Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater Review

First Impressions of Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater

The Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater promises to be a formidable weapon in the arsenal of any angler targeting bass in heavy cover. Designed by Lunkerhunt, this frog bait boasts a tapered nose, enlarged air bladder, and oversized hooks, all geared towards extracting big fish from the thickest vegetation. My initial curiosity was piqued by its aggressive name and the promise of high hook-up percentages, a persistent challenge in my local weedy waters.

I’d been searching for a topwater frog that could reliably navigate dense lily pads and matted grass. Too many times, I’ve watched potential trophy fish inhale my lure only to lose them due to poor hook penetration or the frog’s inability to shed weeds. The promise of weedless performance and superior hooksets drew me to the Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater.

Upon unboxing, the frog’s soft, hollow body felt instantly promising. The rubber felt supple, suggesting easy compression for hook exposure during a strike. Compared to my existing Spro Bronzeye Frog 65, which feels a bit firmer, the Combat Frog seemed like it would offer a more forgiving bite. I was also eyeing up the LiveTarget Hollow Body Frog, but the Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater‘s price point and aggressive styling edged it out. I was initially excited by the feel and look of the frog, but cautiously optimistic about its true performance in the water.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater was on Lake Seminole, known for its expansive hydrilla mats and lurking largemouth bass. I targeted areas where the vegetation was thickest, the kind of places where conventional lures are all but useless. The frog slid effortlessly through the heavy cover.

The conditions were typical for a Florida summer – hot, humid, and with periodic afternoon showers. Even when wet, the frog maintained its buoyancy. The initial retrieves were smooth, and the frog’s legs created a subtle but enticing gurgle as they extended and retracted. I got an explosive strike after only a few casts!

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater has proven itself as a reliable and effective lure. The body has held up surprisingly well to the abuse of countless casts and hooksets. There are minor cosmetic scratches, but no significant tears or punctures.

Cleaning the frog is simple – a quick rinse with fresh water after each use is usually sufficient. Compared to some other hollow-body frogs I’ve used, the Combat Frog‘s body seems more resistant to waterlogging. It has outperformed my expectations in terms of durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater

Specifications

• Lure Type: Soft Bait. This construction allows for easy compression, increasing hookup ratios.
• Tackle Weight: 3/4 oz. This weight allows for long casts and good stability in the water.
• Quantity: 1. Each purchase includes one frog.
• Length: 2.5 in. This is a good size for attracting both smaller and larger bass.
• Water Type: Freshwater. This lure is designed specifically for freshwater fishing.
• Hook Type: Weedless. This allows the frog to be fished in heavy cover without snagging.

These specifications are critical to the Combat Frog‘s overall performance. The weight allows for accurate casting even in windy conditions, while the weedless design enables fishing in dense vegetation where bass often hide. The soft body material ensures good hook penetration, a key factor for successful frog fishing.

Performance & Functionality

The Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater excels at its primary job: attracting bass in heavy cover and converting strikes into hookups. The tapered nose allows it to slip through weeds with ease, while the enlarged air bladder keeps it floating high and prevents the hooks from snagging. The oversized hooks provide excellent bite.

The frog’s performance is consistently strong, especially when fished with a steady retrieve punctuated by pauses. The legs extend and retract on the retrieve, creating a lifelike action that entices strikes. While the hookup ratio isn’t 100%, it’s significantly better than many other frogs I’ve used.

Design & Ergonomics

The Combat Frog‘s design is well thought out and functional. The soft, hollow body is easy to compress, exposing the hooks during a strike. The frog sits nicely on the water.

The frog is very user-friendly, even for anglers new to topwater frog fishing. There’s no real learning curve involved – simply tie it on, cast it out, and retrieve it with a steady, rhythmic motion. The design focuses on simplicity and effectiveness.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater is surprisingly durable for a soft-bodied lure. After months of use, the body shows only minor signs of wear. The hooks remain sharp and rust-free.

Maintenance is minimal – a quick rinse after each use is usually all that’s needed. The frog’s simple design makes it easy to inspect and address any minor issues. With proper care, the Combat Frog should last for many fishing trips.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater doesn’t come with any additional accessories, but its design allows for some customization. Anglers can easily trim the legs to adjust the frog’s action. Some anglers also add rattles to the body for increased noise and attraction.

The Combat Frog is compatible with most standard frog fishing tackle. It pairs well with a heavy-action rod, high-speed reel, and braided line. It’s a versatile bait that can be adapted to various fishing conditions and techniques.

Pros and Cons of Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater

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Who Should Buy Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater?

The Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater is perfect for anglers targeting bass in heavy cover, such as lily pads, matted grass, and reeds. This includes both beginner and experienced anglers alike. Its ease of use and weedless design make it a great choice for anyone looking to catch bass in challenging conditions.

Anglers who primarily fish open water or clear lakes may not find the Combat Frog as useful. Someone who prefers extremely subtle presentations might not like the more aggressive action of this frog. Heavy braid is almost a must for effective frog fishing.

Conclusion on Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater

The Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater is a highly effective and surprisingly durable lure that delivers on its promise of extracting big fish from heavy cover. The combination of weedless performance, high hookup ratio, and realistic action makes it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. The price is justified, offering excellent value for the money.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater to anyone looking to improve their frog fishing game. If you’re tired of losing fish in the weeds, give this frog a try – you won’t be disappointed. Grab a Lunkerhunt Combat Frog Bait Topwater and get ready to do battle with those hidden lunkers!