X0515: Colors: 4 Size: 3" Weight: 3/8oz Hook: 6/0
X0510: Colors: 4 Size: 2.5" Weight: 1/4oz Hook: 4/0
Intro:
As you can tell I like to throw you the odd curve ball every now and again. The "hard body" frog category is still something new, and a bit of a hodgepodge. So far it contains a top water walking bait and a crazy diving frog, so lets expand the category even further and add a spoon into the mix, yep thats right the Heddon Moss Boss is a frog bait.. well I guess you could say it is half a frog bait.. because if you cut a hollow body frog in half, you would be left with a softer version of the Moss Boss
Overall Rating: 6.8/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality: 3.5/5
There is no need to debate or argue the fact that Heddon makes a quality bait. They have been making lures since 1894 and although times have changes, one thing that stayed the same is the fish catching ability of a Heddon made product.
the hard plastic body is very durable, it can be bounces on trees and rocks and still fish true. The hook is durable, sharp and stays in place well.
The baits skirt is fairly tuff and short enough that it does not get hung up on much, but still gives a little motion in the water
Castability: 3.0/5
I find this spoon casts fairly well in most conditions. Because of the body shape and concave back, it can get caught up in the wind and can kind of knuckle ball on you a bit. It has been know to land hook down and when it does your are pretty much screwed.
Presentation: 3.5/5
Once you get the hang of working this the Heddon Moss Boss you will be very surprised at how well it moves in the water. It has a very erratic yet controlled motion that drives fish crazy. You do need to keep moving as this bait is not a floater and will start to sink on the pause.
sinking is not a bad thing overall, it is a spoon, and gives off a subtle flutter on the fall. When I pause it in pockets I dont let is sink very far prior to starting my retrieve back up. this gives is some flutter, but does not allow that 4/0 or 6/0 hook to get caught up on the pads or weeds
sinking is not a bad thing overall, it is a spoon, and gives off a subtle flutter on the fall. When I pause it in pockets I dont let is sink very far prior to starting my retrieve back up. this gives is some flutter, but does not allow that 4/0 or 6/0 hook to get caught up on the pads or weeds
Hook-Up Ratio: 4.0/5
Fish really want this bait and hit it hard. The hook is fully exposed and you wont miss to often. This is a rare frog or top water bait that makes sure the hook is 100% ready to stick it to any fish willing to bite.
If you do miss a fish, watch your heavy hook set does not propel the Moss Boss back at you, or you may find out all too quickly how good the hook quality really is
If you do miss a fish, watch your heavy hook set does not propel the Moss Boss back at you, or you may find out all too quickly how good the hook quality really is
Availability: 3.5/5
I find that this is the reverse to most of the frogs I have been reviewing. For the most part you can get almost anything on line if you look for it, but the Moss Boss is not carried by all that many big on-line retailers.. that being said I can find it in almost every local tackle shop I set foot in.. when it comes to on-line stores, other then LBF and Cabelas, most of the others are small mom and pop shop retailers
Options & Price: 3.0/5
The Moss Boss is not exactly loaded with color options, it comes down to 4, but the good thing is that they do cover a nice range.. The White and Chartreuse cover the high vis options, a Bullfrog green covers the natural and the shiner gives you a nice dark option with lots of black. The Moss boss comes in two sizes, so check them out and see what works best in your lakes
Videos:
There are not many videos available for the Moss Boss, but I did find a nice video that really show how well the bait moves once you get you technique down. Check out how these guys work the bait
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
Lurenet ($3.99)
Cabela's ($4.49)
Heddon does not sell direct, their website will take you to the Lurenet site, they have the best prices and a full selection of colors. I use LBF alot and usually recommend them when I can.
* This is a Canadian retailer that has both physical retail stores and an on-line store
Equipment:
This one Im a little on the fence with. I think I would have to recommend using a Dobyns 735c, I like a softer tip when working the Moss Boss, but since it is usually fished in the heaviest nastiest slop, I would also recommend giving the 736c a try. Like anything this comes down to personal preference.
Your line choice does need to be on the higher end of the spectrum, try going with a 50lb braid of your choice paired with a reel that has some muscle to it.
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