What Kind of Fish Are Frog Baits Good For?

[yana]

If you enjoy surface action, nothing beats the thrilling moment when a frog fishing lures a fish. These lures are shaped like live frogs and are commonly used by anglers to find aggressive predators hiding in thick grass. But what types of fish are frog baits best for? Here are a few top fish species that can crush a properly fished frog bait.

Largemouth Bass

Ribbed with a rib, frog baits are the absolute king of the swamp—the mighty largemouth bass. These top predators love weedy, lily-filled waters best because real frogs are part of their daily diet. Hollow frogs are king in these conditions, skimming through plant mats where traditional baits would hook. Fish frogs with a walking or popping action and be ready for an explosive strike.

Smallmouth Bass

While smallmouth bass are more likely to be caught with other surface baits, they will eat frogs in the right conditions. Along rivers and lakes with rocky shorelines, smallmouth bass may ambush frog baits gliding along the shore. Early morning or evening, when smallmouth bass are feeding near the surface, is a good opportunity to try frogs.

Northern Pike

In terms of pure aggression, though, northern pike is another prime target for frog baits. These sharp-toothed predators inhabit weedy bays, backwaters, and shallow marshes—ideal frog habitats. Because pike has paper-cut teeth, a steel leader or heavy-duty fluorocarbon leader minimizes bites.

Muskie

Pike is the “number one” among freshwater predators and won’t think twice about eating a frog if it’s properly placed. Like pike, they tend to hang out in so-called weedy areas where frogs naturally live. A large frog bait paired with a sturdy, durable tackle can lure even the biggest pike to the bait.

Snakeheads

Where snakeheads are found, especially in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States, frog baits are one of the most effective ways to catch them. These predatory, air-breathing fish live in dense vegetation and do not hesitate to hunt on the surface. A steady retrieve, with occasional pauses, will trigger their explosive strikes.

Bowfins

Bowfins are another underrated species that likes frog strikes. These ancient-looking fish are often found in swamps, slow-moving rivers, or backwaters, where they are highly predatory and territorial. Using frog baits around thick cover will often trigger an immediate reaction strike.

 

Guidelines for Fishing with Frog Bait

Heavy Gear: Frog fishing requires a sturdy rod, a tough braided line (at least 50 pounds), and a high-speed reel to pull the fish out of dense vegetation.

Anticipate the setting of the hook: Make sure the entire bait is in the fish's mouth a split second after the bait explodes, but before setting the hook.

Try different reels: Walk the frog, pop it up, or just let it sit in the water like a frog in real danger.

Fish in the right conditions: Early morning, late afternoon, and cloudy days are the best times to fish frogs on the water.

 

Final Thought

Frog lures aren't limited to bass - they work well on many aggressive, cover-loving fish, too. Whether you're fishing for largemouth bass in a weedy lake, pike in shallow water, or snakehead in dense vegetation, a well-designed frog lure will give you the best fishing experience. Grab your rod, tie on your frog, and get ready to go fishing on the water! 

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