Let’s Talk About Live Target Frog,2 5/8″,HB,floating,BLK/BLK,2/0 FGH65T517
The Live Target Frog,2 5/8″,HB,floating,BLK/BLK,2/0 FGH65T517 is a topwater lure designed to mimic a frog, a favorite prey of bass and other predatory fish. Manufactured by Live Target, known for their hyper-realistic lure designs, this frog aims to entice strikes with its realistic appearance and lifelike action. This particular model, in a sleek black-on-black color scheme, is meant to excel in low-light conditions or stained water, where a silhouette is more visible than detailed coloration.
My pursuit of this specific frog stemmed from a frustrating season battling heavily pressured bass in my local lake. They were ignoring everything from crankbaits to jigs, but I’d seen them blowing up on real frogs near the weed lines. I needed a frog lure that was incredibly realistic and could handle the thickest cover without constantly snagging, and the Live Target reputation piqued my interest.
Unboxing the Live Target Frog was an experience in itself; the detail is immediately impressive. The textured body, the lifelike eyes, and even the subtle paint variations create an illusion of a real frog sitting on the water’s surface. The weight feels just right, giving me confidence it will cast well and provide a stable platform for the double hooks.
I had been using the Spro Bronzeye Frog and the Booyah Pad Crasher, both highly regarded in the frog fishing community. The Spro is durable and creates a ton of commotion, while the Booyah is more affordable and comes in a wider range of colors. However, neither possessed the hyper-realistic detail I was seeking; I wanted something that would fool even the wariest of bass.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could a lure really look this good and still perform under pressure? Only time, and some aggressive bass, would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Live Target Frog,2 5/8″,HB,floating,BLK/BLK,2/0 FGH65T517 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Live Target Frog was on my local lake, known for its dense weed mats and healthy population of largemouth bass. I targeted areas where lily pads and hydrilla created thick canopies, prime ambush points for bass. The conditions were ideal: overcast skies and a slight chop on the water, perfect for topwater action.
The Live Target Frog performed admirably, gliding effortlessly across the surface and drawing several explosive strikes. The black-on-black color was definitely effective in the slightly stained water, providing a clear profile for the bass to target. I was impressed by how easily it walked the dog with minimal effort; a gentle twitch of the rod tip was all it took to create an enticing side-to-side action.
Initially, my hook-up ratio was a bit lower than with my other frogs. The body seemed a little stiffer, requiring a more deliberate hookset. However, after a few adjustments to my technique—namely, a slightly delayed and more forceful hookset—I started landing more fish.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Live Target Frog has proven to be a reliable and effective lure. The paint job has held up surprisingly well, considering the abuse it’s taken from thick cover and aggressive strikes. I did notice some minor scratches and wear around the hook hangers, but nothing that significantly impacts performance.
The body has maintained its buoyancy and has not taken on any water, even after prolonged use. Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each trip is all it takes to keep it in top condition. I’ve found that storing it in a separate compartment in my tackle box helps to prevent the body from deforming.
Compared to my previous frog lures, the Live Target Frog definitely excels in realism and subtle action. While the Spro Bronzeye Frog excels at creating a commotion to draw fish from distance, the Live Target is better for pressured fish. It hasn’t completely replaced my other frogs, but it has earned a permanent place in my topwater arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Live Target Frog,2 5/8″,HB,floating,BLK/BLK,2/0 FGH65T517
Specifications
The Live Target Frog,2 5/8″,HB,floating,BLK/BLK,2/0 FGH65T517 boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. The 2 5/8″ size provides a realistic profile without being overly bulky, appealing to a wide range of bass sizes. These specifications directly relate to the bait’s performance in the water.
- Type of Water: Freshwater. This frog is specifically designed for freshwater environments, where its target prey—frogs—are commonly found.
- Size: 2 5/8″. This is a common size for frog imitations, providing a good balance between attracting larger fish and not being too intimidating for smaller ones.
- Hook Size: 2/0. The 2/0 double hook provides ample hook gap for solid hooksets, even with larger bass.
- Style: Floating. The floating design allows the frog to sit naturally on the surface, mimicking a real frog at rest.
- Depth: Topwater. As a topwater lure, it is designed to be fished on the surface, creating exciting visual strikes.
- Weight: 3/4 oz. This weight allows for long casts and provides stability in windy conditions.
- Color: Black/Black. The black-on-black color scheme is effective in low-light conditions or stained water.
- Quantity: Per 1. Each purchase includes one Live Target Frog.
Performance & Functionality
The Live Target Frog performs exceptionally well when fished in the right conditions. Its ability to walk the dog with minimal effort is a major strength, allowing for precise presentations around cover. The realistic appearance undoubtedly contributes to its effectiveness, especially when targeting pressured fish.
The only weakness I’ve encountered is the slightly stiffer body, which can require a more forceful hookset. However, this is easily overcome with practice. Ultimately, the Live Target Frog meets and often exceeds my expectations, especially in situations where realism is paramount.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Live Target Frog is impressive, with high-quality materials used throughout. The textured body feels durable and realistic, while the weight is well-balanced. The frog feels comfortable to fish all day long.
The design is user-friendly, requiring minimal tuning or adjustments out of the package. The weedless design effectively prevents snags in thick cover, allowing for confident casts into the heart of the nastiest vegetation. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Live Target Frog should last for multiple seasons of hard fishing. The paint job is surprisingly durable, and the body is resistant to tearing. Minimal maintenance is required, typically a fresh water rinse and air dry.
The frog is designed in such a way that repairs will not be necessary. The body can be replaced if it tears.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Live Target Frog does not come with any additional accessories. Some anglers choose to add rattles or weights to customize the sound or sink rate, but I have found it to be effective in its stock configuration. You could replace the hooks.
The hook hangers are compatible with most standard frog hooks, allowing for easy customization. Most anglers will not need to modify this bait out of the box.
Pros and Cons of Live Target Frog,2 5/8″,HB,floating,BLK/BLK,2/0 FGH65T517
Pros
- Hyper-realistic design that fools even wary bass.
- Easy to walk the dog, creating an enticing action with minimal effort.
- Effective in low-light conditions or stained water due to the black-on-black color scheme.
- Excellent weedless performance for fishing in heavy cover.
- Durable construction that holds up to repeated use and aggressive strikes.
Cons
- Slightly stiffer body may require a more forceful hookset.
- Higher price point compared to some other frog lures.
Who Should Buy Live Target Frog,2 5/8″,HB,floating,BLK/BLK,2/0 FGH65T517?
The Live Target Frog,2 5/8″,HB,floating,BLK/BLK,2/0 FGH65T517 is perfect for anglers who target bass in heavy cover, especially in pressured waters where fish are more selective. Pro anglers and weekend warriors alike will appreciate its realistic appearance and ease of use. Anyone looking to upgrade their topwater game and entice strikes from finicky bass should consider adding this frog to their tackle box.
Anglers who primarily fish open water or prefer lures that create a lot of commotion might find other frog options more suitable. Beginners may also find the slightly stiffer body challenging at first. There are no must-have accessories.
Conclusion on Live Target Frog,2 5/8″,HB,floating,BLK/BLK,2/0 FGH65T517
The Live Target Frog,2 5/8″,HB,floating,BLK/BLK,2/0 FGH65T517 is a top-tier frog lure that delivers exceptional realism and performance. While it comes with a slightly higher price tag, the quality and effectiveness justify the investment. I would definitely recommend it to any angler looking to elevate their topwater fishing.
If you’re tired of spooking bass with unrealistic lures and want a frog that truly mimics the real thing, the Live Target Frog is worth every penny. Go ahead, give it a try, and prepare for some explosive topwater action!