Do you guys keep the hook point in the hook slot on the bait or on the flat side? I've always used the slot but after missing about 20 fish the other day and it costing me a tourney win (3 ounces) I'm wondering if there's a better way. I even had success with a trailer hook not getting hung up but still had a fish go unhooked. I could see where his teeth scraped down the side of the bait (had the frog sideways in his mouth).

I thought maybe keeping the hook out of the slot would increase hookups. It really bugs me because, up until this point, I've had few problems.

I'm using an Owner 5/0 spring lock hook with a bead on the line just in front. I'm also using 50lb braid and a 7'10" MH rod and I'm crossing their eyes so that's not the problem.

I lay the point of the hook on top of the slot

With my hand I just double check to make sure that hook point will pop out clean without any nuisance of the plastic

I know you know this but.....just slow down even more reacting to the bite. I have to tell myself that all the time hahaha I get excited

 

 

Pre-mature ejurkulation is never a good thing.....{LOL}...

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Pre-mature ejurkulation is never a good thing.....{LOL}...

I use a 3/0 widegap, and jusr bury the tip of the hook in the slot. No problems with hookups, just give the fish a second to get the frog in its mouth. I run mine on the surface so the feet splash around.

Take A-rob's advice. It's hard to see where your rod, line or hook would be a problem, so it's probably some combination of technique and lousy luck, with the latter being more likely if this was an aberration and less likely if it's happening consistently.

I only wait unitl I can see my frog, I dont wait to feel the fish.

If you cant see your bait, it can only be in one place.....cause bass don't have hands.

It's probably a matter of slowing down just a bit. I think I'll keep the trailer hook on since it's not getting hung and that'll help with the ones that grab the legs. I'll also turn the hook around on the bait just to see if it helps. I'm reminded of the days of the helicopter lure. I used to fish it exclusively as a kid and it took a bit of hesitation before setting the hook. I remember letting them run with it for a few seconds.

I like the rage shad a LOT better than the horny toad, draws more strikes and the hookup rate for me is much better.

i use the 4/0 screw-lock hook made by zoom for the horny toad [as on the label] and have had great success with it.

these frogs may not have the insanely crazy-leg action of other frogs,but i fish them over HEAVY mats slowly in the summer and the bass will crush this bugger!!

There's lots of ways that you can rig a Horny Toad.

The first is a 5/0 Gammy EWG, the second is a Zoom screw lock hook made for the Horny Toad, the third is a Matzuo 5/0 extra long shank, and the last is an Eagle Claw with a weed guard.

My most-used is the first and second because they are most weed resistant.

The one with the easiest hookup is the third. The hook point goes up around the end of the body and between the legs and the point is placed in the skin on the back. It gets knocked loose sometimes, but hookups are really easy.

The last, with the Eagle Claw, was experimental but it actually works pretty well.

Not quite what ya asked but try t rigging them............just saying

I just skin hook em and never have a issue but I don't use em on top just t rig rage gets the nod for topwater