[VIDEO] Tips for Frog Fishing Bass on Grass Lakes

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.

ROD SETUP

ROD – Falcon Cara Casting Rod, 7’3” Medium Heavy – Moderate: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Baitcast Reel – Right – 8.3:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
LINE – Sunline Siglon PE AMZ Braided Line Dark Green, 50-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse

*Additional boat-related links at the bottom.

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.

BREAKING DOWN NEW WATERS

Fishing new waters can be challenging, but Mike shares his approach to breaking down a new lake. He advises focusing on areas where deep water meets shallow flats, as these transition zones are prime spots for bass. By using your electronics to map out the lake’s contours, you can quickly identify these key areas and increase your chances of a successful outing.

Whether you’re new to the technique or looking to refine your skills, this video offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you catch more bass on your next outing.

BOAT SETUP

FISH FINDER – Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv Chartplotter/Fish Finder Combo: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
LIVE SONAR – Garmin LiveScope Plus LVS34 – Livescope + LVS34 System: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
TROLLING MOTOR – Garmin Force Trolling Motor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
BOAT – Ranger Z521R Commanche: Check out at Ranger
SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Power-Pole Blade 2.0 Shallow Water Anchor, 10′: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
MOTOR – Mercury 250hp Pro XS: Check out at Mercury
BOW MOUNT – Beatdown Outdoors Ultimate Shorty Double Stack Sonar Mount: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
BOW PLATE – Beatdown Outdoors Leveling Plate – Ranger R Boat: Check out at BD Outdoors
CONSOLE MOUNT – Beatdown Outdoors LocDown Console Mount: Check out at BD Outdoors
TOW VEHICLE – Toyota Tundra: Check out at Toyota