As summer approaches and bass anglers across the country prepare for prime topwater fishing conditions, one experienced angler's decades of testing has revealed the most effective frog lures for catching trophy bass.
Shaye Baker, who has spent 25 years rigorously testing frog baits on the water, recently shared his top recommendations for anglers looking to maximize their success during the upcoming season. For Baker, frog fishing represents one of the most thrilling aspects of bass angling.
"I reach for my trusty frog boxes and don't let them out of sight until the frost is on the ground in the fall," Baker explained, emphasizing the extended season these lures can provide productive fishing.
"I reach for my trusty frog boxes and don't let them out of sight until the frost is on the ground in the fall,"
The excitement of topwater frog fishing is unmatched in the bass fishing world. When a massive bass explodes on a frog lure at the surface, it creates an adrenaline rush that keeps anglers coming back for more. This visual, explosive strike is what separates frog fishing from other bass fishing techniques and explains why so many anglers become devoted to this particular method.
Race Results
Race Results
Race Results
Baker's extensive field testing has led him to identify five standout performers that consistently outperform their competition. His top pick for overall performance is the SPRO Dean Rojas Bronzeye Frog 65, a lure that has earned its reputation through proven results on the water.
By the Numbers
For anglers seeking the best popping action, Baker recommends the SPRO Dean Rojas Bronzeye Poppin' Frog 60, which excels at creating the surface disturbance that triggers aggressive strikes. When skipping under docks or overhanging cover becomes necessary, the Strike King KVD Sexy Frog takes the top spot in Baker's arsenal.
Interestingly, newer lures are also earning their place alongside these established favorites. The Gambler Walking Frog emerged as Baker's choice for best newcomer after rigorous testing of new bass lures this year, proving that innovation in frog lure design continues to advance.
Rounding out the top selections is the Zoom Horny Toad, which Baker identifies as the best all-around soft plastic toad. This choice highlights the importance of having both hollow-body frogs and soft plastic options in an angler's tackle selection.
By the Numbers
"Some of these baits are responsible for dozens of my biggest topwater catches," Baker noted, underscoring the proven track record these lures have established over years of field testing.
"Some of these baits are responsible for dozens of my biggest topwater catches,"
Understanding the two main categories of frog baits is crucial for anglers looking to expand their topwater arsenal. Hollow-body frogs are designed to float and can be worked through the water with popping motions or side-to-side walking actions. These lures excel when fishing over heavy cover where other baits would become snagged.
Soft plastic toads, meanwhile, offer versatility for continuous-reeling presentations and can be adapted to various fishing styles and conditions. These baits often sink slightly, allowing anglers to work different depths and cover types effectively.
When evaluating hollow-body frogs, Baker focuses on seven critical characteristics that separate good lures from great ones. Hook strength and construction top his list, as these lures must be able to penetrate a bass's mouth and withstand the fight that follows. Action and walk-ability determine how effectively the lure can mimic a real frog's movement on the surface.
Skip-ability becomes crucial when fishing around docks, overhangs, and other structure where bass typically ambush prey. Color choices allow anglers to match local forage and water conditions, while durability ensures the lure will withstand multiple fish catches and casting sessions.
Water resistance rounds out Baker's evaluation criteria, as lures that take on water quickly lose their effectiveness and require constant attention during fishing.
"These baits typically have skirted legs and a two-prong, pre-rigged hook. This is what we're looking for when evaluating these baits," Baker explained, highlighting the standard construction that makes hollow-body frogs so effective.
The timing of frog fishing plays a crucial role in success rates. Summer conditions create ideal scenarios for topwater presentations, as bass become more active in shallow water and around cover where frogs naturally live. The warmer water temperatures increase bass metabolism and aggressive feeding behavior, making them more likely to strike topwater presentations.
Baker's enthusiasm for frog fishing extends throughout the warmer months. "Frogs are one of my favorite baits to throw, especially during the summer," he said, reflecting a sentiment shared by countless bass anglers who have experienced the excitement of topwater strikes.
"Frogs are one of my favorite baits to throw, especially during the summer,"
For both seasoned anglers and those new to bass fishing, selecting the right frog lures can significantly elevate the fishing experience. As summer approaches and bass activity increases in shallow water areas, having expert-tested options becomes invaluable for success on the water.
The combination of proven performers and innovative newcomers in Baker's recommendations provides anglers with options that have demonstrated their effectiveness through extensive field testing, setting the stage for thrilling topwater encounters during the upcoming summer fishing season.
