I've fished only hollow body frogs and mice with some good success but I'm curious to try some texas rigged style plastic frogs/toads this season. I plan on using my MH 7'0 with either 20lb braid + 20/15lb fluoro leader or straight fluoro. Any preference on braid vs fluoro? The cover I'll be fishing won't be too nasty - just mostly lily pads, maybe some weeds, etc - stuff you find in the North East and Ontario. Bass size are prob 1-5lb where I fish although I would be curious on what would need to change if I fished in Texas or Okeechobee for instance.

 

My initial research showed rage toad and horny toads to be popular. Can I get away with any of these hooks I already have:

 

Owner Wide Gap Plus Hook #4/0 Black Chrome 5PK

Owner Wide Gap Plus Hook #5/0 Black Chrome 5PK

Owner All Purpose Soft Bait Hook #4/0 Black Chrome 4PK

Owner Weighted Beast w/ Twistlock 4/0 Hook #1/8oz. Black Chrome 3PK

Owner Weighted Beast w/ Twistlock 6/0 Hook #1/4 oz. Black Chrome 3PK

 

Or should I order something else? Also I saw some people using double hooks sort of like the ones used in hollow body frogs. Do they help with anything in particular? I prefer not to have to pack those as they're a bit bulky and their shape are a bit more annoying for the way I pack my terminal tackly (just little ziplocks).

 

Any other similar surface baits to try?

I like the weighted hooks with the hitchhiker . The weight keeps them from turning upside down . The ones I have been using , which were recommended by Jaderose,  are from VMC . 

I think any of those hooks would work although the first 2 look like they have more gap than i would like. I've used double hooks and screwlocks and don't like either personally nor do i use weighted hooks and prefer mustad grip pins. For gear straight braid on a heavy power rod for me. Finally those toads mentioned are fine but my toad of choice is the big bite baits top toad which by coincidence i had 8 packs land on my porch today.

Non hollow body frog is a toad. Popular to use a toad as a buzz bait trailer in Florida or Texas. No reason to use a leader, straight braid works,

Tom

8 hours ago, WRB said:

Popular to use a toad as a buzz bait trailer in Florida or Texas

 

Uhh no they ain't ?

 

Been throwing em longer than hollow bodies.

 

Most popular Zoom's Horny Toad & Stanley's Ribbit or Bull Ribbit.

 

Hook is Stanley's Double Take or Mustad's KVD Grip-Pin 

 

My setup

Diawia Tatula TTU731MHFB 

7'3" Medium Heavy Fast 

 

Lew's Tournament MP spooled with Sufix 832 50#

I like Gambler's Cane toad. I fish it like a buzz bait on 50 pound braid.  It's a big fish magnet.  

Rage Toad

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Strike_King_Rage_Tail_Toad_5pk/descpage-SKRT.html