So easy to get hooked on frogging

Recent years have brought a resurgence of so-called “frog fishing” among anglers who thrill at the explosive strikes from game species hell-bent on destroying the twitching, gurgling lures.

Frogs are not the primary diet of most species, as they typically find it easier to locate and chow down on crawfish, shad and other small fish. But a wayward amphibian that ventures out over the lairs of largemouth bass, muskies and northern pike faces sure doom.

Hence the renewed popularity of frog baits, which trace their roots back to the beginning of artificial lures’ history. Wooden frogs with crazy legs appeared on the fishing scene more than 100 years ago.

An Ohio company, Snagproof, was among the pioneers of hollow-body plastic frog-making, and enjoyed a relatively easy existence in the marketplace. Few lure makers figured there was much potential in marketing bogus frogs.

All of that has changed, over the past five years in particular, as several professional anglers have begun to specialize in working frog baits over fish-holding water. The recent win by frog guru Dean Rojas at New York’s Lake Oneida in the Bassmaster Elite Series now has anglers scurrying to stores to stock up on the Spro Bronzeye frog and similar baits.

Frog fishing certainly will get an angler’s blood boiling.

Game fish go into attack mode when they decide frog legs are on the menu. Bass, muskies and pike will rarely ignore a skillfully worked frog bait as it dances and wiggles in their vicinity. Strikes can be vicious, when the fish decide they definitely wish to eat the bait.

But their interest sometimes stops short of total commitment. Curious fish will zoom in for a close look, and anglers can see the water boil around the bait. It’s not unusual for the fish to bat the bait out of the water, almost as though they are just toying with it.

When it’s apparent the fish are interested, but not committed, it’s a good idea to change something about the offering. Try speeding up the dance, or slowing it down to a twitch and crawl. Or try a different color or a smaller model.

If the frog bite is “on,” there will be no mistaking the fishes’ intent. Largemouths, pike and muskies have gaping jaws and can easily engulf frog lures in spectacular splashy strikes. I’ve experienced frog attacks that are so startlingly violent that I’m glad my heart is in good health. One moment the water is calm and the next it’s as though someone dropped a concrete block on the bait.

While game fish usually dine on more prevalent prey such as shad and crawfish, there’s no doubt they will take a frog if the opportunity exists. Sometimes, it seems, the fish actually can become conditioned to preferring frogs.

I’ve noticed bass cruising the banks of golf course ponds and turn their interest to the water’s edge when golfers come looking for stray shots. The foot traffic will spook the frogs from their shoreline hideouts, and as they dart to the depths, bass will attack.

Frog baits are good choices for waters with lots of thick vegetation. The amphibians use the greenery’s holes and mats to intercept insects. And predator fish know they can find food there, too.

But plastic frogs also work well in a variety of other cover, including shallow willows and shady banks.

Frog fishing calls for heavy equipment. The best froggers rely on broomstick poles and braided line to ensure solid hooksets with the bulky baits.

Tossing a frog is not for the weak hearted. If you’re ticker is up for the challenge, tie one on the next time you are working the shallows for your favorite species. Be forewarned, however, that frogging is an addiction. Once you hook up, you just won’t want to quit.

jwwollitz@aol.com