Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure Review

First Impressions of Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure

The Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure promises heart-stopping topwater action, and as an experienced angler, that’s a siren song I can’t resist. For years, I’ve chased that explosive strike, that moment when a bass obliterates the surface tension, and a well-designed frog is often the key. Northland Fishing Tackle has a reputation for quality, and I was eager to see if this lure lived up to the hype, especially at its affordable price point of $5.27-$9.99.

I needed a reliable, weedless frog that could navigate heavy cover where big bass lurk. Many lures claim to be weedless, but fall short when faced with thick lily pads and matted vegetation. I was hoping the Reed-Runner Frog Lure would be the answer to my prayers.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the realistic pattern and the soft, hollow body. The 4/0 hook looked sharp and well-positioned for solid hooksets. It felt lightweight but robust enough to handle a decent-sized bass.

Compared to a LiveTarget Hollow Body Frog and a Spro Bronzeye Frog, the Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure appeared simpler in design. I chose it initially because of its smaller profile and lower price point, thinking it would be ideal for pressured waters where fish are wary of larger, more elaborate offerings. I was excited to put it to the test against those other topwater titans.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The lure looked good, felt good, and the price was certainly right. I was eager to see if it could deliver on its promise of heart-stopping strikes.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure on a local lake known for its dense lily pad fields and emergent vegetation. It was a warm, sunny afternoon, perfect topwater conditions. The water was slightly stained, and the air was thick with humidity.

The lure performed admirably in the heavy cover. It slid through the lily pads with ease, rarely snagging, thanks to its weedless design. The walking action was relatively easy to achieve with a rhythmic twitch of the rod tip, creating a subtle but enticing disturbance on the water’s surface.

After about an hour of casting, I finally got the strike I was waiting for. A largemouth exploded on the frog, engulfing it in a swirl of water and vegetation. The hookset was solid, and after a brief but spirited fight, I landed a healthy 3-pounder.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure, it has proven to be a reliable and effective tool in my topwater arsenal. The soft plastic body has held up surprisingly well, showing only minor signs of wear and tear from repeated use and aggressive strikes. The hook remains sharp, and the weedless design continues to perform flawlessly.

I’ve caught several more bass on the Reed-Runner Frog Lure, ranging in size from 2 to 4 pounds. I haven’t landed any monsters yet, but the lure has consistently produced strikes when other topwater baits have failed. It’s easy to clean by rinsing it with water and letting it air dry.

Compared to some of the higher-end frogs I’ve used, the Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure may not have the same level of detail or refinement. However, its performance and reliability are comparable, and its affordability makes it an excellent value. It has exceeded my initial expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure

Specifications

• Lure Type: Jig This categorization might be misleading since it’s primarily used as a topwater lure. It is more accurate to categorize it as a frog lure.
• Quantity: 1 You get one lure per package. This is standard for most frog lures.
• Length: 2.75 in This compact size makes it ideal for smaller fish or pressured waters. It’s a size that bass readily attack.
• Hook Type: 4/0 The 4/0 hook provides excellent hookup ratios. It’s large enough to grab hold in a bass’s mouth.
• Additional Features: Inland This indicates the lure is designed for freshwater fishing. This is where it truly shines.

These specifications combine to create a compact, weedless, and effective topwater lure. The sharp hook and hollow body ensure solid hooksets, while the compact size makes it appealing to a wide range of bass.

Performance & Functionality

The Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure excels at triggering explosive topwater strikes in heavy cover. Its weedless design allows it to navigate dense vegetation with ease, while its walking action creates a subtle but enticing disturbance on the water’s surface. It definitely meets expectations.

One of its strengths is its simplicity. The Reed-Runner doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it gets the job done effectively. A potential improvement would be adding a rattle chamber for additional sound attraction.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is good, especially considering the price point. The soft plastic body is durable and resilient, and the hook is sharp and well-positioned. The lure’s compact size and lightweight design make it comfortable to cast for extended periods.

There is minimal learning curve involved. Even a novice angler can quickly master the walking action with a little practice.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure should last for several seasons of fishing. I expect it to withstand the rigors of heavy cover fishing for a while.

Maintenance is simple. Just rinse with water and let it air dry after each use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited, but some anglers may choose to add rattles or modify the skirt for a different action.

It is compatible with most standard frog lure accessories, such as replacement skirts and rattles. Adding weight to the lure can also alter its action and sink rate.

Pros and Cons of Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Frog Lure