Hey guys, I got my first Rage Tail Toads lastnight. When using them do you tear their back legs apart, I mean where they curve around and attatch? Or do you just leave them?

Thanks

Pull 'em apart.  I think they are attached so they keep their shape in the package or something... More action with them separated though... Big O will tell you for sure...

You are supposed to break the tabs on the ends of the legs. I have been using these for almost two months, they are awesome baits and they are my go to top water bait.

Awesome. Thanks guys. They look pretty whicked! I'm tryin them out tonight. I'll post back with some pictures and results. Thanks!

FYI: Some people have had issues with the frogs running upside down you can eliminate the problem by using a keel weighted hook. I have only had a couple of toads that had this issue and corrected it by stopping my retrieve for a couple of seconds and then giving it a slight twitch of the rod. I then reel in the toad normally and it is runs fine.

Its not just the toads. Most rage tail baits have tear tabs on them. All they do is keep the appendages from getting messed up during shipping. They are meant to be separated, like ron said, as soon as you start fishing them.

I'm sure you can leave them attached to change the action, but I really don't see a reason for it.

Some of the toads will flip over. Just kill it and rip it or use a keel weighted hook. For all toads, I use keel weighted hooks 100% of the time.  Also using a heavy wire 5/0 or 6/0 hook usually will have enough to pull it upright.  

Which keel weighted hooks do you use? I ordered some Gamakatsu Weighted Superline EWG Hooks in 1/16 and 1/8 oz. I didn't see any other weights.

I use the big bite hooks in whatever sizes academy carries.  I really don't have a preference, but I'd say that they are a 3/0 or 4/0 EWG hook with a 1/8 or 3/16 weight.  I'm thinking about getting a mold made to pour some larger sizes.  That's later on down the road though.

Those hooks you ordered should be just fine.  I prefer keel weighted hooks for all of my toad fishing.  I like regular hooks for rage shads.  Just a preference of mine.

Has anyone used the tungsten double hook? Looks like it will work great on the rage toad.

I haven't used them Marshmaster but I bet I'm gonna try them out

Big O

Yeah it can't hurt to have an extra hook. Plus it will weigh the bottom of the frog so it will run true. I plan on ordering them this weekend and I will try them out during the week. I'll get back with ya'll on their pro's and con's.

I actually read this post yesterday.  On the way home from work I was in Dick's and happend to pick up these toads and a package of the shad.  I tried the toads last night and for the life of me could not get it to run straight.  It would run on it's back, or slowly rotate.  I varied my speed hoping that would help. I even did the hesitation approach, but could not get it right.  Then I remembered this post and switched to a weighted hook.  Ran correct and straight for the rest of the night!  I had 3 hits, but no catches.  But I was just trying it out for a site I am going to this weekend that will be a better match for this bait.  

The only dissapointment was I did have a pretty nice bass hit, I set the hook, he pealed off some line.  I had him on long enough I was sure I had him on good.  He never jumped, but he did change directions and my line went limp!  Oh well, I was bad at setting the hooks correctly with worms when I started using them, I will just have to get better with the frog now!

If you continue to have problems with the way the frog runs start using a keel weighted hook, it will help keep in running correctly.  

Also remember that the first thing the bass will try to do when it attacks a frog is to  disable it by biting at the legs and then eat it.  You need to give the bass a second or two to eat the frog before you set the hook otherwise the bass is going to let go of the frog.

I have really good luck with these frogs and I have caught more bass on top water with them than any other bait.