Frog Fishing - Everything You Need To Know!

CRAZY topwater strikes on frogs are incredible! Once you've had a bass erupt through heavy cover, you'll never forget it! In the past these explosions were often met with disappointment when the bass didn't hook up. But with today's advances in equipment, frog design, and hook shapes, you can have an excellent catch rate, even in heavy cover!

With all the frog designs on the market its hard to understand what they're all for, let alone which ones are worth the time and effort! In today's video Tim separates frogs into 5 categories, teaches what each category is for, and shows his favorite baits for each scenario. Frog fishing doesn't have to be difficult, and you can start having success right away. 

Below you'll find links to all of Tim's favorite frogs. We've separated them by category and included favorite colors for each model. We've also included our favorite frog combos, as well as some budget-friendly options. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


Every Day Frogs...

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 65: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Colors- Little Allen, Ghost, Yellow Head


-LiveTarget Hollow Body 65: http://bit.ly/2Q40BAk

Colors- Albino White, Bright Green, Green Yellow


-Spro Bronzeye 65: http://bit.ly/2sz9Qje

Colors- Killer Gill, Clear Chartreuse, Nasty Shad


-Scum Frog Launch Frog: https://bit.ly/3rOYQIF

Colors- Shad, Leopard, Dusk, Bluegill

Popping Frogs... 

-Jackall Gavacho: http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors- Black Gill, Gold Gill, Chart Strike Gill


-Spro Poppin Frog 60: http://bit.ly/2hKsO0g

Colors- Sunfish, Leopard, Navy Seal, Nasty Shad


-River2Sea Spittin Wa: http://bit.ly/29YS5g6

Colors- Poison, Ghost, Bream

-Megabass Big Gabot: https://bit.ly/3bXW8Jh

Colors- Chart Head, Jungle Bone, Wild Gill


Mat Frogs... 

-Spro King Daddy: http://bit.ly/2h0LCYd

Colors- Killer Gill, Nasty Shad, Midnight Walker


-River2Sea Phat Matt Daddy: http://bit.ly/2L7KgqC

Colors- Ghost, Yellow Head


Open Water Frogs... 

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 65: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Colors- Little Allen, Ghost, Yellow Head


-Teckel Sprinker: http://bit.ly/2rmnqSI

Colors- Bone, Pearl White, Lemon Lime


-Teckel Honker: http://bit.ly/2Xj7Ye4

Colors- Bluegill, Lemon Lime, Pearl White

Finesse Frogs... 

-Jackall Kaera: http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors- Glitter Hasu, Glitter Gill, White


-River2Sea Bully Wa 55: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Colors- Bluegill, Little Allen


Braided Line For Frogs... 

-Power Pro Maxcuatro (50-65 lb): http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

-Sunline FX2 (60 lb): http://bit.ly/31u57xA


Favorite Frog Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ


Finesse/Open Water Frog Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K (HG): http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ


Budget Frog Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX DC (HG): http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Power Pro Braid 65 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b


Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Buzzbaits and Frogs! Summer Bass Fishing On Clearlake!

After months on the road we're finally back on Clearlake! Come along as we explore the lake, build patterns, and catch fish! Matt utilizes a buzzbait, frog, and toad to catch a fish in the grass on a hot Summer day. Many anglers avoid fishing in the heat but if you know where to look there are big fish to be caught!

Catching fish consistently in Summer requires an understanding of how and why they position. Shallow water bass love to be close to cover. A consistent food source is also key. In most lakes, if you can find baitfish and grass in the same area, you're around bass. This morning Matt hit the water at first light. He already knew where to find grass but the baitfish remained a mystery. By getting out early he was able to quickly locate active birds searching for a meal. 

It took time to get the first bite but the bird activity confirmed the presence of baitfish and ultimately the presence of bass. Whenever you're on the water pay close attention to nature, it's clues can really shorten your search time. Once Matt located fish he used a combination of baits to get consistent bites from bass that were positioned to ambush prey as it passed by the grass beds. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt used to catch his fish. We've included color recommendations for the various baits, the exact combos Matt was fishing with, and even a budget-minded alternative. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

The Baits... 

-Skirtless Buzzbait- Dirty Jigs Canterbury Pro Buzz 1/2 oz (Blue Glimmer): http://bit.ly/2cWI6if

Trailer- River2Sea D Walker Swimbait 120 (PB Red): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

-4 Blade Buzzbait- D&M Easy Roller Buzz (Night Stalker): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

-Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Colors: Dirty White, Ghost, Little Allen, TW Gill

-Big Bite Baits Tour Toad: http://bit.ly/2NtAghc

Colors: Hematoma, Pearl Shine

Hook- Owner 6/0 Twist Lock Open Gap: http://bit.ly/2cYZ3rM

Matt's Buzzbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7'5" 5 Power (Heavy): http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC XG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Matt's Frog Combo...

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Budget Buzzbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Power Pro 50 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Budget Frog Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 736 (7'3" Mag Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Power Pro 65 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Frog web.jpg

Tricks To Catch More Topwater And Crankbait Fish This Summer!

Summer bass are aggressive if you know WHERE to look! Even more important is knowing WHEN to look! If you want to catch topwater and crankbait fish in the heat of Summer, the most likely bite is the low light pattern. Get up early and stay out late to catch bass as they feed aggressively in the low light periods of the day. 

Yes, some of the biggest bass are caught under a high sun, even in Summer. But that fact only matters if you're willing and able to withstand the heat. A lot of anglers aren't willing to subject themselves to the harsh Summer temperatures so for you, we've got some recommendations. If you focus early and late in the day you can experience an amazing reaction bite! Topwater, crankbaits, and swimbaits can all be great producers before the sun hits the water. 

When you get on the pattern remember that it is a PATTERN, it can be repeated. Don't get caught up with fishing a single spot. If you can mimic the area you're in somewhere else, don't be afraid to cover water and try multiple locations. This is especially important when your shade is fading. You can stay on the pattern and continue to catch fish, even as the sun rises in the morning sky, by pursuing those final shade pockets. 

Tim's "Go To" baits are broken down below. These are the baits he trusts when he goes out during low light conditions in search of a BIG bite. The links to the baits go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Wakebait... 

-Evergreen ND180 Noisy Dachs Wakebait (Black Bone): http://bit.ly/2JbrbaM

-G Ratt Magic Mouse (Grey-White Belly): http://bit.ly/2ytrPbP

Buzzbait... 

-D&M Easy Roller Buzzbait (RedBug, White Shad): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

-D&M Double Buzz (Bluegill): http://bit.ly/29W2t9z

Walking Baits/Poppers... 

-Teckel KickKnocker (Bone, Chart Shiner): http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

-Megabass Pop Max (Gill, White Python): http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Frogs... 

-River2Sea Bully Wa2 65 (Little Allen, Dirty White, TW Bluegill): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Subsurface Offerings... 

GlideBait- S Waver 200 (Warden): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Lipless- Lucky Craft LV-500 (Aurora Black): http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Silent Squarebill- Lucky Craft 1.5 (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Rattling Squarebill- R2S Biggie Crank (T-1000, Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Summer reaction web.jpg

Swim Jigs and Swimbaits - Beginner To Advanced Tricks To Catch More Bass!

Come learn the secrets that fishermen use to consistently catch fish with swimbaits and swim jigs! Learn when its time to set the swimbait down and upsize to a swim jig. Watch as Matt explains the differences between swim jig trailers and how some create secondary action while others are virtually dead in the water. He’s giving up all the tricks from small finesse Swimbaits for clear water that will still get bit on the worst days, all the way to heavy swim jigs with huge hooks for busting hydrilla beds in search of giant largemouth!  

Finesse swimbaits are an incredible tool in every angler’s arsenal. The small keitechs have taken the industry by storm in recent years because of their incredible fish catching ability. Matt shows when to use the different styles and sizes and even shows how he and Tim rig the baits with micro hooks to maximize their bites on days when fish don’t want to bite. Color selection is key with these swimbaits as well so below in the description we’ve included color recommendations for every bait. 

Swim jigs are a huge category by themselves. We could go on for hours about how to pair trailers, modify skirts, and use each hook style to your advantage. But if you’re going to take away one piece of information its that for every weight/style of swim jig, there is a perfect trailer to make that bait rock and shimmy in the water. No matter what bait you choose, do not settle until you’ve found the perfect trailer that creates secondary action for you. 

Below are a breakdown of the baits, hooks, and even equipment we use when fishing swimbaits and swim jigs. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed descriptions and up close photos of each item. Matt has even included his favorite rods and reels for each bait category so you can really dial in your technique. 

Swimbaits… 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact (3.8, 4.3, 4.8): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad

-Keitech Easy Shiner 4”: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H 

Colors: Silver Flash Minnow, TW Ghost Shad, TW Pro Blue

Swimbait Heads… 

-TacticalBassin Finesse Head: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n 

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN 

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head 1/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS 

Weedless Rigging and Bladed Heads… 

-Owner Flashy Swimmer: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7 

-Megabass Okashira Screw Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA 

-Coolbaits Down Under Underspin: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA 

Swim Jigs (Lightest Wire Hook To Heaviest)… 

-Finesse Swim Jigs: http://bit.ly/2dr2933 

Colors: Tactical Shad, Bluegill, Threadfin Shad

-Dirty Jigs Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Dirty Shad, Bluegill

-No Jack Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2d8qUCv 

Colors: Dirty Shad, Tactical Shad, Warmouth

-California Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx 

Colors: Alabama Bream, Citrus Shad, Tactical Shad

Swim Jig Trailers… 

Finesse- XZone Swammer 3.5: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Mid Size- River2Sea D Walker 100: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz 

California- D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz 

Lazy Method- Keitech 4.3” Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v 

Matt’s Favorite Tiny Swimbait Combo… 

Rod- Expride Spinning 6’10” Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q 

Reel- Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7 

Line- Power Pro Moss Green Braid 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b 

Leader- Sunline Assassin 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm 

All-Around Swim Jig Combo… 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR 7’ Heavy: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT 

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4 

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ 

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9 

Budget All-Around Swim Jig Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7’4” Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q 

Line- Sunline Assassin 17 lb fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Swimjig web.jpg