Landing bass using frogs is one of the most exciting adventures an angler could go through while fishing in freshwater. Seeing the bass swim up to eat your bait is exhilarating until they take the bait and quickly swim to their cover and you lose them. So, what could you do to prevent that?
The most important thing is to get a rod capable of running heavy braid without compromising the performance. This rod has special characteristics, including power and action options as well as length.
For example, it should feature a heavy power option that withstands heavy lines, lures, and fish. It also gives it enough strength to handle hauling bass up if they run to their cover.
It should also be a heavy-action rod because this allows anglers to set the hook quickly before the bass has a chance to turn their head down. The best length to go for is anything between 7’ and 7’6’ to increase your casting ability.
However, there are many frog rods with these characteristics, so choosing one is not exactly easy. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of the best models on the market, and we’ve mentioned their features in detail.
Are you ready to meet your best frog rod?
Comparison Table:
|
Rod |
Weight | Action | Power |
Length |
|
Dobyns Rods Fury 735C |
0.2 lbs. | Extra fast | Heavy | 7’3″ |
|
Lew’s Speed Stick TP-1 IM8 |
0.3 lbs. | Fast | Medium-heavy | 7’ |
|
St Croix Mojo |
0.2 lbs. | Fast | Heavy | 7’4” |
|
Berkley E-Motion |
0.35 lbs. | Fast | Heavy |
7’ |
|
KastKing Speed Demon Pro |
0.3 lbs. | Fast | Heavy | 7’2” |
The 5 Best Frog Rods in 2021
1. Dobyns Rods Fury 735C – Best Overall
On the top of our list comes Dobyns Rods Fury 735C. Its sturdy construction and impressive features come at an affordable price.
The rod is made of a high modulus graphite blank that ensures maximum sensitivity. Plus, it comes with a fuji reel seat and perfectly aligned Kevlar-wrapped line guides. It also features AA-grade high-density cork grips complete with high-density Hypalon butts. Moreover, it’s very comfortable to use thanks to its lightness as it weighs 0.2 pounds only.
Dobyns Rods Fury 735C is 7’3”, falling within the perfect length range of frog rods that allows for excellent casting. Its power and action options are also suitable for throwing frogs since it’s a heavy-power rod with an extra fast action. Rest assured that once the bass strikes the frog, you can easily bury the hook into the fish’s face.
It’s also suitable for this purpose because it’s wide enough to set a large frog hook from a distance and pull the heavy fish out of the water even if it is in the thickest weeds. We recommend using it with a 12to 25-pound line and the lure weight of ¼ to 1.5 ounces.
Dobyns Rods Fury 735C can only be used with heavy lures because it can’t cast light lures so far due to its stiffness. However, its stiffness plays a vital role in pulling bass out of the weeds.
Pros:
- Sensitive
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Can’t cast light lures so far
Bottom Line
At a very affordable price, you can get Dobyns Rods Fury 735C that features some impressive specifications like coming at length, power and action options tailored for throwing frogs for catching bass.
2. Lew’s Speed Stick TP-1 IM8 – Best Handle
Lew’s Speed Stick TP-1 IM8 features the best handle out there. It comes with an integrated Winn Grip technology and not just a cork handle. This means that no matter how wet the rod or your hand is, it won’t slip. You’ll also have a strong grip even if there is fish slime on it.
Beside its handle, it’s also very comfortable to use because of the 0.3-pound weight that makes it one of the most lightweight rods on the list, if not on the market.
What’s more, Lew’s Speed Stick TP-1 IM8 is highly sensitive to the slightest of bites without compromising performance thanks to its durable IM8 graphite reinforcement. Another thing that’s lovely about this 7-inch rod is that its length is suitable for frog rods.
We also love the medium-heavy power and fast action options of Lew’s Speed Stick TP-1 IM8 because they are tailored for fishing with frogs. The fast action allows anglers to set the hook quickly to catch bass before they run away to hide in their cover, and the medium-heavy power option gives the rod enough backbone to pull bass out of the water.
Moreover, say goodbye to facing knots and tangles while casting or winding the reel thanks to the American tackle microwave guide System. This system also decreases resistance to improve casting precision.
Sadly, it may be difficult to thread in windy conditions because of its extra small eyelets. Like Dobyns Rods Fury 735C, it’s impossible to use for casting small and light lures.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Sensitive
- Travel-friendly
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Difficult to thread in windy conditions
- Not suitable for casting light lures
Bottom Line
The fast action combined with the medium-heavy power option will leave you completely satisfied. The sturdy construction, sensitivity, excellent handle and affordability render Lew’s Speed Stick TP-1 IM8 one of the best frog rods under $100.
3. St Croix Mojo – Most Versatile
If you’re looking for a rod that can be used with frogs as well as other baits, St Croix Mojo is the one. Depending on the model you buy, you can use it with frogs, chatter baits, swimming jigs and buzz baits. You can also use it in saltwater, backwater and lakes.
Moreover, its versatility also lies in the fact that it’s available in multiple lengths, action and power options, allowing it to perform remarkably well whatever the technique used.
For fishing using frogs as baits, I recommend you get the model with heavy power and fast action options. Such features allow anglers to set the hook quite quickly and pull heavy fish with no problems. As for its length, the model we are discussing here comes with a 7’4” rod, which is absolutely terrific. But also any model that measures between 7’ to 7’6” will do.
The rod features the integrated poly curve tooling tech and SCII high-modulus graphite. This shows that it has a very sturdy backbone combined with excellent sensitivity so that you won’t miss a catch.
Besides, the excellent Kigan Master Hand 3D Guides made of aluminum-oxide rings and black frames combined with a Fuji ECS reel, allowing for smooth reeling.
Buying a lightweight frog rod is of paramount importance because you’ll already be pulling the heavy frog and bass’s weight, so I’m glad to tell you that this rod comes at 0.2 pounds only.
What’s more, to prevent any wrist fatigue, St Croix Mojo features a split-grip and premium-grade cork handle that is very comfortable to use for extended hours.
Pros:
- Durable SCII graphite rod blanks
- Smooth Kigan Master 3D guides
- Comfortable cork grip
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons:
- Bad packaging
Bottom Line
St. Croix Mojo is one of the best frog rods on the market thanks to its versatility as you can choose the model that best suits your needs when it comes to using frogs. Moreover, you’ll enjoy its lightness, smooth reeling and comfortable split cork handle.
4. Berkley E-Motion – Most Travel-Friendly
Berkley E-Motion is the most travel-friendly option on our list because it comes in a 2-piece construction. Plus, its lightweight -0.3 pounds- helps you move it around with ease.
Thanks to the unique blend of 30 and 24-ton graphite, Berkley E-Motion is a beast as it allows the rod to enjoy utmost durability, flexibility and sensitivity. Anglers can easily feel the slightest bites, so there’s a minimal chance of missing a catch.
Moreover, it comes in multiple lengths, power and action options, so you can choose the one that fits you the most. The model we recommend the most is the 7’ rod with heavy and fast power and action options, respectively.
Besides, you’ll enjoy smooth reeling thanks to the hybrid design guide system and the H.E.T. (High Energy Transfer) reel seat with soft coat texture.
It’s also very comfortable to use for extended periods due to its high-density EVA Split grip handles.
Pros:
- Travel-friendly
- Versatile
- Comfortable EVA split grip handle
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Not well-balanced
Bottom Line
Berkley E-Motion is an excellent frog rod for travel enthusiasts thanks to its lightness and two-piece construction. It’s also suitable for bass fishing using frog baits because of its convenient specs.
5. KastKing Speed Demon Pro – Best Quality
KastKing Speed Demon Pro is excellent for combining elite carbon blanks that utilize the carbon nanotube resin technology meant to reduce weight and increase durability. This 0.3-pound rod is 30% stronger and less likely to break than standard graphite blanks. Moreover, this rod might just be the most sensitive one you’ll ever use.
Additionally, it comes with a 7’2” rod model specifically designed to be a frog rod with its heavy power and fast action options. Such options allow anglers to quickly set the hook and get it deep down into the bass mouth before they swim away. It also enables anglers to pull up all kinds of fish no matter how heavy they are.
Additionally, you’ll enjoy the Fuji guides and excellent reel seats, ensuring the reels stay in their place and the lines never get frayed or slowed down.
As for the handles and fighting butts, it features Winn golf-style grips that ensure comfort for as long as you use the rod.
What’s more, it has a line rating of 12-25 pound test and a lure rating of 3/8 – 1 1/4 ounces, which is perfect for throwing frogs.
Pros:
- Employs carbon nanotube resin technology
- Durable
- Comfortable Winn grip
- Lightweight
- Very sensitive
Cons:
- Expensive
Bottom Line
KastKing Speed Demon Pro is one of the best high-quality frog rods on the market because the carbon blank utilizes the nanotube resin technology, which increases durability. It’s also perfect for throwing frogs thanks to its suitable power and action options.
How to Buy the Best Frog Rod
Before buying a frog rod, there are some factors you should be aware of because they could easily make or break your fishing trip. You’ll find some of these factors below with reasons stating why they are essential to consider.
Type
A spinning rod is best used with light baits, lures and light monofilament fishing line. For this reason, it is best to use a baitcasting rod when using frogs as baits. Such rods provide anglers with more accuracy with the flick of a wrist.
And accuracy is of paramount importance when throwing frogs because you must aim the rod at potential places of bass like weed beds or groups of lily pads. These are the places where bass can safely hide while waiting for frogs to swim by. Moreover, it’s more comfortable to use for extended hours.
Action
One of the biggest challenges when fishing with frogs is the hookup as it determines the success rate of your fishing trip. To help perfect the hooksets to land more fish, you must know which rod action to choose. But first, let’s introduce this feature.
The rod’s action implies the place where the bending takes place. For example, slow action rods bend all the way into the handle, moderate ones bend over the last half, and fast or extra fast action rods bend at the tip. This means that fast and fast action rods are highly sensitive, which is a great feature to opt for when using frog baits to catch bass.
It’s also the most suitable because it allows you to hook the fish up as fast as possible and bring them on your boat. And this is precisely what you must do once the bass comes for the frog; otherwise, it will swim away to find cover.
Sadly, you will be sacrificing your ability to cast for long distances.
Power
The power of the rod has to do with the size of fish you’ll catch, but that’s not the only aspect you should consider before determining the power option to go for. You also need to determine the lure’s weight and the type of fishing line you’ll use.
In our case, you’ll be using frog baits, which is pretty heavy compared to other baits. Also, since you’ll be fishing in heavy covers, you’ll usually use heavy braid.
For the above reasons, it’s apparent that you should go for a sturdy rod. Anything between medium to extra heavy power options will be good. But the higher the power option, the better your fishing experience will be.
Length
Rods between 7’ and 7’6” are the best because they result in a higher percentage of hookups and help you cast a bit further than shorter rods.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Line Should I Use for Frog Fishing?
Braided superlines in the 50-80 pound class are the most famous. Monofilament lines in the 20-30 pound class are also common.
Is the Color of the Frog I Use Important?
If you usually fish in muddy water or on a sunny day in clear water, you should buy black or dark frogs. In case you fish in stained water with overcast skies, chartreuse and white-colored frogs are the best to go for.
What is the Best Gear Ratio for Frog Fishing?
Most anglers prefer fast gear ratios falling between 6:3 and 7:3 because they allow for fast-burning presentations. This way, the frog looks as if it’s swimming and lots of bait swim towards it.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the products above, we hope that you can easily choose the best frog rod by now. We would also love to direct you to some of the models we love the most.
Dobyns Rods Fury 735C has earned its place on the top of our list for many aspects. For example, we love how tailored it is to frog baits with its heavy power and extra-fast action 7’3”-rod. These features ensure you’ll catch heavy bass with ease. We also love its lightness, durability and low price.
In the second place comes Lew’s Speed Stick TP-1 IM8 – the best frog rod under $100. It’s the best one for anyone whose hand sweat a lot because it features an integrated Winn Grip technology and not just a cork handle, ensuring it won’t ever slip. Moreover, its fast action combined with the medium-heavy power option make it an excellent frog rod.