and banks near deep water and isolated islands. These usually have lily pads and other grass that create the hiding places bass will be in. Vary your presentation from extremely slow to a rapid retrieve to see how they like it. This technique produces fewer bites for me, but the ones I get are often bigger fish.
Hooksets are critical! Pause after the strike and swing hard on these fish. It’s going to be frustrating at times because you will miss and loose fish, but stick with it and refine your technique…you’ll be glad you did.
Good fishing and God bless.
CAPT. RANDY “C-NOTE” CNOTA
C-note Charters
Panama City, FL
cnotecharters.com
(229) 834-7880