With the scorching heat of midsummer fading into memory, shallow water zones are becoming increasingly comfortable for bass. This seasonal shift draws bass toward the shallows, setting the stage for a feeding frenzy that continues until temperatures drop enough to push them offshore for winter.
During this window, reaction baits are the name of the game, with bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and topwater lures being all productive options. But it’s also prime time for some of the season’s best frog fishing. Shallow, weedy cover like grass banks, mats, and lily pads become hotspots for some of the biggest, and most aggressive bass of the season.
When looking to gear up for a day of frogging, a few critical gear tips can go a long way towards putting more fish in the boat.
Rods:
A longer, 7’0’ to 7’6” heavy power or even extra heavy power rod, gives anglers the backbone and leverage to drive a hook through the mouth of the bass, while wrestling them through ultra dense cover. It is important to note that the rod tip still needs to be soft enough to be able to properly work a frog, especially one designed to walk.
Reels:
High speed, casting reels (7.1:1 gear ratio or higher) are critical for frog fishing, as the quick pickup helps anglers pick up slack to ensure solid hooksets.
Top Shimano Tackle Systems:
#1: SLXDC150HG + SLXC75HA
#4: METMGL150XGB + PAD172HA
