Spit Shad: Colors: 8 Length: 2 1/3" Weight: 1/2oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
The Spit Shad did what most sophomore release baits cant do, and that's improve on an already good thing. With that said Spro did makes some changes that negatively effect this frogs (or shads) performance.
Overall Rating: 8.7/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 4.0/5
Spro has been doing the frog thing longer then most and it shows in the quality of product they release. The Spit Shad body has a similar shape as the original shad but the body material seems to have been reinforces or beefed up to help improve its ability to pop. This makes it a bit more durable then its older brother but as you will see below it does effect its hook-up ratio.
The Spit shad comes in an impressive assortment of colors and finishes, and is equipped with 4/0 Gamakatsu hooks.. any questions?
Castability: 4.5/5
The Spit Shad has the same aerodynamic body as the classic bronzeye shad but the cupped popping mouth will add a bit of drag. Overall the Spit Shad casts well and the body shape ensures a soft landing even on longer casts.
Presentation: 4.5/5
I'm a big fan of the original Bronzeye Shad and to this day it is the only Spro frog that is in my main frog box but with that said The Spit Shad may be joining it shortly.
I'm not a huge popping frog guy, i like to walk and shake frogs but do understand the need for a popper from time to time. The smaller cupped mouth of the Spit Shad makes this the perfect popper for me, the bait walks easily producing soft spits or spurts that can be increased by increasing the motion of your rod tip. I really appreciate the fact that I can decide when to and when not to pop even when working the bait at faster retrieves.
The small mouth also improves the frogs ability to climb over pads and thicker slop without getting a mouth full.
Hook-Up Ratio: 4.0/5
The Spit Shads profile makes it an easy snack for any bass that comes calling. It has a narrow body and both legs protrude from the end making sure absolutely nothing gets in your way. As mentioned above the back of the Spit Shad does appear to be built up or reinforced and this makes it harder to collapse the bait and means less hook point is exposed. This is the only fault I have found with the bait so far.
Innovation & Design: 4.5/5
The trend towards hollow body bait fish is picking up steam and more and more manufactures are joining the party. So far Spro has created my favourite design in this new category, even if it is the least bait fish looking profile of the bunch.
As for design features the Spit Shad has a great body for walking and its mouth does live up to its name offer more of a spitting action then a popping action. The mouths shovel like design moves water while still allowing the bait to walk offering anglers the best of both worlds
As for design features the Spit Shad has a great body for walking and its mouth does live up to its name offer more of a spitting action then a popping action. The mouths shovel like design moves water while still allowing the bait to walk offering anglers the best of both worlds
Availability, Options & Price: 4.5/5
Spro baits are extremely easy to fins and you should have no issues buying one locally or from the various on-line retailers that stock them. When they first launched Spro set the high water mark for pricing, ranging between $9-$10, while this use to be an ouch factor, its now common and Spro's pricing is very competitive in the US market (though many Canadian companies have crazy markups on them).
The Spit shad does it's best work in open water and medium to sparse cover situations. It has an incredibly sexy walk that needs to be seen, and when you work it right the Spit Shad, gurgles, spits and and drools water all over the place. Take your time with this bait and be sure to throw in some random pauses and erratic chugs. There is no real wrong way to work this bait.
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
Tackle Warehouse ($9.99)
Equipment:
The Spit Shad fishes well on the Dobyns 735c or 736c which provides enough tip to make accurate casts all while still having the backbone needed to haul fish out of the nastiest of cover. This season I have been using the Daiwa Tatula SV though designed for light baits this reel offers great control for frog fishing due to its heavy duty dray and larger swept handle.
As with any hollow-body bait, this frog should be worked on 40lb-60lb braid line.
As with any hollow-body bait, this frog should be worked on 40lb-60lb braid line.
Field Test Report Card:
Open Water (Sparse Pads): A+
Pads (Medium Cover): B+
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): C+
Walk the Dog: A
Popping Action: B+
Sit/Pause: B+
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