Intro:
If you have never splurged on one of EverGreen's frogs in the past, then you may not understand how happy I was to see them release a new one. High quality, uniquely designed fish catching machines is what Evergrfnn is known for, but these machines come at a price. Is it worth it? read on...
Manufactures Description :
The compact profile bait which comes in six distinctive color patterns is versatile and can be walked on top, popped or splashed. The six, clean, color finishes mimic an assortment of looks or forage items. One of the most effective baits around thick vegetation, the top water frog has long held an important role in every bass anglers arsenal. The new Evergreen Showerblows Softshell SS-77 has redefined what a soft body frog is all about.
Overall Rating: 8.3/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 4.55
Evergreen makes high quality baits PERIOD. From the super soft yet durable body material, to the stout sticky sharp hooks to the leather striped fur tail you will be hard pressed to fish a bait with so many quality components.
Attention to detail is key, check out the fur tail and how the leather strip is up with all the fur facing down (in the water). Not all fur-using frogs have been designed this way and it is somthing I have complained about in the past. Sure it is not as appealing to the anglers eye, but more importantly it is more attractive to the fish. Nice work Evergreen
Attention to detail is key, check out the fur tail and how the leather strip is up with all the fur facing down (in the water). Not all fur-using frogs have been designed this way and it is somthing I have complained about in the past. Sure it is not as appealing to the anglers eye, but more importantly it is more attractive to the fish. Nice work Evergreen
Castability: 4.05
The SS77 has a sleek aerodynamic body that casts and lands really well. Its flat bottom gives the frog a nice skip if and when you need to work under cover and its weight is evenly distributed which provides a softer landing on longer casts. I had no issue keeping this frog upright and Im very happy with its overall performance.
Presentation: 4.5/5
Add another one to the list, the 2018 season is loaded with Frogs that are fun to fish, and mark my words the EverGreen SS77 is fun and easy to fish.
the SS77 walks incredibly well and can be walked with a wide wobble or shorter more erratic twitches. The cupped mouth is a great replacement for a popper mouth and allows you to decide when, how often and how much water you want to displace. This key when navigating various types of structure and the fishes mood.
There isn't a time when the SS77 isn't moving, even on the longest pause that fur tail breaths in the water making it look more alive then most other baits you could through. Silicone often clumps and clings, while fur is constantly moving.. did I mention how much I love fur trimmed baits?
Hook-Up Ratio: 4.5/5
The Shoft Sell frog really lives up to its name and has an incredibly soft body and mashed down well when a fish strikes it. The fur tail almost breaths in the water giving the fish a nice target.
The body of the SS77 is a large and the hooks are slightly small in comparison. I would like to see these cover a bot more of the frog but all in all they are in a good position and with a slight tilt upwards you will be happy with this frogs performance in the hook-set portion of your game.
Innovation & Design: 4.5/5
I love the look of this frog, and I love that they are bringing back fur . For too long Fur has been ignored by most companies when designing new frogs and there is not a material out their that breaths on the pause quite like Fur. Just ask Optimum who haven't changed their best selling frog in years.
minus the Fur the SS77 could be considered a knock off bait.. lucky for EverGreen they knocked off their own bait bringing some of the features of their popular Shower Blow top water popper to this frog, a genius idea that works. I dont often fish popping frogs as I prefer the versatility of walking frogs, the SS77 combines the best of both worlds.
minus the Fur the SS77 could be considered a knock off bait.. lucky for EverGreen they knocked off their own bait bringing some of the features of their popular Shower Blow top water popper to this frog, a genius idea that works. I dont often fish popping frogs as I prefer the versatility of walking frogs, the SS77 combines the best of both worlds.
Availability, Options & Price: 3.0/5
The SS77 is a Japanese import so you know the price is going to hurt, and at $15.99USD it really does. Anytime a frog is over the $9.99-$12.99 range I have to really think about adding it to my arsenal and by the time it hits $15.99 I really have to think about it.
Options vary depending on where you buy your baits. Tackle Warehouse has 6 colors listed but I have seen as many as 9 color options on other sites. Due to the price these are not common, even more so at smaller local shops so you will probably have to order one.
Options vary depending on where you buy your baits. Tackle Warehouse has 6 colors listed but I have seen as many as 9 color options on other sites. Due to the price these are not common, even more so at smaller local shops so you will probably have to order one.
Situations for Success:
The Evergreen SS frog is at its best when the fish get a chance to see it perform. Focus on medium to long casts over medium/sparse cover or open water. Longer casts give the fish a chance to be driven crazy by the Soft Shells walk and spit and after awhile they just won't be able to take it anymore and NEED to slaughter it. I've had some pretty aggressive blow-ups on this frog both on the walk and on the pause when that fur tail does what it was design to do... breath in the water.
Looking Back:
Just a few weeks ago we filmed an unboxing of the SS Soft Shell 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.
Equipment:
I fished the SS Soft Shell 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.
Field Test Report Card:
Open Water (Sparse Pads): A
Pads (Medium Cover): A+
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): B-
Walk the Dog: A+
Popping Action: NA
Sit/Pause: B
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