As you know the objective of the Frog Pond is to provide you with accurate on-water reviews of Frogs and Frog related products. With the cooler temps moving in and the fish moving out, the frog bite is no more.. so it's time for the Frog Pond to go into it's winter hibernation.
Rest assured come the spring we will be back at it, providing you with weekly Frog reviews of Hot
new products as well as good old classics
We spent the off season stock piling frogs from the coming season, if you have any recommendations for products you would like to see reviewed in 2015 please let us know
To get your frog fix in the winter months follow us on Facebook were we will be posting all year long
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Frogs Addicts, formerly known as the The Frog pond is dedicated to bring you reviews of new and classic frogs as well as inside info on some of the newest innovations in frog fishing
Monday, December 1, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
2014 Top Frog Awards - Best Hollow Body Frogs
Intro:
So thats that, another Frog review season has officially come and gone, and during the (way to short) 2014season I published 20 frog reviews, as always each frog was rated on Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-Up, Availability, Options & Price. Below is a list of the best of the best for each category and of course the overall Highest rated frog (reviewed this year).. This is kinda like the Oscars, you may not win best picture, but you still have the chance to win for cinematography.. so here we go….
PS. For the first time, I have decided to list ties when applicable, its not for me to pick the winner
PS. For the first time, I have decided to list ties when applicable, its not for me to pick the winner
Quality Award: Nories
The Nories NF60, takes home this and many other awards for 2014. In all honesty if was my favourite frog I fished with in 2014 and easily could have swept this competition.
with a thick durable body, smaller silicone tail (?) and quality hooks, there is very few frogs that will be able to compete with this frogs durability.
For the Full Review click HERE
with a thick durable body, smaller silicone tail (?) and quality hooks, there is very few frogs that will be able to compete with this frogs durability.
For the Full Review click HERE
Hook-up Ratio Award: 2 Way tie
Nories NF60
Spro Bronzeye Shad
These two baits easily ran away with the award for best hook-up ratio. Both proved to be highly editable, and made frog fishing nearly fill proof. If I was forced into picking only one, I would give the edge to the Spro Bronzeye Shad, it has a narrower body and softer body material leading to a slightly better hook-up ratio then that of the Nories NF60 (that being said I prefer the Nories overall)
For the Full Reviews click HERE and HERE
Spro Bronzeye Shad
These two baits easily ran away with the award for best hook-up ratio. Both proved to be highly editable, and made frog fishing nearly fill proof. If I was forced into picking only one, I would give the edge to the Spro Bronzeye Shad, it has a narrower body and softer body material leading to a slightly better hook-up ratio then that of the Nories NF60 (that being said I prefer the Nories overall)
For the Full Reviews click HERE and HERE
Castability Award: Nories
Yeah, yeah I know, this is getting a bit repetitive, but out of the 20 frogs I reviewed in 2014 none cast better then the Nories NF60. This frog can be cast for miles in all conditions, and still land with grace. It also has the ability to skipped when required.. in short it has it all.
For the Full Review click HERE
For the Full Review click HERE
Presentation Award: 3-way tie
What a year when it comes to frogs that perform at a high level. I tested 3 frogs that all received a 4.5 out of 5 when it comes to their performance on the water.
Nories NF60
Spro Bronzeye Shad
River2Sea Spittin Wa
Again if I had to chose just one, I would have to give the title to the Spro Bronzeye Shad, it walked better then the other two, and can be used an high, medium and slow retrieves. The Spittin Wa is also a beast but since I prefer walkers over poppers, I think my bias showed through here.. sorry R2S
Nories NF60
Spro Bronzeye Shad
River2Sea Spittin Wa
Again if I had to chose just one, I would have to give the title to the Spro Bronzeye Shad, it walked better then the other two, and can be used an high, medium and slow retrieves. The Spittin Wa is also a beast but since I prefer walkers over poppers, I think my bias showed through here.. sorry R2S
Availability Award : SPRO Bronzeye Shad
There are only 3 companies that can get a perfect or nearly perfect score when it comes to availability.. SPRO, Live Target and Booyah. For the baits I reviewed this season there was none that came close to the ease of purchase as the Spro Bronzeye Shad, this thing was absolutely everywhere.
For the Full Review click HERE
For the Full Review click HERE
Options & Price Award: Teckel
Here we go, a new frog to talk about. The Teckel Whacker scored a very respectable 7.3 overall score, but when it comes to colour options it was no contest. The Whacker is available in 16 pretty cool colour options and two leg options. Priced at under $10 a frog also makes it easy to crown this bait the winner of the Option/Price award
For the Full Review click HERE
For the Full Review click HERE
Highest Overall Rating: Spro Bronzeye Shad
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Congrats to the team at Spro this is their first win for best overall frog. The Bronzeye Shad truly performers on a high level, ,giving anglers improved castabiliy, hook-up and one of the best walks I have fished. If you have not given this frog.. er.. shad a try, Im not sure what your waiting for.. get one.
For the Full Review click HERE
Best Places to Frog Shop:
When if comes to service, price, shipping and availability, here are the 2 best places to build your frog arsenal
* For you Canadian shoppers, LBF is your best bet, they ship USPS and you will avoid all those messy brokerage fees that UPS charges. Tackle Warehouse is quick, but since they Ship UPS, you can expect a minimum $20 plus duty and taxes on any order over $19.99
Frog Equipment:
When it comes to hollow belly frog fishing there is no better rod on the market then the Dobyns 736c. On my boat it is used exclusively for hollow belly fishing and always has a frog tied on and ready to go. But in 2014 we saw the introduction of the Dobyns DX746 which gives you a bit more versatility in your frog fishing including the ability to fish larger frogs and froglets on the same rod.
Daiwa's Tatula series reel is the new standard in my arsenal, no matter if I'm frog fishing, jigging or finesse fishing the tatula will get the job done
When it comes to line choice, Sunline FX2 is really up for the challenge that is frog fishing. It's tuff, yet smooth, and holds up well under the stress a frog line can be put under. This was my 3rd season using it, and it still hasn't been topped
Daiwa's Tatula series reel is the new standard in my arsenal, no matter if I'm frog fishing, jigging or finesse fishing the tatula will get the job done
When it comes to line choice, Sunline FX2 is really up for the challenge that is frog fishing. It's tuff, yet smooth, and holds up well under the stress a frog line can be put under. This was my 3rd season using it, and it still hasn't been topped
Monday, November 17, 2014
Snag Proof "Frogzilla" Review
Bush Z : Colors: 6 Length: 6" inch Weight: 3/4oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
Just as I was getting on roll and rating Snag Proof frogs up almost some of the best frog on the market, I come across one I don't love.. not that I don't like.. I just don't love it.. here's why:
Overall Rating: 7.0/10
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 standard Snag Proof body material and large 7/0 hook will make the majority of this bait as long lasting as they come. But thin little add on legs won't do the trick while battling big fish in heavy cover.. I can see some replacement legs in my future
Castability: 4.0/5
if you read checked out the size and weight listing above, then you know the Frogzilla really lives up to its name. Coming in at 3/4 oz there are few frogs on the market that have more meat on their bones and believe me when I tell you, this added weigh makes this frog cast a county mile.
Now it stealth is in order, your going to want to down size to another Snag Proof frog as this one isn't exactly sneaky. It hits the water with a loud slap and can often spook fish in shallow water conditions
Presentation: 3.0/5
Frogs this size often have an issue with mobility, and although the Frogzilla can be walked it is not exactly graceful in its presentation and the swim legs do nothing for me, and in all honesty I would have preferred if they stuck with silicone strands.
Again, I don't believe this frog was designed to be used as a finesse bait so I find it hard to knock it. Its was designed to sit well on heavier cover and for its large profile to give off a big shadow and/or target to the fish below. In both these cases this frog is a success.
Again, I don't believe this frog was designed to be used as a finesse bait so I find it hard to knock it. Its was designed to sit well on heavier cover and for its large profile to give off a big shadow and/or target to the fish below. In both these cases this frog is a success.
Hook-up Ratio: 3.5/5
You know my rules.. big bodied bait (strike 1) rubber legs instead of strands (strike 2) and single hook instead of double hook (stoke 3).. so yes this frog hits on 3 of my pet peeves when it comes to hook-up ratio, yet I have little issue hammering this frog home even on smaller fish, hence the 3.5 rating.In my experience the sharp hook and light weight body material make up for some of the above missteps (or strikes) and I have to also go with real world success over personal pet peeves.
Availability: 3.0/5
Snag Proof baits are one of the most common frogs available on the market today and although this frog is very common it all my local haunts, it is not as widely available on-line. Truthfully there are only two retails I found that I would trust my business with. (see below)
Options & Price: 3.5/5
Only available in one size and with only 6 colour options the Frogzilla pretty much falls in line with the rest of the Snag Proof family of frogs (no surprises here). As for pricing it kinda sits somewhere in the middle. It is more expensive then SnagProofs standard line but cheaper then their specialty frogs such as the ISH or Guntersville and Buzz lines.
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
All testing was done on a Dobyns DX746 this is a new rod in their line-up that handles both hollow and soft plastic baits alike. 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): C+
Pads (Medium Cover): A
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): B
Walk the Dog: B
Popping Action: N/A
Sit/Pause: C
Monday, September 8, 2014
IMA DaBeat Frog Review
Da Beat : Colors: 5 Length: 1.8" inch Weight: 1/4oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
I have been fishing with IMA's Da Beat frog for two seasons now, and Im not sure why its taken me so long to get around to actually reviewing it. I really like this little morsel of a frog, and although it does have some issues, it is a blast to fish with, and Bass eat this sucker up
Overall Rating: 7.2/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 4.0/5
if you have ever fished an IMA bait you already know that they make a quality product, from head to toe their baits are made with love and to meant to last. After two seasons on the water my Da Beat frog has held up really well, and landed me some monster fish.
Obviously casting distance is always going to be an issue when fishing with baits this size.. and on top of that the Da Beat is a popper and thus its mouth adds even more drag. In order to get around this I opt to use a rods with a bit more whip in the tip.. a Dobyns 734c is ideal for this frog and will get you some good distance without sacrificing accuracy. Again don't expect to launch this bait miles, unless you have the perfect conditions and the right, rod, reel, and line combo
Presentation: 4.0/5
This frog walks with ease and its little mouth gives off some surprisingly big sound. I was really impressed with who well the Da Beat twitches in place, I caught the majority of my fish in open water situations while just twitching the bait in place. It drove bass crazy and they came running for the dinner bell.
Hook-up Ratio: 4.0/5
The fact that this frog is nearly always swallowed whole, means that more often then not you are not going to have an issue getting your fish back to the boat. But on the off chance you swing and miss, and the bite is short, you may have greater issues drilling home these small hooks.With very tight placement to the baits body and being that the hooks are slightly turned-inward I would have rated a larger frog mush lower in this category, but with that said, this one-bite candy has been a dream to fish with.
Availability: 3.5/5
The DaBeat frog is not widely available, but the fact that it is carried by two of the largest and best (in my opinion) on-line retailers tells me that if you really wanted to get your hands on this frog then you easily could. I purchased direct from Optimum, they are great to deal with and always provide free stickers ( and I love me some free stickers)
Options & Price: 3.5/5
Only available in one size and with only 5 colour options the DaBeat does not really push the envelope when it comes to choices. I purchased the white and dark green colours and was happy with both.
I would be interested in seeing this frog available in a bit larger of a size. If they are able to replicate the action in a slightly larger/heavier frog i think they would have a real winner on their hands
I would be interested in seeing this frog available in a bit larger of a size. If they are able to replicate the action in a slightly larger/heavier frog i think they would have a real winner on their hands
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
All testing was done on a Dobyns DX746 & 734C the lighter rod allowed for better casting accuracy and distance. The Daiwa Lexa pairs well with both these rods and gives you a nice over sized spool for that added distance and power. Line choice was Daiwa Samurai for its casting ability. The fact that this frog will be fished in open to medium cover also allows you to get away with using lighter powered line (20-30lb)
Open Water (Sparse Pads): A
Pads (Medium Cover): B+
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): C-
Walk the Dog: B
Popping Action: B
Sit/Pause: B
Monday, September 1, 2014
Molix Frog Review
Molix Frog : Colors: 7 Length: 2 1/2" inch Weight: 3/4oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
It appears the trend towards "realistic" legs over silicone legs is alive and well. Since the launch of the LunkerHunt Frog we have seen more and more companies trying a versions of this frog.. and yet it is still along way from perfect.
Overall Rating: 6.6/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 3.0/5
First things first, Molix makes great looking baits that hook me long befor they hook a fish on the end of my line. Once out of the package they have a great look and feel, and everything about them screams that they will be fishing catching machines.. but then you get them on the water
The Legs on this bait appear to be strong, but being removable means that they can and will get ripped off during a battle. It happen to mine on the 6th fish I caught on my first trip, with the bait.. but to be honest they were not all the impressive anyways, so I will continue to fish this frog with the provided back-up skirt (although its a bit dumpy looking to me)
I do really love how Molix puts all this effort into pushing that the legs are reinforced for strength and durability.. maybe they should have spent more time on the tiny plastic clip used to hold them in place
casting distance with the Molix frog is about average, you can easily short to mid range targets but will need to put your back into it if you want to get any distance. Im not sure if the legs are causing some drag but I thought for the size if this frog I should have been getting more distance on the cast
Presentation: 3.0/5
As mentioned earlier Ive yet to find a realistic legged frog that blows me away with its presentation, and all in all Im not convinced that this style of leg is any better then the silicone legs being used on 90% of the frogs on the market today.
The Molix frogs biggest presentation issue stems from the body design. If you look at the top image in this review you will notice that the nose the bait is slightly pointed down, meaning that on each and every pull the frog does a slight dive and the more you pull the further it dives. This makes it harder to work the bait in heavier cover of slop, but still makes it a winner in open water or medium cover
The Molix frogs biggest presentation issue stems from the body design. If you look at the top image in this review you will notice that the nose the bait is slightly pointed down, meaning that on each and every pull the frog does a slight dive and the more you pull the further it dives. This makes it harder to work the bait in heavier cover of slop, but still makes it a winner in open water or medium cover
Hook-up Ratio: 4.0/5
Surprisingly enough I achieved a pretty decent hook-up ration with this bait, the legs (while still attached) did not get in the way and most fish ate the Molix frog whole and would not let go.With that said my legs did not last all that long so its hard for me to give full points here. Like with all legged baits the legs are thick and may hinder your ability to hook-up from time to time.. again that was not my experience, just a warning.
Availability: 3.0/5
Not widely available you may need to hunt this frog down on-line. Both TakleWarehouse and LandBig fish currently stock this bait, so you if you want to give it a try, go-ahead and check them out
Options & Price: 3.5/5
Although the Molix frog is only available in one size, they do offer 7 colour options the give the angler a mix of the traditional and funky. Each from comes with a pair of legs as well as a matching skirt that clip on and off
Pricing is not bad at $9.99, but is at the top of what I would expect to pay for this bait
Pricing is not bad at $9.99, but is at the top of what I would expect to pay for this bait
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
All testing was done on a Dobyns DX746 this is a new rod in their line-up that handles both hollow and soft plastic baits alike. 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): B
Pads (Medium Cover): B
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): C+
Walk the Dog: N/A
Popping Action: N/A
Sit/Pause: B
Monday, August 25, 2014
Vagabond Bush Z Frog Review
Bush Z : Colors: 7 Length: 2 1/2" inch Weight: 1/2oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
The Vagabond Bush Z is a very mouse like frog in almost every aspect.. it has a long slender nose and a single tail instead of twin silicone legs, it moves well in the water, but has a tendency sin.. a problem that seems to be popping up more and more each season
Overall Rating: 6.6/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 3.5/5
There is no real issues with this baits overall quality and/or durability. The body is flexible but tough and the hooks are strong and sharp. My concerns are more with the overall design and the fact that the nose ring is way too big (and collects debris) and the for some strange reason this bait takes on water like submarine with a screen door (yes that was is very old, very bad joke)
Castability: 3.5/5
The Bush Z's castability is average at best, and for a bait that is is well weighted and fairly aerodynamic I expected to be a little more impressed. With that said there are no issues with its castability or how it lands. This frog is an above average skipping frog as long as you don't rig up a blade to the belly ring
Presentation: 2.5/5
This is where it gets dicey, and the faults mentioned previously in this review come back to haunt the Bush Z. Its hard to review a frogs presentation when you spend more time pulling it up from the depths then actually fishing with it… yes this bait is a sinker
The body design is mouse like, it is small, compact and the long narrow nose make it easy to walk. Just watch your speed and/or the amount of pressure you put on the bait, or it will sink.
If you like to add some flash to your frogs, the Bush Z is equipped with a belly ring that allows blades or a hook to be attached. I'm not one to do this, but to each his own.
The body design is mouse like, it is small, compact and the long narrow nose make it easy to walk. Just watch your speed and/or the amount of pressure you put on the bait, or it will sink.
If you like to add some flash to your frogs, the Bush Z is equipped with a belly ring that allows blades or a hook to be attached. I'm not one to do this, but to each his own.
Hook-up Ratio: 4.5/5
If its presentation is its downfall, then the Hook-Up ratio is its saviour. The Bush Z was clearly designed with a solid hook-up ratio in mind.. its slender body with a tail in place of legs allow fish to get more of it in their mouths with little to no material preventing the hook from being driven home.The body material is also nice and soft, and easily compresses given the hooks plenty of room to do their job.
Availability: 3.0/5
This bait is not that easy to find unless you shop at one of the two on-line retailers that carry Vagabond products. Luckily those two retailers are big boys who do a great job taking care of anglers in both the US and Canada.. Tackle Warehouse and Land Big Fish
Options & Price: 3.0/5
The Bush Z is available in one size and 7 pretty cool colour options. I find it to fish a bit small, but the weigh still allows it to cast well. Pricing is higher then I would like, and I don't value this bait at any more then $6.99-$8.99
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
All testing was done on a Dobyns DX746 this is a new rod in their line-up that handles both hollow and soft plastic baits alike. 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): B
Pads (Medium Cover): A
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): C
Walk the Dog: B
Popping Action: N/A
Sit/Pause: B
Monday, August 18, 2014
Savage Gear 3D Frog Review - "Imitation Legs"
3D Frog Imitation Legs : Colors: 4 Length: 2 1/4" inch Weight: N/A Pack Count: 1
3D Frog Imitation Legs : Colors: 4 Length: 3/4" inch Weight: 3/4oz Pack Count: 1
3D Frog Imitation Legs : Colors: 4 Length: 3/4" inch Weight: 3/4oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
The long awaited 3D series of frogs from Savage Gear have arrived. Available in two leg styles, 2 body sizes and 4 colours this frog had the chance to be a good one.. but although they were often backordered and quickly sold my hope were dashed the minute I took this frog out of the package, and further crushed once I fished with it.
Note: this review is strictly on the "imitation leg" version of the 3D frog
Note: this review is strictly on the "imitation leg" version of the 3D frog
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 & Durability: 4.5/5
Quality and durability is the strongest attribute to the 3D frog, the body and legs are both made of a tough durable material that should really stand the test of time. The body of this frog almost feels like it is foam filled, its hard to explain without actually handling the frog itself.
Unlike the other companies that have jumped on the "life-like leg" band wagon, the team at Savage Gear actually made some legs that will last for more then one fish.. Im not all that impressed with how them move, but hey, one thing at a time I guess.
Unlike the other companies that have jumped on the "life-like leg" band wagon, the team at Savage Gear actually made some legs that will last for more then one fish.. Im not all that impressed with how them move, but hey, one thing at a time I guess.
Castability: 4.0/5
The 3D frog is large and fairly heavy. The dense body and thick legs give this frog some heft and it can be cast a mile. For its large frame it lands impressively well, quickly getting into that ass-down head-up position that drives fish nuts
Presentation: 3.0/5
To be brutally honest there was nothing about how this frog fishes that made me all that excited about it. It is heavy and awkward and the legs don't really present that well no matter if you are steady retrieving or short hopping it back to the boat. The legs are so heavy that the almost force the frog to sit vertical (meaning 90 degrees and not 45).
While on the move or d ruing the first few seconds of the pause the 3D frog does give off a nice profile. The wide stance and large body would make a nice meal for any hungry largemouth
While on the move or d ruing the first few seconds of the pause the 3D frog does give off a nice profile. The wide stance and large body would make a nice meal for any hungry largemouth
Hook-up Ratio: 2.5/5
To say I was not happy with this baits hook-up ratio would be a pretty big understatement. Above I have already touched on some of the features that make bait a fail when it comes to hooking-up.
First lets talk about the body. This frog is pretty near as air tight as I have seen, so much so that it is hard to depress the body and then once depressed it actually takes some time for it to fill back up with air.. even longer when in the water.. strike 1
Although I am a fan of frogs with single hooks, this is usually reserves for smaller frogs where access to the hook is clean. This is not the case with the 3D frog, it is a big body frog with huge thick legs.. both of these will make it harder for the fish to find this single hook.. strike 2
The Imitation legs are big and bulky and can easily act as a barricade to the hook finding purchase when the fish strikes. These legs would have been an issue on a frog with a standard double hook, and are even more of an issue here.. strike 3
Availability: 3.0/5
Savage Gear is becoming more and more available on-line and in smaller retailers across North America. Most of my local shops carry some of the SG line, but not yet the 3D frog.
I got pretty impatient with them this past off season as they were consistently back-ordered on Tackle Warehouse. The expected ETA would come and when I went to purchase a new date weeks later would now be in place. I can't comment on if this was a Tackle Warehouse issue of an SG issue.. but it was an issue.
Options & Price: 3.5/5
Available in two different leg styles, and two sizes, it is nice to see Savage Gear offering the angler some choices. As for colours they kind of fall down here only offering 4 of the most standard colours options.. Leopard Green, Dark Leopard, Black and White.. if you were going to only make 4 colours these would be the place to start.
Priced at about $10, the 3D frog is in the upper end of the North American frog price range. For that kind of money you can get 2x Booyah Pad Crashers, 2 x Evolve Nervous Walkers and one and change Live Target frogs.. where would you spend your money?
Priced at about $10, the 3D frog is in the upper end of the North American frog price range. For that kind of money you can get 2x Booyah Pad Crashers, 2 x Evolve Nervous Walkers and one and change Live Target frogs.. where would you spend your money?
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
All testing was done on a Dobyns DX746 this is a new rod in their line-up that handles both hollow and soft plastic baits alike. 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): C+
Pads (Medium Cover): B+
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): C
Walk the Dog: C
Popping Action: N/A
Sit/Pause: C
Monday, August 11, 2014
Original Slop Frog Review
Original Slop Frog : Colors: 9 Length: 5 1/4" inch Weight: 0.7oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
The Slop frog is a unique frog bait coming out of Beaverdamn WI, USA, the baits are hand poured using quality materials and are equipped with a weed guard and replaceable tail. This bait is as solid as they come and offers up a great flutter on the fall.
Slop frogs are available in King Size, Original and Floating, since I was only able to test the original model I will stick to it for the purposes of this review
Slop frogs are available in King Size, Original and Floating, since I was only able to test the original model I will stick to it for the purposes of this review
Overall Rating: 7.0/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 4.5/5
You probably haven't seen a bait like this one unless you live in the state of WI, they are a very thick dense soft plastic bait that feel like they have a solid core.. but they don't. The hook is strong and sharp and the removable legs are easy to apply and reapply if needed.
The body of the bait looks like it could last you a lifetime, but if by chance it doesn't, the team at Slop Frog have some tips to help you repair it… check out this video
and for those of you that didn't watch the video, you may have missed the part where Jim talks about their free bait club.. this is a pretty cool idea in which to join you purchase 4 baits for $23.49 (a reduced rate) and each year after that you pay the same fee in order to get free replacement baits if and when your slop frogs become too damaged to fish. You also get a free bait on your first order of the year and a free bait when new products are launched. Anytime you buy 4 or more baits you will also continue to receive the reduced rate pricing.. cool idea for sure
The body of the bait looks like it could last you a lifetime, but if by chance it doesn't, the team at Slop Frog have some tips to help you repair it… check out this video
Castability: 4.0/5
The Slop frog is a beast of a bait and can be cast a country mile (thats a saying right?). It at times can land pretty hard but almost always lands hook-up putting you in great positions to begin your retrieve.
Because of its spoon like shape you need to be weary in windy conditions, if it starts to turn the flat side will blow it off course.. this was never a major issue, just somthing worth noting.
Presentation: 3.5/5
The Slop frog moves extremely well on and over cover, its body shape is very conducive for keeping it running true as well as making a great line or gap in the slop.. this drives fish crazy and helps them see the bait.
When paused the Slop Frog has an great slow flutter.. for a big boy this bait sure can move. I loved pausing it over pockets and letting it drop up to a foot prior to starting my retrieve again.
Warning, your arms will get tired after a day of throwing this baby around, it is heavy and it does sink (flutter) so if your trying to keep it up on top your going to need to be in constant motion. If want a bait you can pause you should look into their floating model (it would be my choice)
When paused the Slop Frog has an great slow flutter.. for a big boy this bait sure can move. I loved pausing it over pockets and letting it drop up to a foot prior to starting my retrieve again.
Warning, your arms will get tired after a day of throwing this baby around, it is heavy and it does sink (flutter) so if your trying to keep it up on top your going to need to be in constant motion. If want a bait you can pause you should look into their floating model (it would be my choice)
Hook-up Ratio: 3.0/5
If I haven't said so already the Slop Frog is a big bait, and fishes like a big bait. The added weight allows it to sit well on slop and/or pads meaning you are in position to hammer the hooks home when a fish strikes. The weed guard collapses easily and the legs are short enough that they stay out of the way of your hook-set.
The overall size and density of the frog may be an issue at times. In all honesty on my first outing with the Slop Frog I missed a very aggressive fish 3 times.. two of those times I felt the fish with the bait in its mouth prior to setting the hook. The third and final miss I let the fish swim with the frog prior to setting the hook, got him halfway back to the boat and he spit it. Seems like he was holding on the bait but for some reason I couldn't drive the hook home.
The overall size and density of the frog may be an issue at times. In all honesty on my first outing with the Slop Frog I missed a very aggressive fish 3 times.. two of those times I felt the fish with the bait in its mouth prior to setting the hook. The third and final miss I let the fish swim with the frog prior to setting the hook, got him halfway back to the boat and he spit it. Seems like he was holding on the bait but for some reason I couldn't drive the hook home.
Availability: 3.0/5
Slop Frog is a Mom and Pop operation (for the lack of a better term) they work hard at putting out quality baits, and regularly ship orders next day. Not currently readily available from many major on-line retailers it won't be long before we start to see them pop up more and more.
Options & Price: 3.0/5
The Slop Frog is available in Three models.. King Size, Original and Floating. The King is available in 6 colour options and the Original and Floater is available in 9 colours. Each frog can also be customized with the purchase of additional tails.. hell you could also adapt your fav bait into a tail making the combinations endless.
As for price this bait retails for $6.49, and originally I was taken back by this, but when you think how often we spend $10 or more on a hollow-body I guess it is not to far out of line. With that said I would have liked to have seen this frog come in at the $5 mark (splitting hairs I know).
I already discussed the 'Free Bait Club" above, but this is another way you can knock down the purchase price of your baits, by joining the FBC you will be paying $5.87 a bait and free replacement if it becomes un-fishable.
As for price this bait retails for $6.49, and originally I was taken back by this, but when you think how often we spend $10 or more on a hollow-body I guess it is not to far out of line. With that said I would have liked to have seen this frog come in at the $5 mark (splitting hairs I know).
I already discussed the 'Free Bait Club" above, but this is another way you can knock down the purchase price of your baits, by joining the FBC you will be paying $5.87 a bait and free replacement if it becomes un-fishable.
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
Equipment:
The Slop frog is a heavy bait and needs some stout gear. I fished it using the Dobyns 736C with a 300 series Dawia Lexa. Line of choice was SunLine FX2, still the best line available for heavy cover frog fishing.
Open Water (Sparse Pads): B
Pads (Medium Cover): B+
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): A
Walk the Dog: N/A
Popping Action: N/A
Sit/Pause: N/A
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