BronzeEye Shad : Colors: 7 Length: 2 1/2" inch Weight: 1/2oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
If you know me, you know that I'm not the biggest Spro fan in the world, I found early models of their frogs to be a bit cumbersome and the thicker skin gave me an average hook-up ratio at best. With that said they were first to market with frogs as we see them today, and each year they don't rest on past success but instead continue to improve and innovate.. with that in mind, I'm pleased to introduce you to the Spro Bronzeye Shad
Overall Rating: 9.0/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 4.0/5
The Bronzeye Shad has the same level of quality and durability you have grown to expect from Spro. The body material is much more pliable then earlier models and yet still holds up well fish after fish.
This frog was very close to getting a perfect score for quality but I did have some issues with water getting into the cavity. It would not completely sink the frog but would partially submerge and effect your retrieve. Be sure to give this frog/shad a squeeze after each cast in order to empty out any water
This frog was very close to getting a perfect score for quality but I did have some issues with water getting into the cavity. It would not completely sink the frog but would partially submerge and effect your retrieve. Be sure to give this frog/shad a squeeze after each cast in order to empty out any water
Castability: 4.5/5
with its 1/2oz weight and aerodynamic body shape, this bait casts like a dream and lands fairly well. because of the deep hull or "v" shape on the belly it will often land on its side but is easily righted.
It does not skip as well as other frogs, again due to the belly shape, but all in all you will be able to get this frog into areas not reachable by other fisherman
It does not skip as well as other frogs, again due to the belly shape, but all in all you will be able to get this frog into areas not reachable by other fisherman
Presentation: 4.5/5
the Spro Bronzeye Shad walks incredibly well and can be fished fast slow and anywhere in-between. At higher speeds you will have to watch for it slightly submerging and turning into more of a wake bait, this can also be caused by too much water in the belly of the bait.
The twin tails in place of legs, is one of my favourite features of this bait, they stay out of your way but still impart great action on both the retrieve as well as the pause.
I don't know that Spro did to the belly of this bait, but it's ability to be pulled over pads and climb over other forms of floating structure is amazing. it is nearly effortless, this frog moves like it is greased up like a pro wrestler.
The twin tails in place of legs, is one of my favourite features of this bait, they stay out of your way but still impart great action on both the retrieve as well as the pause.
I don't know that Spro did to the belly of this bait, but it's ability to be pulled over pads and climb over other forms of floating structure is amazing. it is nearly effortless, this frog moves like it is greased up like a pro wrestler.
Hook-up Ratio: 5.0/5
Soft pliable body material, thin narrow design and a tail in place of legs.. Spro did absolutely everything right to ensure this bait offers up a very high hook-up ratio.So far during testing fish have been trying to swallow this bait whole often getting both hooks in the top portion of their mouth.
Availability: 5.0/5
Come on, do you really need to ask.. Spro frogs are so widely available I'm surprised you can't buy them from your local grocery store. If you can't find them locally it is time to move
Options & Price: 4.0/5
As mentioned in the introduction Spro has set the standard that all of today's hollow body frogs follow.. unfortunately they also set the price. Coming in on average at $10 a piece these frogs continue to be at the top of the "non-import" price range. In all honesty after fishing the Bronzeye Shad I have to say it is worth every penny. (though I would still like to spend less pennies on one)
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
All Bronzeye Shad testing was done on a Dobyns DX746 this is a new rod in their line-up and quickly has become my favourite frog rod. As for reels, the Daiwa Lexa pairs well with this rod and gives you a nice over sized spool for that added distance and power. Line choice was SunLIne FX2
Open Water (Sparse Pads): A
Pads (Medium Cover): A+
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): B
Walk the Dog: B+
Popping Action: N/A
Sit/Pause: A
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