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As many of
you would agree, there is nothing more exciting then a top water explosion. My first choice for a top water lure would be a Scum Frog.
Fishing with a Scum Frog can be both exciting and rewarding depending on
a variety of different things. In the next few paragraphs I will be
explaining the proper equipment and techniques that I use to catch
largemouth bass with a Scum Frog.
 The proper equipment when using a scum frog is very important.
I see so many people using light tackle, such as a spinning reel
with a med. action rod and 10 lb line in heavy cover. The risk of losing
a fish with that kind of equipment is huge. Not only are you getting a
weak hook set, but also you’re unable to keep the bass out of the
thick cover (weeds or lily pads). I personally use a baitcast reel with
a med. heavy rod and 10/50 spider-wire. The reel must be strong and
durable and the drag must be set very tight. The rod must also be strong
and have a lot of backbone with some action. You don’t want to be
fishing with a rod that feels like a pool stick. Picking the right line
for the job could sometimes be a big hassle. I look for line that is
strong, but thin with low or no stretch. I found that Spider-wire 50lb
test 10ld dia. fits my needs perfectly. Remember to always use backing
when using braided line, otherwise the line will not be tight on your
reel and will slip, leaving you with a nasty backlash.
The proper technique is also very important when using a scum frog.
There are a couple of different ways you can work a frog. A lot depends
on how active the bass are. If the bass are very active, I work the scum
frog fast with quick little jerks that make the frog go from side to
side with short pauses. If the bass are not as active, I work the frog
very slowly with soft jerks and long pauses. Almost were the bait stays
in one spot, moving from side to side for a brief period of time. Always
remember not to work the frog too fast otherwise the bass will probably
miss it witch in return you will miss the bass.
The chances of a bass coming back after he misses the bait are slim but
do happen. Think of what a bass has to go through in order to catch that
frog. The bass has to inhale all that water and weeds and the frog all
at the same time. That’s why it is so important to wait after the
initial hit to set the hook. If the bass misses the frog and will not
come back for it a second time, it’s a good idea to throw a worm or a
fluke in the same spot. After all you know there is a fish there, so
don’t give up on him too fast or you could be missing out on a nice
bass.
One very important note to remember is
keep that rod tip UP after the hook set. Don’t let the bass get
down in those weeds were he can rip that frog out of his mouth. There
are many different types of frogs out in the market, so take this
information I have shared with you and apply it whatever type of frog
you use.
Good Luck!
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