Let’s Talk About Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502
The Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 is a topwater lure designed to mimic a frog, a favorite prey of bass and other predatory fish. Crafted by Live Target, a company renowned for its incredibly realistic bait designs, this hollow-body frog popper is specifically designed with input from professional angler Scott Martin. Its narrow profile, cupped face, strong hook, and soft body are engineered for enticing action and solid hooksets, aiming to convert more strikes into landed fish.
For years, I’ve relied on topwater frogs to entice explosive strikes in heavy cover, but I’ve always been on the hunt for that perfect frog that combines realistic action with reliable hookups. Tired of frogs that either looked good but didn’t walk right or hooked poorly, I decided to give the Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 a try. I was especially drawn to its Scott Martin “Signature Series” designation, hoping it would incorporate the wisdom of a seasoned pro.
The Live Target frog comes in a simple blister pack, showcasing the lure’s design and color. The first thing I noticed was the incredibly realistic tan and brown coloration, a near-perfect match to the natural frogs in my local waters. The body felt soft and pliable, promising good compression during hooksets, and the hook felt stout and sharp. Compared to my usual Strike King KVD Frog and Savage Gear 3D Bat, the Live Target frog felt more refined and focused on mimicking a smaller frog profile. While the KVD frog excels at covering water quickly and the 3D Bat offers a unique presentation, I hoped the Live Target frog would shine in situations requiring a more subtle and realistic approach.
Initially, I was impressed with the Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502’s attention to detail. I was cautiously optimistic that it would live up to the hype and become a go-to lure in my topwater arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 at a local lake known for its heavy lily pad fields and submerged timber. The conditions were ideal: overcast skies, a slight breeze, and water temperatures in the low 70s. I tied it onto my favorite frog rod – a 7’3″ heavy-action casting rod with 65lb braided line.
The frog walked easily right out of the package, and its cupped face created a tantalizing popping sound with each twitch of the rod tip. The tan and brown color blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings, and the lure’s small size made it appear incredibly realistic. On only my third cast, a bass exploded on the frog, but I missed the hookset. After that heart-stopping moment, the rest of the day yielded no more strikes, but I attributed it to fishing pressure and not the bait itself.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 in various conditions, I’ve formed a solid opinion. The lure continues to walk and pop effectively, even after repeated abuse around heavy cover. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the body, and the color has held up well despite constant exposure to sunlight and vegetation.
Cleaning the frog is simple; I just rinse it with fresh water after each use and let it air dry. Compared to some of my other frogs that require constant tuning and maintenance, the Live Target frog has been remarkably reliable. While it didn’t immediately become my top producing frog, its consistent performance and realistic action make it a valuable addition to my tackle box.
Breaking Down the Features of Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502
Specifications
- Type of Water: Freshwater – This confirms its intended use for inland fishing, making it suitable for lakes, ponds, and rivers.
- Size: 2″ – This smaller profile makes it ideal for pressured waters or when fish are targeting smaller prey.
- Style: Floating – The floating design is crucial for topwater action, allowing it to be worked effectively over cover.
- Depth: Surface – Designed specifically for surface fishing, maximizing its effectiveness in shallow water and around vegetation.
- Weight: 3/8 oz – This weight allows for decent casting distance while maintaining its ability to stay on the surface.
- Color: Tan/Brown – The realistic color pattern mimics natural frogs, increasing its appeal to predatory fish.
These specifications combine to create a lure perfectly suited for fishing in environments where bass and other predators are actively feeding on frogs near the surface. The smaller size, realistic color, and surface-oriented design provide an irresistible presentation for enticing strikes in pressured or clear waters.
Performance & Functionality
The Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 excels at walking-the-dog and popping, thanks to its strategically designed cupped face. The hook-up ratio, while not perfect, is respectable due to the soft, collapsible body that allows for better hook penetration. However, the hook is slightly smaller than what is found on some competing frogs, so it’s essential to use a strong hookset.
The lure is easy to use, requiring minimal tuning or adjustments straight out of the package. The design meets expectations, offering a realistic presentation and reliable action.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, using durable materials that withstand constant abuse around heavy cover. Its weight and balance provide good casting distance and accurate presentations, although its smaller profile might be difficult to cast on heavier setups. The soft body material allows for easy hook penetration during strikes.
The frog is user-friendly with no steep learning curve. Anyone familiar with topwater frog fishing will be able to effectively use this lure.
Durability & Maintenance
The Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 is built to last, even with frequent use in challenging environments. Maintenance is minimal; rinsing with fresh water after each use is sufficient.
Repairing tears or punctures in the body is relatively easy with common soft plastic repair glues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 does not come with any additional accessories.
Modifications are possible, such as replacing the hook with a larger size or adding rattles for increased sound attraction. Aftermarket frog legs can be attached for customized action, and the body can be painted or dyed for unique color patterns. The lure is compatible with most standard frog hooks and rattles.
Pros and Cons of Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502
Pros
- Realistic tan/brown color pattern closely mimics natural frogs.
- Easy to walk-the-dog and pop right out of the package.
- Durable construction withstands heavy cover.
- Soft body material aids in hook penetration.
- Scott Martin “Signature Series” design incorporates pro angler expertise.
Cons
- Hook size could be larger for improved hook-up ratio.
- Smaller profile may not be ideal for all situations.
Who Should Buy Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502?
The Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 is perfect for anglers targeting bass in pressured waters or when fish are focused on smaller prey. It is also ideal for anglers who appreciate realistic lure designs and want a frog that walks easily and consistently. This frog is well-suited for both beginner and experienced topwater anglers.
Those seeking a larger, more aggressive frog for covering water quickly or fishing in extremely heavy cover might want to consider alternative options.
Must-have accessories include a quality frog rod with a strong backbone and high-test braided line for powerful hooksets.
Conclusion on Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502
The Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 is a well-designed and effective topwater lure that offers a realistic presentation and reliable action. At $12.49, the price is justified given the quality of construction and attention to detail.
I would personally recommend this frog to anglers looking to add a realistic and easy-to-use topwater option to their tackle box. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Tan/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T502 is sure to entice some explosive strikes. Add this frog to your arsenal and get ready for some heart-stopping topwater action!