In this action-packed video, professional angler Mike McClelland demonstrates the art of frog fishing bass in vegetation-rich lakes. Diverse and thick stands of emergent grass make these lakes bass factories, and there’s no better bait to break down grass expanses than frog lures, and in particular, hollow body frogs. McClelland covers a range of tips, from bass location considerations to choosing the right rod for the situation and the best rod setup for the job.
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ROD SETUP
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WHY FROG FISHING IS A MUST-TRY
McClelland challenges every angler to experience the thrill of frog fishing bass, especially in areas where grass and vegetation thrive. He emphasizes the importance of using the right gear, explaining that a medium-heavy power rod with a slower taper than most expect is ideal for this type of fishing. A deeper bend into the blak allows the fish to fully inhale the bait, ensuring a better hookset and reducing the chances of prematurely pulling the bait away.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FROG AND COLOR
When selecting the right frog, McClelland shares his go-to color options: white, black, green, and brown. These shades cover a range of conditions and prey types, whether the bass are feeding on shad, brim, or yellow perch. He particularly favors black for its versatility in various water conditions, citing it as his top choice for consistent success.
TECHNIQUE AND STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS
Mike breaks down his technique, noting the difference between a flapping frog and other frog options like poppers and walking varieties. He explains that the flapping frog excels in open water and thick cover, akin to a buzzbait, making it a versatile choice for different fishing scenarios. The key, he notes, is to focus on any irregularities in the vegetation, such as points or edges, which are likely hotspots for bass.
EQUIPMENT ESSENTIALS FOR FROG FISHING
Choosing the right frog fishing rod depends on the cover. McClelland recommends using a high-speed gear ratio reel paired with a medium-heavy action rod and braided line to maximize success. A long medium-heavy setup ensures you can maintain control during the fight, especially when pulling bass out of dense cover. He also highlights the importance of selecting the right rod for different frog types, advocating for a heavier action rod when using popping or mat frogs to pull fish out of thick vegetation.
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Thank you Mike! For not staring at a FFS screen with a spinning rod and some tiny little minnows baits…so boring. Love to watch the blowups thanks again man for doing what I love.
"It doesn't get old, man". WORD.
The only Cara 7’ 3” MH Moderate I see is the Deep Runner, which is a Crankbait rod. I’ve never heard of someone frogging with a Crankbait rod. Or did I get that wrong? What model by name in Cara series are you using in this video? (mod fast action I could understand. Moderate? That’s a new one on me for frogging, although I realize actions are not consistent from brand to brand)