Improved Versions
Of the Classic Style
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JANUARY 2018 I FLWFISHING.COM
In the category of “refined frogs,” the one that stands
out the most is the River2Sea Phat Mat Daddy Frog. The
name is a mouthful, and so is the bait, with its broad-
backed design and hefty 7/8-ounce body. Frog master
Ish Monroe designed it as a technique-specific frog with
mat fishing in mind – the idea being that anglers don’t
have to modify their frogs to fish the thick stuff because
this one comes ready for mats right out of the package.
The Mat Daddy is weighted to leave a deep impression
in a layer of green slop, and the nose is even wrapped
tight with thread so it wo n’t suck in water over time.
Plus there’s a rattle chamber for calling even more
attention. Monroe incorporated other features that he’s
used on his previous frog designs, too, such as a hook
slot separated from the internal air chamber, which pre-
vents water from flooding the body cavity on the hook-
set. Price is $10.99.
The $9.99 Jackall Kaera takes the opposite approach.
At 2 1/4 inches long, it’s a small-profile bait, but it’s
rated as a 1/2-ounce lure. It should launch a mile as a
result, and its compact body makes it a good choice for
skipping under docks and overhanging trees, or for any
scenario where a smaller bait imitator makes sense. The
angled “chin” makes walking easier, and a drain hole in
the tail lets water out.
Not-too-Froggy Frogs
“Realistic” is the Livetarget business model, but bass
aren’t picky enough to recognize that the new Livetarget
Mullet was designed to resemble a saltwater baitfish
species. All they’ll see is a long baitfish body skirting
side to side through grass and wood, or under a dock.
Livetarget created a pretty cool through-body weedless
single-hook design that, once tested by bass anglers, will
really determine this bait’s place in a bass boat. Sizes
include 3 3/4, 4 1/4 and 5 3/8 inches, while the price
varies from $11.99 to $12.99.
Finally, Evergreen, maker of premium everything,
incorporated the big lips of its Shower Blows topwater
stick bait onto a hollow, collapsible body to create the
SS-77. It’s pretty obvious just from looking at the bait
that the lips are designed to spit and spray. A contoured
butt reduces bulk in the hook area for easier walking
and better hookups, and the rabbit fur single tail is a
cool addition. It’s a neat product, but a bit pricey at
$15.95.
1. Livetarget Mullet
2. Jackall Kaera
3. River2Sea Phat Mat Daddy Frog
4. Evergreen SS-77
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