Friday, March 17, 2017

Bass Assassin Logger Toad


Logger Toad:      Colours: 10   Size: 4"     Pack Count: 5     
             Leg Style: Mixed               Weight: N/A


Intro:

I finally got around to fishing with the Logger Toad at the tail end of last season. I was slightly hesitant to write this review as I did not get as much time as I would have liked fishing it, but then again I believe in that short time it had the chance to show me all that it hard to offer.


Overall Rating: 7.1/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price


Quality & Durability: 3.5/5

Bass Assassin has been doing their thing quietly for years now. They make decent baits and every once in awhile drop a new bait that catches anglers eyes... enter the Logger Toad. The LT has a nice thick body and limbs that work well in the water and still should hold up fish after fish. The only area that may cause concern is the narrow head, this makes it hard to use screw in style hooks and also makes it easier for hooks to rip up the bait during the fight.

If you take a second look at the image above you will be able to clearly see the hooks screw showing through the plastic.

Castability: 3.0/5

I found the Logger Toad slightly awkward to cast when I first got started with it. Its flat body combined with numerous appendages sent it spiralling a few times. I found this bait casts better over shorter distances and of course the flat bottom is great for skipping if the legs and tail don't get in the way.

Presentation: 4.0/5

The Logger Toad does exactly what Bass Assassin said it will do it burns through open water and cover with ease and the combination of legs and tail give the water a great churn and bubble effect. The body of this frog is ribbed giving off even more commotion on the retrieve. The Logger Toad does not go quietly into the night!



Hook-Up Ratio: 4.0/5

It's slim body design allows fish to get this bait into their mouth with ease.  A deep hook slot on the baits back allows you to hide your hook point keeping it free and clear until the time is right. I like that this is a long narrow bait meaning you can use smaller (3/0) or as large as 7/0 hooks.. thought thats cutting it tight and a 4/0 or 5/0 are your best bet here.

No double hook options for the Logger Toad, its body is too narrow at the hips



Innovation and Design : 4.0/5

Bass Assassin gets a few bonus points here not only for making some original idea decisions but also for not being afraid to make changes.

The bait design is different from any other frog on the market at this moment. The addition of a stirring tail is a nice touch that improves the baits overall presentation. But its also something they removed that caught my attention. If you'll notice on my images the Logger Toad is a 4 legged bait with two short legs up front in addition to two at the back (plus the tail) in the 2017 model the front legs have been removed and I feel this was a great choice as it improves the frogs mobility over cover and with the ribbed body these legs were just overkill.

Lastly although I'm not sure of they meant to do it or not, the Logger toad can be fished belly up or belly down. Sure you lose the hook slot protection but if you want to see another interesting retrieve try turning your bait on its back!

Availability, Options & Price: 3.0/5

Not exactly widely available to the Logger Toad's saving grace is that it can be picked up at Tackle Warehouse meaning its easy to get your hands on. Other then that you need to buy direct from Bass Assassin which means you'll pay a premium. 



Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.


Equipment:

I completed all my testing with a Dobyns 735c paired with a Daiwa Tatula.  This frog is fairly light weight and likes a little extra tip to help impart action around and under cover.