Top Frog Awards 2015 - Best Hollow Body and Soft Body Frogs from 2015

I thought I would switch things up this year, and instead of nominating a frog from each of my review categories, I will be focusing on the highest rated frogs overall, and this year (although I expect some flack) the Top frog Awards go to.. Teckel USA Honker and the Gary Yamamoto Yamma Frog

Here's why...

Top Frog Award - Best Hollow Body

TECKEL USA HONKER

With an overall score of 7.8/10 the Teckel Honker not only was the highest rated hollow body frog from this seasons reviews, but it was also the most surprising. After reviewing the Teckel Whacker last season I expected to be in for more of the same, but in all honesty the Honkers unique blade like legs really gave this bait a new lease on life.

the flutter and splash produced by the blade feet were visible from almost the moment this frog hit the water, and although I expected them to get hung up on every little piece of floating debris they actually fished fairly clean.

Couple it's on water performance with the fact that Teckel uses quality components and you have a frog that is built to last all while putting fish in your boat, a pairing not often seen in this industry where quality baits don't always catch fish, and fish catching baits rarely last. If only this frog was more readily available it would be nearly perfect.

Check out my full review HERE

Top Frog Award - Best Soft Body Toad

Gary Yamamoto Yamma Frog

This Top Frog choice i expect to get a little flack for. I heard it when I first posted the review and I expect to hear it a bit more now. But with that said I instantly fell in love with the Yama Frog's on water performance which led me to giving it a 8.6/10 review, which was not only the highest rating for a soft body toad in  2015, it was my highest rating every in this category.

With a wide body and thick flexible legs the Yama frog can be swam both as a swim frog (soft churn) as well as a buzz frog (hard churn) the ribbed body gives off a little extra commotion and it's incredibly soft plastic body is pliable enough to ensure solid hook-ups and dense enough that its added weight makes the Yamma frog a dream to cast.

The elephant in the room here is that its durability is suspect, a problem that plaques all Yamamoto baits.  It is nothing for me to go through a pack of these frogs in a single trip (when the frog bites on) and with a Yamamoto price tag things can and will get expensive quick.

All in all this is a frog that shouldn't be overlooked, and is my Top Frog choice from 2015

Check out my full review HERE

Mann's Goliath Frog Review

Goliath Frog:    Colors: 5     Weight: 1oz   Size: 3 1/2   Pack Count: 1

      

Intro:

Big flat and floppy the Mann's Bait goliath frog is more flat tire then it Goliath. This bait moves a lot of water and gives fish a healthy target, but its actual performance leave much to be desired.

Overall Rating:  6.0/10

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

Quality & Durability: 3.0/5

Kind of a mix of Good, Bad and Ugly here.. first off the frog is simply put.. UGLY, but strap on your beer goggles as we all know its not how the frog look that matters (well at least some of us know that). The bad is the baits body construction and finish, it looks like a kindergarten art project and at times fishes like one. As for the good, the hooks are sharp and strong, just not positioned well.

Castability: 3.0/5

With a kite like body this for gets caught up in the wind and can be blown off target easily. The flat belly does help when skipping, so reserve this frog for shorter targets and leave it at home when distance and spot on accuracy is needed.

Presentation: 2.5/5

I found the Goliath frog was awkward to fish, it could be walked but at times it skated across the top or just pushed water instead of walking. This often had to do with the distance you were retrieving the bait. Just like on the cast this frog performs better at shorter distances when you have more control over its movement. When casted for distance I found it was harder to walk during the fist half of my retrieve 

Hook-Up Ratio: 2.5/5

I don't like the body deign on this frog, its wide body over shadows the hooks that appear tiny on its back. I think placing the hooks on the outside of the frogs lets, snug up against the body would have provided it with a better overall hook-up ratio. 

Availability & Price: 3.0/5

Mann's baits are pretty common in most areas, and this frog was easy to find. For the quality I feel the price is slightly high, but it is under the $10 mark so I can't be too picky. I felt there would have been more bang for the buck at the $5-$6 price range. 

Options: 3.0/5

The Goliath frog is available in one size and 4 colors. The colors are the standard yellow/green, a white/green, a  brown and finally black. Not exactly mind blowing, but pretty standard frog color choices.

Where to Find:

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

Tackle Warehouse ($8.99)

Cabela's ($7.99)

Mann's ($8.99)

Equipment:

I ran this frog on a Dobyns 736c, paired up with a Daiwa Tatula HD reel on 40lb braid. It you are working sparser cover feel free to drop down to a 735c and use that extra tip to really make this bait dance. 

Field Test Report Card:

Open Water (Sparse Pads): C+

Pads (Medium Cover): B-

Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): D

Walk the Dog: B+

Popping Action: N/A

Sit/Pause: B

Renosky Rockin' Rattlin' & Walkin' Shad Review

Walking Shad:    Colors: 6     Weight: N/A   Size: 2 or 3"   Pack Count: 1

      

Intro:

One of the first shad style hollow body baits to hit the market, the Renosky RRW Shad brings with it some interesting features.. including a vertical body profile, as well as each colour coming with its own specific tail design and replacement tail.

Overall Rating:  6.3/10

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

Quality & Durability: 2.5/5

Rensoky is really hit or miss when it comes to the quality of their baits. The Shad has a thick air tight body that keeps water out, but also takes a long time to get its shape back once a fish hits it, or you squeeze it too tight. (guilty)

The tail looks pretty budget and like the Rensoky frog it can be pulled off during battle,  but Ill be honest, it moves incredibly well in the water and really makes the shad come alive.

Castability: 3.0/5

This frog/Shad is properly weighted and the body shape allows for great casting distance. Its not a great bait for skipping, but if you want to cover water and need an agile bait, this frog may just be for you.

Presentation: 3.5/5

I was extremely happy with this baits on water performance, it fishes like a quality swimbait and can be walked across the top of the water at almost any speed. The tail on this bait really, really impressed me, it may look cheap but it has a purpose.

Unlike other shad style frog baits the Renosky RRWS sits vertical in the water instead of on its side , and acts more like a fleeing baitfish then a wounded one. 

Hook-Up Ratio: 3.0/5

I might be slightly generous here with a score of 3/5, as this frog does have some weaknesses, mainly the side profile and thicker back can make it awkward when it comes to hammering the hooks home.

The hooks also are not covered as well as they could be, and pick up some serious debris when fishing in medium to heavy cover.

Availability & Price: 3.0/5

Another "only at tackle warehouse" bait, this frog is not exactly easy to find but its low $5 price point saves the day here.

Options: 4.0/5

Renosky offers up a cool assortment of options on this bait including 6 colours that each have a unique matching tail. Some have a crawfish tail, others a standard shad tail or jig skirted  tail. I like this idea, as it is one step closer to matching the hatch.

Oh yeah, the RRW Shad is also available in 2 sizes.

Where to Find:

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

Tackle Warehouse ($4.99 - 5.99)

Equipment:

I ran this frog on a Dobyns 736c, paired up with a Daiwa Tatula HD reel on 40lb braid. It you are working sparser cover feel free to drop down to a 735c and use that extra tip to really make this bait dance. 

Field Test Report Card:

Open Water (Sparse Pads): B

Pads (Medium Cover): B-

Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): D

Walk the Dog: B+

Popping Action: N/A

Sit/Pause: B

Teckel USA Honker Frog Review

Teckel Honker:    Colors: 16     Weight: 1/2oz    Size: 2 3/4"   Pack Count: 1

      

Intro:

Last season I had an opportunity to review the Teckel Whacker Frog, and gave it a sold 7.3, I purposely left the Honker for this season in order to ensure my biases from the original frog did not carry over to the honker. And in all honesty I expected to give this frog a review of between 6.8 and 7.3.. but as you can see, I was wrong. 

Overall Rating:  7.8/10

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

Quality & Durability: 4.5/5

Both Teckel frogs have soft yet durable bodies, and strong sharp hooks. The legs on the Honker are what make this frog an exception. They flash and cause commotion on the water really letting fish know that something is going on. (aka ringing the dinner bell) 

Castability: 4.5/5

This frog casts like a dream, the body of the frog has some nice heft (1/2 oz) and its aerodynamic shape lets it cut though the wind for long bombs no matter the weather conditions/

The legs can hurt the frogs ability to be skipped, they catch water if you don't nail the perfect angle
but overall this doesn't hurts the frogs rating.

Presentation: 4.5/5

I was honestly blown away by the way these legs flutter and flash all while the frogs body walks perfectly. This bait scream "eat me" and is a blast to fish.

Obviously light to medium cover allows you to really work this bait, the thicker the cover and the more slop involved the less this frog shines. With that said its did not get all caught up in the slop as I kinda expected it would. You can expect some cleaning from time to time, but the benefits outweigh the issues.

Hook-Up Ratio: 3.0/5

Solid hook-up ratio for a bait that has large metal blades coming off its ass end. The legs can get in the way at times and the flutter and flash can results in short strikes as fish try to take this bait out at the knees.

Availability & Price: 3.0/5

This frog is only easy to find if your shopping at tackle warehouse, if not, good luck getting your hands on one. As for the price, $10.99 is at the high end of what I like to pay for non imports, but well worth it for this versions of Teckels frog. 

Options: 4.0/5

16, count em', 16 color options. But only one size.. lets spend more time on size offering and cut those colours in half and you still get a great score here.

Where to Find:

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

Tackle Warehouse ($10.99)

Equipment:

I ran this frog on a Dobyns 736c, paired up with a Daiwa Tatula HD reel on 40lb braid. It you are working sparser cover feel free to drop down to a 735c and use that extra tip to really make this bait dance. 

Field Test Report Card:

Open Water (Sparse Pads): B+

Pads (Medium Cover): A

Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): B-

Walk the Dog: B+

Popping Action: N/A

Sit/Pause: B

Kahara Buzzy Kahara Frog

 Buzz It Frog :      Colours: 5   Size: 6   Pack Count: 1     

             Leg Style: Buzz               Weight: N/A

Intro:

The Kahara Buzzy frog is the first hard body buzz frog that I've reviewed and so far it out performs any of the soft body buzz frogs I've got my hands on. Fishing more like a standard Buzz bait (with shoulders) this bait offers a solid overall performance not seen on its soft bodied brothers.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

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

Quality & Durability: 4.5/5

Quality blade and a strong sturdy body makes this buzz frog a force to be reckoned with. The hooks on the other hand are undersized (in my opinion) and may cost you from time to time when it comes to short strikes or battling fish.

Castability: 4.0/5

Taking into consideration this is a buzz bait, it casts fairly well. The body gives it a bit extra weight for when distance is needed, and the bait always seems to land in a fighting stance, ready to fish.

Presentation: 4.0/5

As mentioned above this technically is a big shouldered buzz bait, it offers an almost identical presentation, with a bulkier profile. Because of the wider stance it can look short at times but there are no concerns when it comes to on water presentation.

Hook-Up Ratio: 3.5/5

I'm not a fan of the hooks used on this bait, I'm not sure I can tell you exactly what has put me off on them, but they seem a little undersized in length and strength. I hadn't had any issues with my bait, but i feel like its just a matter of time.

On a positive note there is nothing to get in the way here, so if a fish hits, it should be easy to pound the hooks home.

Availability & Price: 3.0/5

Another not so widely available bait, this frog can be purchased from Optimum baits and or Tackle warehouse. Both carry the full line-up, but Tackle Warehouse offers them for $1 less then Optimum. This is pricey for a frog and or a buzz bait. the $10-$12 range for buzz baits seems to be by high end, so when baits break the $15 mark I take pause prior to pulling the trigger.

Options: 3.0/5

Only available in one size and 4-5 colours there is not a lot of choice here. Also unlike the soft body frog buzz baits currently available this bait does not offer replacement skirt or the ability to change the body if it gets damaged. 

Where to Find:

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

Tackle Warehouse ($16.99)

Optimum Baits ($17.99)

Equipment:

I completed frog testing with a Dobyns 734c paired with a Daiwa Tatula.  This frog requires a rod rated for spinner baits or buzz baits but still needs to beef to hammer away those crazy top water explosions. 

Snag Proof Pro Series Poppin Frog

Pro Series Poppin Frog:    Colors: 5     Weight: 3/8oz    Size: 3 1/2"   Pack Count: 1

      

Intro:

If you are an avid reader of these reviews (thank you) then you know that I'm a big fan of Snag Proof frogs, I went from a non-believer to their #1 fan, but this frog unfortunately takes me all the way back to the early days when I picked up a snag proof frog and said.. "not for me"

Overall Rating:  5.9/10

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

Quality & Durability: 3.0/5

This is one leaky son of a bitch, mostly caused by water forced in during popping retrieves, and since this is a popping frog, I think its a bit of a deign flaw. 

Castability: 2.5/5

Small, compact, light weight and it has a popper mouth!, yep this little guy has 4 strikes against its casting ability but still manages to be "OK". Not horrible, not good, just OK. Best utilize for short targeted casts this frog is not one for long bombs.

Presentation: 3.0/5

Not a stellar popper, this frog is very soft and I feel the mouth is just hard forceful enough to really move water. This may also be due to its body weight, the frog seems to jump back when forcefully popped. Im also not a huge fan of the small profile, its a less effective version of a scum frog.

Hook-Up Ratio: 3.0/5

No real concerns her, small bite sized body with nothing to really get in the hooks way, you should have no concerns with this baits ability to drive the hooks home.

The score may be lower then you expected, i took into consideration that this frog takes on water and thus sinks a bit, this will effect its fishability and hook-up ratio

Availability & Price: 3.0/5

Not widely available this can be purchased from TackleWarehouse or if you like to pay 40% more you can buy it from SnagProof directly. I'd advise against that.

Options: 3.0/5

5 colours and 1 size is all you will find available in this frog. Nothing crazy just some pretty standard snag proof colors, but enough to cover most anglers.

Where to Find:

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

Tackle Warehouse ($6.95)

Snag Proof ($7.99)

Equipment:

I ran this frog on a Dobyns 735c, paired up with a Daiwa Tatula HD reel on 40lb braid. Due to its small size I stepped down a rod power from my normal hollow body selection, and could have even dropped down to a 4 power. 

Field Test Report Card:

Open Water (Sparse Pads): C+

Pads (Medium Cover): C

Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): D

Walk the Dog: N/A

Popping Action: B

Sit/Pause: B

Boze ZZ Walker Frog Review

ZZ Walkerr:    Colors: 5     Weight: 5/8oz    Size: 4"   Pack Count: 1

      

Intro:

It's funny, I sat down to write this review and starting thinking, how long has it been since I reviewed the "Boze Sumo" Frog, a quick check and I realized I never actually finished that review even thought Ive had the frog for nearly two three seasons.. anyways Boze is up, and unfortunately the first review I'm writing for them is on the ZZ Walker, an inferior frog in many ways 

Overall Rating:  5.5/10

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

Quality: 2.5/5

This frog has many issues, the primary one being that it takes on some serious water which drastically effects how the bait fishes and your ability to hook-up.

It's also not weighted properly which can give it a wild sportaic action seeing the bait at times see-saw up and down instead of walking side to side. Finally i find the hook placement odd leaving way to much plastic to get in the way of your hooks.. the images below really highlight these issues

Castability: 2.5/5

You'd think with its aerodynamic shape this bait would cast very well, but it is light weight and tends to get caught up in the wind/breeze. It can helicopter at times and other times it just floats out there, The weird body shape and exposed weight can wreck a good skip as well.

Presentation: 2.5/5

If you can keep it filling up with water this bait moves fairly well. It does take some work and you will find that it has a tendency to see-saw or move up and down vs side to side. I don't know about you, but this is not my preferred frog action.

When sitting the ZZ Walker can be on a pretty server angle looking more like a slip float then a frog. This is due in part to the weighing and second from the amount of water building up in the tail. The above image shows how much water can enter the body after 1 cast.

Hook-Up Ratio: 2.5/5

poor Hook placement, a thick tail and and the odd angle it sits when paused in the water add up to 3-Strikes on the ZZ Walkers performance when it comes to hook-up. I think you have to be lucky (not good) to bring a fish home with this frog.

Availability & Price: 3.0/5

Not widley available this frog only got on my radar due to the fact that TackleWarehouse carries it, and my goal is to always own every frog they have available. As for price the nearly $8 is reasonable for most iollowbodies, just not this one.. but if you act now (Aug 2015) TackleWarehouse is selling them for under $3.. still to high for this angler.

Options: 3.0/5

5 colours and 1 size is not exactly creative, but they get bonus points for trying something new. Yes this is a classic spook body type with a few twists.

Where to Find:

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

Tackle Warehouse ($7.49)

Bass Tackle Depot ($7.99)

Equipment:

I ran this frog on a Dobyns 736c, paired up with a Daiwa Tatula HD reel on 60lb braid. This rod and reel combo is built to handle frogs and they let the bait perform like it should in all aspects listed above.  

Field Test Report Card:

Open Water (Sparse Pads): C

Pads (Medium Cover): C

Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): D

Walk the Dog: C

Popping Action: N/A

Sit/Pause: C-