Fishing a topwater hollow body frog is a common lure choice for bass fisherman once the vegetation becomes matted during the summer months and into the fall; but it also shouldn’t be overlooked turning during the early spring season. Frog fishing is a great option in two particular scenarios.
SCENARIO 1 – FROGGIN' RISING WATER
The first scenario in which fishing a topwater frog is a great option during the spring is when there is a rise in the water level on the lake or river you are fishing. This influx of water will flood prime fish holding cover in shallow water and many times one of the only ways to cover water quickly in these areas is with a frog.
Many times this newly subsurface cover in the shallows is going to be a combination of grass and sticks that are on the shoreline, combined with floating gunk that the high water has collected and pushed up in to the shallows.
In these situations, I like a large profile frog as to get the bass’s attention in these areas where a bass could literally be hiding anywhere. I’ll begin with a Snag Proof Bobby’s Perfect Frog in Brown Bullfrog as this frog’s size and color profile resembles a large native frog that would be lurking in the shallows. If the flooded cover is extremely dense and I really need to call the bass in, I’ll use the Guntersville Frog as the rattles in each of the frog’s legs will garner a reluctant bass’ attention.
SCENARIO 2 - FROGGIN' UNDERNEATH
The other scenario in which fishing a hollow-bodied topwater frog makes sense during the early season is when bass are bedded underneath heavy cover, or are positioned underneath an overhanging tree or boat.
When a bass is on a bed, they are looking to protect their area from other creatures in the water, so a topwater frog mimics real life creatures that pose a threat them. This combined with the fact that a hollow-bodied frog allows you to put it in places other baits can’t go, makes it a great choice.
If a normal steady retrieve hasn’t gotten you bit and that big ol’ mama bass is still locked on her bed, you may need to get a little more aggressive with her, such as making some commotion on the water’s surface. The Snag Proof Poppin’ Phattie is a perfect choice for this.
As for frog colors, a natural looking pattern is a good choice if there are creatures running along the shoreline and getting into the water. I’ll go to a vibrant and loud color pattern, if I really need to trigger a bedded bass into biting.
For spring frogging like this, I use a Witch Doctor Tackle Shaman 6’10” extra-heavy rod, as it gives me the power to get a solid hook set on a bass that is up shallow and get it into the boat. The shorter rod also is optimal as many times, if you are fishing flooded shallow water cover or targeting bedded bass, you are fishing in tight quarters and the shorter rod will allow you to make pinpoint accurate casts. I’ll spool my Wright & McGill Victory II high-speed reel up with 6-pound Seaguar Smackdown braided line.
Glenn Walker has been fishing tournaments for over ten years, spreading his passion and knowledge of the sport via articles and videos. For more information, check out glennwalkerfishing.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/glennwalkerfishing.
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