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When fishing for bass, topwater frogs are a great addition to your tackle box. A frog will open up a lot of new fishing areas for you.
While it’s almost impossible to get a traditional lure through heavy cover, the frog lure works great in these scenarios. With a frog, it is easy to get the lure to slide over the surface of the water, lily pad, or weeds without getting stuck.
Also, think of frogs as trigger lures.
Since they can effectively imitate the movement and appearance of a bass’s natural prey, a frog, they can easily entice a bass to strike.
The goal of frogs is to create just the right amount of disturbance and stillness on the surface of the water to look natural and attract a lurking bass.
You can achieve this by sliding the frog across the water and pausing for a few moments. It’s crucial that you let the frog sit for a few seconds between movements. By pausing the frog, the bass is allowed to prepare for the next strike.
Fishing for bass with frogs is one of the most vivid forms of bass fishing that you can do. While most other lures hook the bass beneath the water, the frog lures require the bass to strike above the water allowing you to visually see it.
Just to warn you, there is a learning curve to fishing with frogs that can frustrate a new bass fisherman. A little preparation before hitting the water can help you out tremendously.
To learn some important information about frog lures click to see more information below.
If you’re already well versed in frogs here is the list of the 11 best topwater frog lures.
After countless casts with the LIVETARGET Hollow-Body Frog Popper, I can confidently say this lure is bad bass lure. Designed by Scott Martin, this frog combines the best of both worlds – a frog and a popper.
What really sets this lure apart is its narrow profile with a cupped face. This design allows for easy walking across the surface, creating a unique splash and sound that bass can’t resist. The soft, collapsible body paired with an extra-strong forged hook ensures solid hookups when a bass decides to commit.
In action, this frog is versatile. I can work it slowly with a walk-the-dog retrieve, or give it some juice and make it pop and spit. I’ve had success in both open water and around cover. The hookup ratio is impressive – I’d estimate I’m landing about 8 out of 10 strikes, which is fantastic for a topwater lure.
Size-wise, you’ve got options. It comes in 2″ (1/4 oz) and 2-1/2″ (1/2 oz) versions. I’ve found the smaller size deadly on calm days or for finicky fish. Color-wise, you’re spoiled for choice with eight options. The Albino White and Black are two of my favorites, but I’ve had great days with the Green Yellow in heavy vegetation.
The pros are numerous – great action, excellent hookup ratio, and durability that’ll surprise you. I’ve caught dozens of fish on a single lure with no signs of wear. The main con I’ve heard about is occasional water intake, but I haven’t personally experienced that.
For those who live for explosive topwater strikes, the LIVETARGET Hollow-Body Frog Popper deserves a spot in your tackle box. At around $10-$13, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but the performance more than justifies the price. Whether you’re working lily pads, skipping under docks, or walking it in open water, this frog delivers. Just be prepared – when a bass decides this frog looks like lunch, hold on tight!
I’ve been fishing with the BOOYAH Pad Crasher for years now and it’s one of my go-to topwater lures. This hollow-body frog is designed to excel in both heavy cover, lilly pads, the weeds and across open water, making it a versatile addition to any tackle box.
One of the Pad Crasher’s best features is its bass boat-style belly, which catches water for an incredibly easy “frog-walking” action. I’ve found this design to be particularly effective when working the lure in open water, mimicking a buzz-like action that bass simply can’t resist. The flow-through design is another clever touch, preventing water intake and ensuring the lure stays buoyant even after multiple casts.
Performance-wise, this frog has consistently delivered for me. The combination of the tough double hook and interior weighting system has resulted in solid hookups more often than not. I’ve had great success fishing it through thick vegetation, where its weedless design really shines. In open water, the walk-the-dog action is smooth and enticing, often triggering explosive strikes.
One aspect I really appreciate about the Pad Crasher is its versatility. With 17 color options available in both standard and junior sizes, there’s a perfect match for any fishing condition. I’ve had particular success with the Bluegill pattern in clear water and the Night Train color for low-light situations.
The main advantage of the Pad Crasher is its excellent hookup ratio, thanks to its softer body that compresses easily when a bass strikes. However, this softer material also means it’s slightly less durable than some other frogs on the market. It’s a trade-off I’m willing to accept for the improved catch rate.
The BOOYAH Pad Crasher has earned its place as a top performer in my frog fishing arsenal. Whether I’m working through lily pads or walking it across open pockets, this lure consistently produces exciting topwater action. If you’re looking to up your frog fishing game, I highly recommend giving the Pad Crasher a try. Just be prepared for some heart-pounding surface strikes!
I’ve been throwing the LIVETARGET Hollow-Body Frog for a few seasons now, and it’s become a staple in my tackle box. This thing is a work of art – the detail is insane. We’re talking precise spots, ears, front arms, and bulging eyes that make it look like a real frog took a wrong turn and ended up in your tackle box.
But it’s not just a pretty face. The ultra-soft body is where the magic happens. It collapses like a dream when a bass smashes it, which means more fish in the boat. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my hookup ratio compared to some stiffer frogs I’ve used in the past.
This frog shines in the thick stuff. I’ve dragged it through mats so dense you could practically walk on them, and it comes through clean every time. But don’t pigeonhole it as just a slop bait – it walks the dog in open water like it’s auditioning for a bass fishing ballet.
You’ve got options with this frog. It comes in three sizes (45T, 55T, and 65T) and nine colors. I’ve had days where the Brown Black was the ticket, and others where the Green Yellow was the only thing they’d touch. The Albino White has been my go-to for night fishing.
At around 11 bucks a pop, it’s not the cheapest frog on the market. But in my experience, the durability makes up for the price – I’ve had some of these frogs last for multiple seasons.
If you’re serious about frog fishing, the LIVETARGET Hollow-Body Frog deserves a spot in your arsenal. It’s a versatile, effective bait that can handle everything from open water to the gnarliest cover you can find. Just remember to give it a beat after the strike before you set the hook. Trust me, the wait is worth it when you’re lipping a chunky largemouth that couldn’t resist this frog’s charms.
I’ve been fishing with the Scum Frog Launch Frog for a while now, and it’s become one of my go-to topwater lures. This hollow-body frog is designed for both heavy cover and open water, making it a versatile choice for bass fishing.
The standout feature of the Launch Frog is its unique design that allows water to enter and exit freely. This solves a common problem with many frogs – taking on water and becoming less effective. The soft body is another key element, collapsing easily when a bass strikes, which significantly improves the hookup ratio.
Performance-wise, this frog has consistently delivered for me. It casts like a dream, thanks to its weight distribution. You can really bomb this thing out there, which is great for covering water quickly. The hookup ratio is impressive, largely due to the soft body and the slightly upturned hooks. I’ve found it particularly effective in matted vegetation and lily pads, where its weedless design really shines.
With 12 color options available, there’s a Launch Frog for every situation. I’ve had great success with the Bluegill pattern in clear water and the Dusk color for low-light conditions. The Sloppy Toad seems to be a favorite among many anglers, especially in Florida waters.
The main advantages of the Launch Frog are its casting distance, excellent hookup ratio, and ability to shed water. However, it doesn’t walk the dog as easily as some other frogs, which could be a drawback if you’re fishing open water.
The Scum Frog Launch Frog has earned its place as a top performer in my frog fishing arsenal. It’s particularly effective in heavy cover and for long-distance casting. While it might not be the best choice for walking the dog in open water, its overall performance and durability make it a solid choice for most frog fishing situations. If you’re looking to up your frog game, especially in thick cover, I highly recommend giving the Launch Frog a try.
The SPRO Bronzeye Frog is designed to be a versatile topwater weapon, equally at home in heavy cover or open water. Its sleek profile and perfectly balanced body ensure it always lands upright, ready for action. The premium Gamakatsu hook is a great feature, providing excellent hookup ratios and durability.
Performance-wise, I’ve found this frog to be a real bass magnet. I’ve experienced explosive strikes and impressive catch rates, especially when I pair it with braided line. The way the wild leg tails whip around is absolutely irresistible to bass, creating plenty of commotion on the surface. I’ve had great success walking the dog with this lure, and I love how it mimics a buzzbait when I retrieve it steadily.
One of the Bronzeye Frog’s strengths is its versatility. With eight color options available, including natural patterns like Natural Green and Sunfish, as well as high-visibility choices like Flamingo, you can match the hatch or go for contrast in any conditions. Each model is 2-1/2″ long, weighs 5/8 oz, and sports a 4/0 hook, providing consistency across the lineup.
One of the biggest pros for me is the excellent durability. I’ve caught numerous fish on a single lure without it falling apart. The weedless design lets me fish in the thickest cover imaginable, and the hooks have maintained their sharp point.
For a potential downside, I’ve had some fishing buddies comment that the Bronzeye frog body is too stiff and that it’s affected their hookups. I haven’t experienced this issue personally. I think the slightly firmer body helps a great deal with durability.
Overall, this is a great frog lure! Whether you’re fishing lily pads, grass mats, or open water, this frog has the potential to bring in some big bass. Just remember to be patient on the hookset, and you’ll be well on your way to some heart-pounding topwater action!
Most topwater frog lures can typically be categorized into three primary categories: walking frogs, popping frogs, paddle foot frogs.
Walking frogs are the most common type of topwater frog. Because of their popularity, manufacturers have come up with a variety of color options and designs that work well in different situations.
Walking frogs typically have a narrow nose that allows them to slide over the surface of the water and are equipped with two plastic skirts that mimick a frog’s feet.
They have the advantage of being able to be fished in almost any type of cover. They are especially great for their ability to be used in brush, weeds, lily pads, near wood, and other areas that traditional lures would get stuck in.
Walking frogs are designed to be dragged over the surface of the water. Their light and buoyant design allow them to effectively slide across the surface, much like a swimming frog.
While sliding, the legs and tail of the lure create a fluttering effect, which appeals to bass. They don’t make a lot of noise, but these frogs create a low-profile silhouette on the surface which attracts bass looking for a natural meal.
Popping frogs are a newer variation of the traditional walking frog. As their name implies, these lures are designed to pop, crack, or splash around when pulled over the surface of the water.
By inwardly cupping the face of the walking frog lure, designers were able to create a frog lure that would hold tension on the water causing it to thrash around when being retrieved.
Popping frogs create a great deal of commotion on the surface and attract bass to come out from hiding. They are often used on the flats or near structures to entice bass to strike.
Popping frogs work best when you pause the movement of the lure every few seconds and allowing the lure to swim, pause, swim, pause, and repeat. They are especially effective when bass are actively hunting baitfish.
One of the newest additions to the topwater frog lures are the paddle foot frogs. These lures are similar to paddle tail swimbaits in that they feature paddle-like feet that simulate a frog’s legs.
The paddle foot frog’s front half is designed to swim on the surface of the water while their feet are then pulled down on the water to create a fluttering, swimming motion.
This creates a commotion on the surface of the water which makes them attractive to bass. They are great lures for fishing shallow cover, brush, weeds, and the edge of heavy cover.
Once you have determined which type of frog you prefer, the next question is which color to use.
There is no hard and fast rule. You can try different colors and patterns to see what works best for you.
However, the following three colors will give you a good baseline to go by.
Black is actually a great color to choose for frog lures. Since it is a low visibility color, black topwater frogs are the perfect choice when fishing on sunny days near weeds and in thick flats.
The black color on the water surface will stand out as a nice silhouette shadow and catch the attention of the bass lurking below.
White also works well in a variety of conditions, but it is best when you are trying to imitate shad or baitfish. When fishing shad, the white color of the water reflects the shad’s body.
When you are fishing with white frogs, you mimic the appearance of a baitfish. They are great in murky water and when you’re fishing during cloud cover or rain.
One of the best ways to use a white frog is to fish it directly above a thick bed of bushes or in a rip-rap area. This area of the water has a lot of natural bass cover and will often have a school of baitfish on the surface making it a great spot to fish.
While green is the most commonly used color, brown and yellow can also work well depending on the conditions and environment you are fishing in.
Green frogs can work great when you are fishing in clear water, such as rip-rap areas. Brown frogs work best when the bass are active during the day and during certain times of the year. Yellow lures are effective during cloudy days.
Use natural frog colors when there’s less vegetation as the frog will look more natural and be less likely to spook the bass.
The following information will give you some general guidelines for frog fishing.
The first consideration is the action of the frog. You will want to choose the type of frog which best suits the conditions you are fishing in.
For example, if you’re fishing in a wide-open area, you’re best off using a walking frog. If you’re fishing in shallow water and need more of a surface disturbance, a popping frog is better.
The next consideration is the size of the frog you want to use. Ideally, you want to match the size of the frog to the size of the bass you are targeting.
If you are fishing for a smallmouth of around 8-10 inches in size, then a smaller frog is best. However, if you are fishing for largemouth bass over 12 inches, then a larger frog is better.
Remember you’re goal is to keep the frog at or near the surface of the water. This is why they work great near and around cover.
While weeds and lily pads are other lure’s enemies, frogs work great in these environments using the bass’s natural cover against them.
The next consideration is the weight of the frog. Frogs should be light since you’re wanting them to stay along the surface of the water but weighted enough to be easily cast. Don’t purchase a lure that’s designed to sink and expect to fish topwater with it.
The next consideration is the line you are using. Since you’re going to be fishing your frog in and around natural cover, you want a line that is very strong and durable.
This means you’ll want to avoid monofilament and go with a braided line with a test of around 50 pounds. This will provide the strength you need to navigate the weeds and prevent a big bass from breaking your line.
The other major advantage of braid is that it does not stretch like mono. So when the bass strikes at your frog, you’ll be able to immediately hook it.
You’ll want to have the right rod and reel combo to fish with your frog lure.
You’ll want to have a rod that is specifically made for frog fishing. These will typically be graphite rods with the following specifications:
As for the reel, a high-speed baitcaster will work best, however, you can use a spinning reel if you’re more comfortable with that. However, if you use a spinning reel you may need to lower the test weight of your braid fishing line.
The main idea to remember is that while your frog is out on the water you’re going to be mostly working it with the rod itself. Once the bass is set on the hook, you want to reel it in as quickly as possible to prevent the bass from using the foliage as leverage against you. A baitcaster will work best to pull a bass out of the roots, however, if done right a spinning reel will work.
Frogs are an awesome type of lure for bass fishing. They are fun and can be very effective. By properly choosing the right frog to fish, using the proper color, and fishing in the right location, you can experience some major success.
The ultimate goal of any bass angler is to catch bass and topwater frogs are a very effective tool to do just that. No matter what type of conditions you are fishing in, there is a frog lure that will work for you.
Once you’ve got the right frogs in your tackle box, get out there and catch some big bass fish!
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