Choker: Colors: 16 Length: 2. 3/4" inch Weight: 1/2oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
It's a sad day, after taking a few months off from writing, i sat down today to write this review of not just my favourite frog from Teckel USA but one of my favourite frogs I've fished in recent years.. only to find out that it has been discontinued. So i now write this review in protest of the Teckel Chokers way way to early retirement.
Overall Rating: 7.8/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 4.5/5
If you have read my reviews of the Teckel Whacker and the Teckel Honker then you are already aware that Teckel makes a tough bodied frog that holds up extremely well fish after fish. The one big change made on the Choker is that in place of silicone legs the Choker utilizes flashing similar to that you would see on flies and dressed treble hooks.
Prior to fishing the Choker for the first time I found this change to look a bit gimmicky, but once it hit the water I started to wonder why not every frog company did this?
Prior to fishing the Choker for the first time I found this change to look a bit gimmicky, but once it hit the water I started to wonder why not every frog company did this?
Cast ability: 4.5/5
All Teckel frogs share the same body design and weight, thus they all cast very well. It's easy to pitch, flip, skip and cast the Choker meaning it will excel in most frog fishing situations. It lands with a nice flop that should draw fish in. Once paused the shiny legs start to flare and its game on.
Presentation: 4.5/5
As with the other Teckel frogs I was not blown away by the frogs ability to walk, even though its profile and body shape would make you think otherwise. Again I feel most of its struggles come from its downward turned nose that makes it pull forward instead of walking.
Why the 4.5 you ask? that all comes from the frogs newly found legs. These shimmery flashing spreads out in the water and gives the frog a look not often seen by the fish.. which usually results in additional success.
Why the 4.5 you ask? that all comes from the frogs newly found legs. These shimmery flashing spreads out in the water and gives the frog a look not often seen by the fish.. which usually results in additional success.
Hook-up Ratio: 3.5/5
The use of flashing over silicone offers up an improved hook-up ratio over its older bothers, not only do i think the strands offer a more targeted strike zone to fish, but the thin material also ensures there is less to get in the way and thus the hooks find their home with ease.Availability: 2.5
This is the shitty part, previously the Choker was hard to find with its only availability being Tackle Warehouse, but now that its been discontinued its going to be even harder to find. I suggest you stock up if and when you find them, (i just checked Ebay with no luck)
Options & Price: 4.0/5
Teckel has always offered up an incredible assortment of colours. From the traditional to the funky colors you expect to see on poisonous frogs from around the world. Don't tell anyone but this white version is truly a thing of beauty and Id buy 10 more if I could.
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
Equipment:
All testing was done on a Dobyns DX746 it is my go to rod and handles both hollow and soft plastic baits alike. As for reels, the Daiwa Tatula HD pairs well with this rod and gives you a nice over sized spool for that added distance and power. Line choice was SunLine FX2
Field Test Report Card:
Open Water (Sparse Pads): A+
Pads (Medium Cover): A
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): C
Walk the Dog: B+
Popping Action: N/A
Sit/Pause: A+
