David P

Frog Rods : They are normal bass rods, but there are "ideal" lengths and powers that will help with hooking and landing more fish. Longer rods help, they move more line on the hook set and enable you to cast further. I get a much more solid hook set with a 7'3 - 7'6 rod then a 6'6 - 7ft rod. Power wise, I use an XTRA Heavy rod, some guys like just Heavy. Depending on your own body of water, and how much cover you're throwing your frog on or next to, that's up for you to decide. Line: Braid is a must, no stretch in the line helps dramatically with hooking up and landing those fish. It also helps cut through the weeds and it's strong as all hell. 30lb-50lb braid is a little light in my opinion. 30lb braid digs into itself while fighting a big fish, or pulling out of a snag. I've broken 50lb on not a "large" fish before, so I just stay with 65lb. You're fishing top water, the line diameter and visibility isn't as "crucial" as other techniques, so why not bump your chances up of landing a giant fish. I've caught a TON of 5-6lb bass on frogs, and a few in the 7 and 8lb range. I personally use a Dobyns 736 rod for frogs, and just recently bumped up to 70lb Daiwa Samurai braid. I was using 65lb Power Pro with no issues. Daiwa is just smoother. Hope this helps a bit. Frog fishing is a blast, and it's almost that time of year. Good luck.

Wait for a Revo S to pop up in the flea market

They work year round. You'll also be able to do quite a bit of bed fishing if that's your thing.

Stick with 65, if you bump up higher, it can put a damper on your casting distance. 65 is a great all around line for what you're looking to do. As for leader, I use fluoro and copoly depending on where I'm fishing. Google a blood knot to see the knot that I like to use. I've yet to have an issue with it. I use 12,15,20,25, and 30lb leaders depending on conditions.

Go 65 to be safe. I have broken 50lb test from several companies. If you have a chance at a 7-9lb fish, there's no reason not to play it safe.

Jigs, T-Rigs, Senkos, C-Rig, Smaller Swimbaits, Spinnerbaits around heavier cover, lots of options!

There are TWO versions of the glass rod, a moderate and a fast action. The fast action is the best of both worlds in my opinion. I cast much more accurate with a faster tip and I just like the feel of it better. BUT it's still great for crankbaits because of the parabolic bend to it once the rod is loaded up with a fish. I'm not a fan of soft/whippy rods either, this is why the 705 Glass Fast action was the PERFECT rod for me. It's made cranking much more fun for me. Sounds like you're on a similar page I was, and I'm VERY satisfied with the 705Glass. You could go down to the 704 but that's up to you. I like the added backbone. I've thrown DD22's on mine a few times.

I have the 705 Glass, and have played with the 704 Glass rod. I like the 705 Glass with the faster tip. I cast 1/4oz baits with no problem at all on this rod, as well as tiny ripbaits (Pointer 65) and such. I use a Zillion to cast these baits and I do just fine. I picked the 705 because I wanted a little more back bone.

LC Slender Pointer LC Pointer LC Staysee 90 v3 Oh that's it..

I don't trim skirts, or weed guards.

Or wait until the Extreme rods go on sale. Either would work MUCH better then an ugly stick.

For lighter swim jigs in the half ounce range, I use a Dobyns 765 flipping stick and 65lb braid. For a little beefier swimjigs I like the Dobyns 795 Swimbait rod. If you're never going to go over a half ounce, a 734 would work as well. The length is the first two numbers of the model numbers just so you can understand the lengths I'm using.

You can, but you shouldn't. There's quite a few rods that are only a bit more expensive yet will do you MUCH better.

I throw both on a Dobyns 733 , 1/8oz baits can be a little difficult to cast with an STX so I have a Premier on mine, but manage to do quite well. If I were not throwing baits over 1/4oz and only throwing smaller worms , I would go with my Dobyns 702. But if you're throwing 6" senkos and 10" worms but just with a light weight, then I'd go 733.

I've used the Champion 735 for spinnerbaits before and loved it, I don't have my 735 yet as I just ordered it, but have held it and it felt great! I should have it here in the next week or two and will be glad to let you know how it goes. But given I've used the 735 Champ, and held the Savvy, I have very high hopes!

I remember they did a study during one tournament shown on ESPN where they caught and tagged a few fish. They turned out to go BACK to where they were caught. I'm sure this doesn't happen with all fish, but it does happen. Over here, some tournaments get a release boat. They fill the boat up with all the fish from the tournament, t hen drive around the river and release them at different spots.

If you can afford it, it's worth it. If money is very tight, then the Savvy is still a great rod. The champions are built on a different blank and are more sensitive. I just ordered a Savvy for Spinnerbaits/Chatterbaits, and continue to use my Champions for baits I need the extra sensitivity for.

I use a Dobyns 702 for both shaky head and drop shot, works perfect for both. I've caught fish up to 7lbs on it with no problems. The rod is a blast to catch little or big fish. Depending on the cover you fish, ML or M will do the trick.

Shallow cranks 12 or 15fluoro# Mid depth cranks 12 or 15fluoro# Deep cranks 12fluoro# Spinnerbait 20fluoro# Jerkbait 12fluoro# Texas Rig 20 or 25# Carolina Rig 55# braid, 15# fluorocarbon leader Frog 65# braid Traps 50lb braid or 15lb fluoro# Jig 65lb braid with 20-30lb leader, or 15lb fluoro straight#

For where I fish, Dobyns 765. Super light, super well balanced, and extremely sensitive. For lakes and such, I'd go with the Dobyns Extreme 744.

I fish stuff similar to that, AND THICKER. I use a Dobyns 805 . It's an 8ft MEAT STICK. It isn't ideal for swimbaits, but it is the best tool for flipping that stuff. You could get by tossing swimbaits on it, but it's definitely more for fishing that stuff. I like a rod that loads up a bit more for swimbaits, and I like a STIFF rod for flipping jigs. Are you going to be doing one more then another? Or 50/50?

Dobyns 705 Glass, extremely light for a glass rod.

I have only fished 1 Permier and it was a cranking rod. I have heard the Premiers and Mojos don't balance too well, but that's only what I have heard. The Dobyns Savvy on the other hands were built with the focus of being a very well balanced rod. This causes the rod to feel MUCH lighter. Balance always helps, but with flipping sticks it's VERY important. Longer rods have a major tendency to be very tip heavy. I'd go with the Savvy.

I have had a LOT of problems with the uni knot attaching braid to fluoro. I tie a blood knot and if it's tied right, I've never had a single issue.

If you've never fished it before... You'll be lost. Everything on the Delta looks like prime water, and a lot is not. You could waste weeks out there with very little success depending on how and where you're fishing. Remember tide plays a big roll in when these fish eat. Get a tide book. Booking a guide would give you the most fun. Bobby Barrack is one hell of a spring/summer guy. He'll put you on some good size fish.