Frankentoad: Colours: 9 Size: 4" Pack Count: 5
Leg Style: Swim Scent: None
Intro:
As a big fan of the "hard nose" series of Mann's baits, I was excited when I saw the FrankenToad added to their line-up back in 2011. It has a unique look and feel that I thought would add a slightly different (and beefier) presentation not seen on the classic hard nose swim toad. Boy was I wrong, now just 1 year later the FrankenToad is nearly extinct (clearance on most websites) and I know why.. It just cant compete
Overall Rating: 6.3/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality: 3.5/5
The FrankenToad is part of Mann's "hard nose" series, but could just as easily be classed as a hard nose, soft tail bait. Yes the FrankenToad is built with a hard durable nose that Mann's baits are known for, they hold on tight and last for multiple fish. But on the flip side the tail and legs of the FrankenToad don't hold up their end of the bargain, the lighter material rips easily and does not move as well as the legs on the Mann's swim toad
Castability: 3.5/5
No real issue here, the FrankenToad casts well, and it's broader body makes for a great skipping frog
Presentation: 3.0/5
I was not happy with the swim on this frog, the legs are slightly lipped and try to bridge that gap between a swim and buzz frog, but what your left with is a frog that only performs as a half ass swim frog or a half ass buzz frog (depending on how you look at it). Im not sure what the extra little tail was meant to do, but in my mind it accomplishes nothing (and even less when it gets ripped off)
Again, no real concerns with the hook-up ratio on the FrankenToad. I would prefer that it provide me with a place to bury or hide my hook point, but this is an issue on the classic Mann's swim toad as well (so nothing new here). You are forced to skin hook into the back of the frog and the material rips/tears easily damaging the bait
Availability: 2.0/5
Good luck with this one. Last year I saw this frog all over the place as it was the "hot" new product on the market. 1 year later it has been tossed aside and discontinued by most major retailers that stock Mann's line of products
Options & Price: 3.0/5
When it was available you could not complain about 9 colour choices and an average pack price of $3.99 or $0.79 per frog. That being said, you will have a hard time finding all 9 colours currently but on the other hand the price has dropped as companies clear them out
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
Cabela's ($3.99)
Land Big Fish ($3.27)
Yes the list is short. LBF is clearing these out, they still have good colour selection and the best pricing options. Cabelas is still selling at full pop, but is down to 3 colours or so
Equipment:
I threw the FrankenToad on both my Dobyns 735c as well as my 805CBRM. Both rods can handle this frog with ease. Although it can be used as both I treat the FrankenToad as a swim frog and not a buzz frog. what this means to me, is that on average I retrieve it at a higher rate so a reel with a decent gear ratio is needed to keep this weird ass frog moving.
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