Bass Junkies Frog Pond: Jackall Kaera Frog Review

Kaera Frog: Colors: 6 Length: 2 1/4" Weight: 1/2oz Pack Count: 1

Intro:

Jackall has been producing quality baits for years now, each and every season they add new innovative baits that flat out catch fish. With that said their frog line has been pretty underwhelming, until now!

Manufactures Description :

Designed to not only draw big strikes, but to capitalize on them as well, the Jackall Kaera Frog delivers the perfect blend of form and function. Built with a unique, flat-sided body, the Jackall Kaera Frog maneuvers through heavy vegetation with ease, produces a seductive walking action, and pushes more water than other frogs for an increased attraction.

When big bass strike, the Jackall Kaera Frog features a wide, specially developed hook that results in an excellent hook-up ratio. Offered in a number of awesome amphibian colors, the Jackall Kaera Frog is sure to meet-and-exceed the expectations for frog enthusiasts. .

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

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

Quality & Durability: 4.55

Jackall makes a quality bait and for the most part I have had little to no complaints with the quality of Jackall products (minus the Iobee sinking from time to time). The Kaera is no different and may even have stepped the game up, the hooks and sharp, strong and well set, and the body material is tough yet soft where it needs to be. I have fought and landed multiple fish on both Kaera frogs I own (I couldn't choose between the Black Gill and the White version) and neither shows any signs of wear.

Unlike other Jackall frogs (Iobee) the Kaera doesn't seem to be taking on much water except after battling a fish, and the port hole on the rear of the bait allow you to expel any water that does enter quickly and easily. Jackall states the port hole should empty the frog during each cast, but I didn't find it did the job as well as a quick squeeze.

Castability: 4.5/5

The Kaera frog may be tiny in stature but its 1/2oz body weight ensures you are still able to get the casting distance you are looking for. Its flattish underbelly also makes it great for skipping and although it may be all in my head the smaller profile seems to land with less disturbance than other baits in its weight class.

Because of its size you will want to try to over-cast the Kaera but its really not needed.

Presentation: 3.5/5

This was the only area of let down for me while fishing the Kaera, and not because it didn't perform well, but mainly because I didn't enjoy fishing it. Maybe its because I had just finished fishing the exciting Booyah Baits Toad Runner, but I found the Kaera frog kinda fell flat.

The Kaera has an odd shaped belly that is neither flat nor keeled and I didn't overly like the way it walked on the retrieve and I ended up opting for shorter pulls taking advance of the spitting action this frog was designed to provide. While walking the short body combined with the belly design give this frog an odd rock or hop often skipping across the water like its drunk during faster retrieves.

With all that said working the Kaera over pads and slop is where its at, the heavy body sits tight and puts you in a good position to ensure the fish gets every inch of this bait when they blow up on it. it hits open pockets well and due to its smaller size the fish often see all of it even in the smallest of holes.

Hook-Up Ratio: 5.0/5

Fish simply do not miss the Kaera frog.. period! Its pint sized heavy set body ensures the frog stays seated until the fish shallow it whole. I caught most of my fish with the Kaera deep in their mouth with both hooks in the top of their mouth. This is the perfect frog for those days when fish are just swiping or pulling down your bait. its nearly impossible for even the smallest fish to not get the hooks.

The combination of body size and wide set properly tuned hooks are what makes the Kaera one of the better hook-up frogs on the market today.

Innovation & Design: 4.0/5

Jackall has always done funky things with their frogs, but in the end it often ended up being more show than go, but in the the case of the Kaera, their decision to down size while keeping the 1/2oz weight truly was a great idea and I feel we will see more pint size options coming from other companies very soon.

The winged out lips that provide the spit were a solid idea but will take some getting use to. At this time I haven't really enjoyed fishing this frog and cant get the hang of making it do what I want it to do, when i want it to do it.

Availability, Options & Price: 4.0/5

Jackall baits are pretty widely available and I had no issues getting my hands on the Kaera frog locally or on-line. Its currently available in 6 colour options and one size. Its prices competitively at $9.99 though you may see some price jumps when purchasing from smaller tackle shops.

Situations for Success:

The Kaera frog is an all around walking frog that excels in heavy cover and slop. it casts for distance and will sit well on all types of cover while its small body gets eaten whole on each and every blow-up.

Don't let its small stature full you, this frog fishes big.

Looking Back:

Back in Feb, 2018 we filmed an unboxing of the Kaera Frog and gave a short review of our first impressions. If you haven't already give the video a watch and see how many of those initial thoughts still ring true HERE

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)

Tackle Direct ($9.99)

Land Big Fish ($9.99)

Equipment:

I fished the Kaera Frog on a Dobyns 736c which is my go to power rod when frog fishing heavy cover. I Paired it with a Daiwa Tatula 150 reel with a 7.3:1 gear ratio, these new reels are powerful, lightweight and look awesome.