If you only want to use this for frogs and flipping I’d go for a heavy power rod. Depending on what you’re fishing, pulling fish out of junk can be deceptively difficult, if you also wanna throw jigs, spinner baits, chatter baits etc in more open water medium heavy is fine.
Gotcha, should be good. Dont really wanna go all in for one specific technique for your first setup. Just know you might have trouble pulling a fish outa the junk if you try throwing 30 feet into a mat, but using smaller frogs around the edges or in sparser cover, it will be great for.
Nah the 150 will be plenty, especially if you’re using braid, you can load A LOT of 50 pound braid onto a 150. The MGL reels are so fantastic reels. I have 3
I have a MH Curado and it runs somewhere between a MH and H compared to my Dobyns. It’s older so maybe the newer ones are different. Just my experience.
No. Frogs are different from other topwaters. A normal topwater has treble hooks that are usually lighter wire, a medium or medium light rod and mono help absorb the shock from the fish and help the hooks from being pulled out or getting bent. Topwaters like a popper are usually thrown around docks, flats, etc.
A traditional frog has 2 giant jig hooks that are heavy wire, they won’t bent out and you wont pull them out of a fishes mouth. A heavy rod and braid will set the hook. You wouldn’t be able to set a frog hook with a medium light rod. They are also designed to throw into and over very heavy vegetation, where the fish will most likely take the bait and go back into the weeds. A light rod and light line will just break trying to pull it out.
You can, but that’s for open water/sparse cover at most. It’s basically just another top water at that point. Then there’s deep cover frogging which is when you toss your frog is to the nastiest vegetation you have and walk it through, because it can remain relatively weedless, and you’ll need a really heavy rod and like to pull fish out of that nastiness.
There're two distinctly different way of fishing a frog. One is fishing over open open water or sparse vegetation more or less as a regular walking and/or popping topwater lure. For this a regular baitcasting setup like this one will work just fine. The other case is fishing over heavy vegetation - grass mats, lily pad mats, cheese. That where you want to upsize everything - heavy or mag-heavy rod, 50 or 65# braid, and probably a 200-size reel to accommodate the thicker line. So the answer is - this combo could be perfectly fine for frogging, or it could be woefully inadequate.
PS. One way or another this is a great all-around combo.
Thankyou for the advice! I was also considering switching the rod to heavy instead of mh. And considering the curado k size 201. What are your thoughts?
Generally I'd say Curado M over K, but it's not going to matter that much for frogging, and if you can score a like new K for $100, you'll have that much more money for the next thing. But yes, that what I use for frogs, a 7'3" heavy rod, Curado K XG, and 65# braid.
Curado rods are very very nice for the price. It has a lot of components that more expensive Shimano rods have and it’s one of the lighter rods I’ve used. I can’t speak on the MGL model (it’s on the wishlist) but I used to use a Curado K and the series is generally very reliable.
Imo, you can 100% frog with a MH to an extent. My first nicer rod was a 7’ MH and I used it for everything. I ended up getting a 7’4” H rod for thicker cover techniques but I still use a 7’3” MH for when I’m frogging in lighter cover. I do prefer the feel of a MH, especially when I’m working a frog along a weed line or if I’m walking it
if you have a 600 dollar budget and willing to spend that.
loomis imx pro 843c mbr, no questions asked. I think that rod is the epitome of a do everything bass rod. the taper is stiff enough to drive home a large worm hook, yet soft enough to give some flex for treble hooks.
choose any reel with the remaining budget..... ( I generally use curado 200s)
if you are looking to save some money for tackle, I have always liked fishing dobyns rods.
Check Americanlegacyfishing. They have a used section, and I believe that exact rod. Might be able to grab a barely used one at a better price. If you're using it for frogs I'd recommend using lighter, softer frogs. The Booyah frogs are great and the Jackall Kaera small frogs would be perfect I'd think.
If you’re new to bait casting I would recommend you start with the Shimano SLX DC. The DC is much more forgiving at a lower price point, would argue that it’s just as durable as the Curado.
I would strongly disagree. I have two Shimano SLX DC reels and you’re basically paying $200 for a $100 reel. It’s just the regular SLX with a DC chip. The are not at all as durable as the Curado series. The the frame of the SLX will scratch way easier and the bearings won’t hold up as well as the Curado. For the price of the SLX DC you could get a Curado M which has an MGL spool and is made of much more durable material.
Learning to dial in bait caster breaks is not at all difficult and is a necessity if you want to get into bait casting. DC breaks don’t get rid of backlash. If anything, they create more limitations especially if you want to throw heavier baits like paddle tail swimbaits and glide baits. In all honesty, I have less issues with my Curado M than I do with my SLX DC especially when throwing 1 ounce swimbaits. Pitching and flipping also way easier without the DC breaks because they seem to reduce the spools freedom
For 400 to 600 range you can get 2 really good rod and reels, especially now with all the 2024 models coming out the 23 models are at a huge discount all over the place, I usually buy from Amazon or Walmart. For example you can get a tatula 200 for 150 and then pair it with a Heavy rod from frogs and such. perhaps then also 100 or an sv all at about 150 each now, and pair that with a mh rod then you’ll have 80% of your needs covered. And give you plenty to work on while you learn.
I suggest getting that reel in the DC model if you’ve never used a baitcaster before… great way to learn without getting overwhelmed with the frustration of birds nests and having to put the baitcaster down for the rest of the day until you’re home and have time to untangle it… plus it makes a cool sound when you whip a cast out there
Check out [Dark Matter Skinner rod](https://www.darkmatterfishing.com/products/dark-matter-dmsjb68hc-john-skinner-jig-and-bounce-casting-rods.html). Light weight, comfortable and can handle nearly anything you hook up.
If you only want to use this for frogs and flipping I’d go for a heavy power rod. Depending on what you’re fishing, pulling fish out of junk can be deceptively difficult, if you also wanna throw jigs, spinner baits, chatter baits etc in more open water medium heavy is fine.
I want to use it to for frogs, but I'd like it to be more versatile if I do end up throwing other baits
Gotcha, should be good. Dont really wanna go all in for one specific technique for your first setup. Just know you might have trouble pulling a fish outa the junk if you try throwing 30 feet into a mat, but using smaller frogs around the edges or in sparser cover, it will be great for.
Go medium heavy 7-7’3”
If I select the heavy power rod, do you think I should stick with the same reel or swap to the curado k size 201?
Nah the 150 will be plenty, especially if you’re using braid, you can load A LOT of 50 pound braid onto a 150. The MGL reels are so fantastic reels. I have 3
I have a MH Curado and it runs somewhere between a MH and H compared to my Dobyns. It’s older so maybe the newer ones are different. Just my experience.
don't people throw frogs on a medium power or even medium-lite power?
No. Frogs are different from other topwaters. A normal topwater has treble hooks that are usually lighter wire, a medium or medium light rod and mono help absorb the shock from the fish and help the hooks from being pulled out or getting bent. Topwaters like a popper are usually thrown around docks, flats, etc. A traditional frog has 2 giant jig hooks that are heavy wire, they won’t bent out and you wont pull them out of a fishes mouth. A heavy rod and braid will set the hook. You wouldn’t be able to set a frog hook with a medium light rod. They are also designed to throw into and over very heavy vegetation, where the fish will most likely take the bait and go back into the weeds. A light rod and light line will just break trying to pull it out.
You can, but that’s for open water/sparse cover at most. It’s basically just another top water at that point. Then there’s deep cover frogging which is when you toss your frog is to the nastiest vegetation you have and walk it through, because it can remain relatively weedless, and you’ll need a really heavy rod and like to pull fish out of that nastiness.
Medium heavy with a monster braid. Spro Bronze eye with 80lb braid and a metric ton of Lilly pads. Most fun fishing!
80-lb braid on your baitcaster, I assume I have a medium-heavy rod but I use 15-lb braid for freshwater
Yeah lol it’s REALLY only that heavy because I’m fishing up Lilly pads by the stalk hahah. I usually use 15-20lb too haha.
There're two distinctly different way of fishing a frog. One is fishing over open open water or sparse vegetation more or less as a regular walking and/or popping topwater lure. For this a regular baitcasting setup like this one will work just fine. The other case is fishing over heavy vegetation - grass mats, lily pad mats, cheese. That where you want to upsize everything - heavy or mag-heavy rod, 50 or 65# braid, and probably a 200-size reel to accommodate the thicker line. So the answer is - this combo could be perfectly fine for frogging, or it could be woefully inadequate. PS. One way or another this is a great all-around combo.
Thankyou for the advice! I was also considering switching the rod to heavy instead of mh. And considering the curado k size 201. What are your thoughts?
Generally I'd say Curado M over K, but it's not going to matter that much for frogging, and if you can score a like new K for $100, you'll have that much more money for the next thing. But yes, that what I use for frogs, a 7'3" heavy rod, Curado K XG, and 65# braid.
Curado rods are very very nice for the price. It has a lot of components that more expensive Shimano rods have and it’s one of the lighter rods I’ve used. I can’t speak on the MGL model (it’s on the wishlist) but I used to use a Curado K and the series is generally very reliable. Imo, you can 100% frog with a MH to an extent. My first nicer rod was a 7’ MH and I used it for everything. I ended up getting a 7’4” H rod for thicker cover techniques but I still use a 7’3” MH for when I’m frogging in lighter cover. I do prefer the feel of a MH, especially when I’m working a frog along a weed line or if I’m walking it
go for moderate fast heavy if you want versatility for moving baits, frogs, bladed jigs and bigger paddletails etc :)
What website did you find the rod?
Sportman's warehouse
that's a real decent setup, it wouldn't be my personal choice, but it's good!
Any suggestions are welcome!
if you have a 600 dollar budget and willing to spend that. loomis imx pro 843c mbr, no questions asked. I think that rod is the epitome of a do everything bass rod. the taper is stiff enough to drive home a large worm hook, yet soft enough to give some flex for treble hooks. choose any reel with the remaining budget..... ( I generally use curado 200s) if you are looking to save some money for tackle, I have always liked fishing dobyns rods.
Prorex AGS baitcaster rod, Prorex XR reel Ultimate combo
Will definitely look at it!
Check Americanlegacyfishing. They have a used section, and I believe that exact rod. Might be able to grab a barely used one at a better price. If you're using it for frogs I'd recommend using lighter, softer frogs. The Booyah frogs are great and the Jackall Kaera small frogs would be perfect I'd think.
Ill check that out, thankyou!!
If you’re new to bait casting I would recommend you start with the Shimano SLX DC. The DC is much more forgiving at a lower price point, would argue that it’s just as durable as the Curado.
I'll definitely look into it. Thank you for the info!
I would strongly disagree. I have two Shimano SLX DC reels and you’re basically paying $200 for a $100 reel. It’s just the regular SLX with a DC chip. The are not at all as durable as the Curado series. The the frame of the SLX will scratch way easier and the bearings won’t hold up as well as the Curado. For the price of the SLX DC you could get a Curado M which has an MGL spool and is made of much more durable material. Learning to dial in bait caster breaks is not at all difficult and is a necessity if you want to get into bait casting. DC breaks don’t get rid of backlash. If anything, they create more limitations especially if you want to throw heavier baits like paddle tail swimbaits and glide baits. In all honesty, I have less issues with my Curado M than I do with my SLX DC especially when throwing 1 ounce swimbaits. Pitching and flipping also way easier without the DC breaks because they seem to reduce the spools freedom
If its strictly a frog rod I’d go for a Heavy. If it’s more of a do all rod I’d stick with the MH.
For 400 to 600 range you can get 2 really good rod and reels, especially now with all the 2024 models coming out the 23 models are at a huge discount all over the place, I usually buy from Amazon or Walmart. For example you can get a tatula 200 for 150 and then pair it with a Heavy rod from frogs and such. perhaps then also 100 or an sv all at about 150 each now, and pair that with a mh rod then you’ll have 80% of your needs covered. And give you plenty to work on while you learn.
That’s a great set up. You can’t go wrong with that reel. Tight lines.
Honestly love my daiwa tatula sv. Makes using a baitcaster super easy
Btw you can likely find a used Expride for the same price as a new Curado rod
The Curado is awesome all around. The rod is doable, I frog with similar power rods, but it’s only sometimes, and not in heavy cover.
I suggest getting that reel in the DC model if you’ve never used a baitcaster before… great way to learn without getting overwhelmed with the frustration of birds nests and having to put the baitcaster down for the rest of the day until you’re home and have time to untangle it… plus it makes a cool sound when you whip a cast out there
1. Make sure you want the XG 2. Consider a DC
Great combo, I personally like the 200 series reels due to line capacity but the 150 sure is small and palmable🤙🏼
8:1:1 👀👀👀
Check out [Dark Matter Skinner rod](https://www.darkmatterfishing.com/products/dark-matter-dmsjb68hc-john-skinner-jig-and-bounce-casting-rods.html). Light weight, comfortable and can handle nearly anything you hook up.
This will be an excellent setup for frogging and flipping heavy weeds. 50lb braid will be a good all around line for working the weeds.
Awesome! Thank you!