Intro:
LunkerHunt has been pushing the frog envelope trying new unique approaches to frog fishing, over and over again, year after year. But this time I think they got it right.
Manufactures Description :
Pro and avid anglers have been modifying their skirted frogs for years. The goal being to create a smaller target for bass to hone in on. Modifications create a frog that bass can eat in a single strike.
The Lunkerhunt Compact Frog has been designed for maximum efficiency and high percentage hook sets. It features short skirts, a compact body design, short wide gap hooks, and delivers high buoyancy right out of the pack. The Lunkerhunt Compact Frog has a smooth, consistent walk that pushes water and simply catches fish!
Overall Rating: 8.0/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 4.05
I have had many issues with LunkerHunt frogs over the years but the quality has never been one. The body of their frogs has consistently been durably yet pliable and when you can catch fish on their baits they hold up.
The Compact Frog is one of if not the most durable frogs released by LunkerHunt, the main reason for this is that the Compact frog is free from those awful life like legs found on the classic Lunker and Combat Frogs. They never lasted and usually were a bulky mess effecting your hook set more than your retrieve.
The Compact Frog is one of if not the most durable frogs released by LunkerHunt, the main reason for this is that the Compact frog is free from those awful life like legs found on the classic Lunker and Combat Frogs. They never lasted and usually were a bulky mess effecting your hook set more than your retrieve.
Castability: 4.0/5
With a healthy body size and and healthy 1/2oz weight this frog casts well provides a solid yet not splashy landing. You'll be surprised at the distance you can get on those frogs and very happy with your ability to place it right where you want it.
Presentation: 4.0/5
This short stubby frog is built for dragging and pulling across cover, it is the area it excels and will get you bit.
As for walking, it can be walked but its profile is more conducive for slower retrieves or or even working in one spot (target fishing). As you try to pick up the speed you will find the frog a bit clumsy and its just not as fun to fish at a steadier retrieve.
Hook-Up Ratio: 4.0/5
The compact frog was designed to do one thing and one thing only.. get eaten. Its short compact body has trimmed back legs that offer fish the perfect bite size snack. This frog gets swallowed whole and sucked under with ease.
No clumsy life like legs to get in the way here.
Innovation & Design: 3.5/5
Nothing truly innovative here, unless we take into consideration that LunkerHunt backed away from the design that made them famous. That takes guts, and in this case it paid off.
For years now companies have been offering baby, or jr versions of their frogs, the unique approach that LunkerHunt took was to bulk up the baits weight and body thickness, while still giving the frog a smaller profile or footprint. This allows you to cast and fish the frog at a distance yet still take advantage of the small profile trend.
For years now companies have been offering baby, or jr versions of their frogs, the unique approach that LunkerHunt took was to bulk up the baits weight and body thickness, while still giving the frog a smaller profile or footprint. This allows you to cast and fish the frog at a distance yet still take advantage of the small profile trend.
Availability, Options & Price: 4.5/5
The compact frog is available in one size (compact) but in 10 color options. I bucked my trend of fishing natural coloured frogs and went with the sunrise color.
As for pricing LunkerHunt baits are always reasonable and the Compact frog is no different coming in at $6.99USD. I wish more frogs were priced in this range.
When it comes to availability you can get it online at TW, but I'm not sure how common it is in local retailers throughout the US. Being a Canadian company you can help be trip over them in ever respectable tackle shop across the country.
As for pricing LunkerHunt baits are always reasonable and the Compact frog is no different coming in at $6.99USD. I wish more frogs were priced in this range.
When it comes to availability you can get it online at TW, but I'm not sure how common it is in local retailers throughout the US. Being a Canadian company you can help be trip over them in ever respectable tackle shop across the country.
Situations for Success:
If you have been frog fishing for any length of time then you probably have different types of frogs you fish for various conditions and types of cover. The Compact frog is more of a dragging frog and performed best when dragged across pads, slop and grass. Heavy, medium and sparse cover will be where this frog performs best and a slow drag with pauses in the pockets will really drive fish crazy
Looking Back:
Back in June, 2018 we filmed an unboxing of the Compact 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.
Equipment:
I fished the Compact 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. (like the Boom Boom frog)
Field Test Report Card:
Open Water (Sparse Pads): C
Pads (Medium Cover): B+
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): A
Walk the Dog: C+
Popping Action: NA
Sit/Pause: B+
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