To tie a frog lure for topwater fishing, you'll need essential tools including a fly tying vise, bobbin, scissors, and whip finisher. Start by selecting the right hook size for your lure length (typically a 3/0 hook for a 3" lure) and use quality braided line in the 40-50 pound test range. Thread your line through the hook eye using a Palomar knot, ensuring it's wetted to reduce friction during tightening. Add a hollow, collapsible body made from soft plastic or foam for buoyancy, and attach rubber skirts to mimic legs for realistic movement. The proper combination of components and techniques will enhance your success on the water.
Quick Tips
- Secure hook in vise and attach double hooks facing upward to create proper strike angle for topwater action.
- Apply soft plastic or foam body material around hook shank, ensuring hollow construction for collapsible action.
- Tie rubber skirt material at rear for legs, using multiple strands to create lifelike movement.
- Add flash materials like Flashabou near legs and body for enhanced visibility and attraction in water.
- Finish with whip finisher tool and strong adhesive, testing knot strength before use with 40-50 pound braided line.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before diving into frog lure tying, you'll need to gather a specific set of tools and materials to guarantee success.
Your essential tools should include a fly tying vise, bobbin, scissors, hackle pliers, and a whip finisher. Fishing as a recognized sport requires precision and skill, which is why having the right tools is crucial.
For materials, you'll want quality hooks, craft fur, dubbing, eyes, adhesives, rubber or foam for the body, and flash materials for added visibility. Our selection includes Flashabou at $5.30 for creating eye-catching patterns.
Understanding Frog Lure Components
Your frog lure needs a hollow, collapsible body made from soft plastic, upward-facing double hooks that stay protected until strike, and rubber skirts that act as legs. The strong braided line provides the necessary strength for pulling bass through thick vegetation. Additionally, ensuring your lure's design incorporates proper fishing techniques can significantly enhance your success in attracting fish. You'll notice these parts work together to create a realistic surface presentation that's weedless and irresistible to bass.
Selecting the Right Hook
Selecting the Right Hook
Picking the right hook for your frog lure means considering both size and style, with the size typically matching your bait's length in inches (a 3" lure needs a 3/0 hook).
You'll need to decide between double hooks, which provide two contact points but can snag more easily, and single hooks, which offer cleaner movement through cover but may reduce your hookup ratio.
Above all else, verify your chosen hook maintains razor-sharp points, as even the perfect size and style won't matter if the hook isn't sharp enough to penetrate when a fish strikes. Additionally, using circle hooks can enhance your catch-and-release effectiveness, minimizing injury to the fish.
Hook Size and Style
Selecting the right hook size and style can make or break your frog fishing success.
You'll want to match your hook size to your frog type – 4/0 hooks work best for walking frogs, while 3/0 suits popping frogs.
Look for hooks with an upward angle to the points, as they'll make your frog "stickier" in a bass's mouth and increase your hookup ratio.
Double Vs Single Hooks
Expert anglers often debate the merits of single versus double hooks for frog lures, with each option offering distinct advantages.
Single hooks provide deeper penetration and better weedless performance while simplifying the release process.
Double hooks can increase your hookup ratio from multiple angles, but they're more prone to snagging and may affect your lure's action due to added weight.
Hook Sharpness Matters Most
Sharp hooks are the cornerstone of successful frog fishing, regardless of whether you're using single or double configurations.
You'll want to regularly check and maintain your hook's sharpness by using a file at a 45-degree angle, making short, precise strokes away from the point.
Test the sharpness on your thumbnail – if it catches, you're ready to fish.
Don't forget to check hook angles too.
Proper Line Choice
When tying a frog lure, your line choice plays an essential role in success.
You'll want to use braided line in the 40- to 50-pound test range, as it offers superior strength and vegetation-cutting ability.
For heavy cover or bigger bass, don't hesitate to step up to 60- to 80-pound braid.
Avoid monofilament or fluorocarbon, as they won't perform well for topwater frog fishing.
Knot Preparation Steps
Before diving into the actual knot-tying process, proper preparation guarantees you'll create a secure connection between your line and frog lure.
Start by threading your line through the hook eye, ensuring it's straight and free from twists. Clear your workspace of any debris, and make sure you've got enough line length to work with.
Finally, wet the line to reduce friction during tightening.
Palomar Knot Tying Method
The Palomar knot ranks among the strongest and most reliable knots for securing a frog lure to your fishing line.
Start by doubling 6 inches of line and passing it through the hook eye twice from opposite directions.
Form a loose overhand knot with the doubled line, then pass the loop over your frog lure.
Moisten the line, and pull both ends to cinch it down securely.
Securing the Frog Body
Proper hook installation forms the foundation of a well-secured frog lure.
Hold your frog body firmly while using braided line and needle-nose pliers to remove the stock hook. Open the line tie assembly carefully, replace the hook, and pinch it shut.
When you're reinstalling, pull the braid to slide the hook back into position, ensuring it's snug inside the frog's body.
Testing the Knot Strength
Testing your knot strength thoroughly can mean the difference between landing a trophy bass and losing your favorite frog lure.
To test your knot, secure one hook with vise-grip pliers and attach the other to a sturdy anchor point. Always wear protective eyewear and gloves while testing.
Apply gradual pressure until you're confident in the knot's holding power, and repeat this test several times.
Attaching Additional Weights
Once you've confirmed your knot's strength, adding weight to your frog lure can dramatically improve its performance.
Select a tungsten nail weight appropriate for your fishing conditions, and secure it using shrink tubing.
Cut the tubing to size, slide it over the hook shank and weight, then carefully heat it with a lighter until it's snug.
Position the weight at the back of the hook for ideal casting and action.
Adding Rubber Skirts
Along with the weight, a well-crafted rubber skirt adds lifelike movement and appeal to your frog lure.
Choose silicone or rubber material that matches your fishing area's forage, then tie an overhand knot in the center.
Install the skirt by rotating the hooks aside, threading the material into the frog's cavity, and positioning the knot centrally.
Test the skirt's movement to guarantee it's natural and unrestricted.
Fine-Tuning the Action
After assembling your frog lure's basic components, you'll need to fine-tune its action to maximize its effectiveness on the water.
Start by adjusting the legs, trimming them to match your fishing conditions.
Next, bend the hooks slightly outward to improve hooksets while maintaining weedlessness.
You can also add rattles or weights inside the body to enhance the frog's appeal to bass.
Storage and Maintenance Tips
Properly storing and maintaining your frog lures will protect your investment and guarantee they remain effective on the water.
Store them in boxes with drainage holes, like the ZERUST MAX Crank Bank, to prevent water accumulation.
Don't forget to use baby powder in small zip locks for individual storage, and keep your frogs in a cool, dust-free environment to avoid melting or deterioration.
Wrapping Up
You've now learned all the essential steps to tie a secure and effective frog lure for your topwater fishing escapades. With proper maintenance and regular inspection of your knots, you'll be ready to attract those aggressive bass strikes. Remember to practice these tying techniques, and don't hesitate to experiment with different weights and skirt combinations to find what works best in your local waters.
