Was the Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514 the Right Choice?
The quest for the perfect topwater lure is a journey many anglers undertake, and I recently found myself drawn to the Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514. This hollow body frog popper, personally designed by Live Target Pro Angler Scott Martin, promised a unique approach to surface fishing. My fishing kit was feeling a bit stagnant, and I was specifically looking for something that could deliver a more dynamic presentation than my current arsenal allowed. I needed a lure that could effectively “walk the dog” with minimal effort and produce an enticing splash.
Upon receiving this specific model, my initial impression was one of solid craftsmanship, characteristic of the Live Target brand. The materials felt durable, and the coloration, an Emerald/Brown mix, seemed convincingly natural. I briefly considered other hollow body frogs from major tackle manufacturers, but Martin’s involvement and the unique “popper” face design on this model piqued my interest. My first reaction was a hopeful curiosity, a feeling that this could indeed be the subtle yet effective difference I was seeking on those slow fishing days.
Real-World Testing: Putting Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514 to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514 out to a local pond known for its bass population and dense lily pad cover. The primary goal was to see how it performed in typical topwater conditions, specifically around weed beds and emergent vegetation. Casting was surprisingly smooth, and the lure settled on the water with good buoyancy, sitting high and presenting a tempting profile.
The lure’s narrow profile and cupped face did exactly what was advertised; with a few gentle twitches of the rod, it easily skittered across the surface, creating a satisfying “popping” sound and a splash that seemed to draw attention. Even with minimal effort, it achieved a wide side-to-side movement, making it easy to work through the tricky edges of the lily pads. I experienced no immediate issues or surprises; it performed exactly as expected from the moment it hit the water.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, casting this hollow body frog into various types of freshwater environments – from shallow, vegetation-choked ponds to slightly deeper, open water with submerged structure – it continues to hold up remarkably well. It has become my go-to for aggressive topwater strikes, especially in the early morning and late evening. The soft, collapsible body has proven to be quite durable, showing minimal signs of wear and tear despite numerous violent strikes and impacts with submerged branches.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick rinse under freshwater after each outing is all that’s typically required. I have noticed no degradation in its floating ability or the integrity of the hook system, which feels robust. Compared to some other hollow body frogs I’ve used in the past, which sometimes developed leaks or lost their buoyancy over time, this Live Target model has demonstrated superior longevity and consistent performance. The internal hook arrangement has also consistently delivered solid hook-ups, a testament to its design and the quality of the included 3/0, 3/8oz FHP55T514 hook.
Breaking Down the Features of Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514
Specifications
The Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514 measures a compact 2 inches in length, making it an ideal size for enticing a wide range of predatory fish, particularly bass and pike. It weighs in at 3/8 ounces, which provides sufficient casting distance for most freshwater scenarios without being overly heavy on the line. The lure is designed as a floating surface bait, ensuring it stays visible and active on top of the water, a critical feature for topwater presentations.
The “HB” in its designation stands for Hollow Body, which is constructed from a soft, yet durable, plastic that allows for easy collapse around the hook for superior hooksets. The specific coloration, Emerald/Brown, is a naturalistic pattern designed to mimic a real frog, offering excellent camouflage and appeal in a variety of water conditions, from clear to slightly stained. The included hook is a 3/0 size, providing a substantial anchor point that is perfectly proportioned for the bait and designed for fast penetration. This combination of size, weight, and color makes it versatile for targeting aggressive feeders.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of the Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514 is to attract and hook fish on the surface, and in this regard, it excels. Its “popper” face design creates an irresistible combination of noise and splash with very little angler effort, triggering aggressive strikes from predatory fish. The lure’s ability to “walk the dog” is exceptional; a few subtle rod twitches are all that’s needed for it to dart back and forth, mimicking a fleeing or injured baitfish or amphibian.
Its main strength lies in its effortless walk-the-dog action and the potent commotion it creates on the water’s surface, which reliably draws attention. A potential weakness, though minor, is that in very rough water with strong winds, maintaining that perfect side-to-side action can require a bit more concentration from the angler. Nevertheless, it consistently meets, and often exceeds, expectations for a topwater lure in its class, especially considering its reasonable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of this hollow body frog is immediately apparent. The soft plastic body feels pliable enough to collapse effectively for hooksets, yet it is robust enough to withstand repeated strikes without tearing easily. The Emerald/Brown color scheme is applied with good detail, offering a realistic look that transitions nicely across the lure’s body.
Ergonomically, the lure is designed for ease of use, which is a significant advantage for anglers of all skill levels. The narrow profile and the cupped face of the popper contribute to its intuitive action on the water; it responds readily to subtle rod inputs, requiring minimal learning curve. Practical design details, like the clearly defined hook slots and the well-seated 3/0 hook, ensure that it sits properly on the line and presents naturally.
Durability & Maintenance
Under normal fishing conditions, especially those involving bass and pike, this lure is built for durability. The soft plastic body, while designed to collapse for hooksets, has shown impressive resistance to tearing from aggressive fish mouths. I anticipate this lure will last through many fishing seasons with proper care, especially considering its resilient construction.
Maintaining the Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514 is simple; a quick rinse to remove debris and a dry storage are generally all that’s needed. One minor maintenance consideration is ensuring the hollow body is not crushed when stored with heavier lures to maintain its optimal floating position. I haven’t encountered any significant failure points, but like any hollow-body lure, persistent toothy predators could eventually inflict damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular model comes ready to fish right out of the package, featuring an integrated 3/0, 3/8oz FHP55T514 hook. While there are no additional accessories included, the design itself offers a degree of inherent customization through angler technique. The lure’s primary design is focused on its surface action, and it is not typically modified with additional trailers or complex rigging.
The hook is pre-rigged and designed for optimal performance, and while some anglers might experiment with different hook sizes, the stock 3/0 is well-suited for the lure’s size and intended prey. For those who fish in areas with particularly aggressive fish or heavy cover, using weedless rigging techniques with the existing hook is the most common “customization” to prevent snags.
Pros and Cons of Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514
Pros
- Effortless Walk-the-Dog Action: The lure’s design makes it incredibly easy to create a dynamic, side-to-side presentation with minimal rod input.
- Enticing Surface Commotion: The cupped face generates a compelling “pop” and splash, effectively calling out to predatory fish.
- Realistic Coloration: The Emerald/Brown pattern provides excellent camouflage and visual appeal in various freshwater environments.
- Durable Hollow Body: The soft plastic construction is resilient and designed to collapse for excellent hook penetration.
- Reliable Hookups: The integrated 3/0, 3/8oz FHP55T514 hook is sharp, strong, and positioned for effective hooksets.
Cons
- Requires Subtle Rod Work: While easy to work, achieving the best action demands a slightly more nuanced twitch than a simple retrieve.
- Wind Sensitivity: In very windy conditions, maintaining the ideal presentation can be slightly more challenging.
- Limited Customization: It’s primarily a single-purpose lure with little room for adding trailers or extensive modifications.
Who Should Buy Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514?
This lure is an excellent choice for bass anglers who enjoy or are looking to get into topwater fishing, particularly in environments with lily pads, grass lines, or other surface cover. It’s also a strong contender for anglers targeting pike or musky in similar habitats. Those who appreciate a lure that requires minimal specialized rigging and provides an exciting visual fishing experience will find this model highly beneficial.
Anglers who primarily fish in very deep, open water without surface structure, or those who are strictly focused on finesse techniques and extremely subtle presentations, might find this particular lure less essential for their needs. Beginner topwater anglers will appreciate its ease of use, while experienced anglers will value its consistent performance and effectiveness. A medium-heavy to heavy action casting rod and monofilament or braid line are recommended to best handle this lure’s dynamics and potential for big strikes.
Conclusion on Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514
The Live Target Frog 2″ HB PF,SH,Emerald/Brwn,3/0,3/8oz FHP55T514 has cemented its place in my tackle box as a highly effective topwater lure. It delivers on its promise of an engaging, easy-to-work presentation that consistently draws aggressive strikes. For its price point, the durability, performance, and quality of the integrated hook make it a fantastic value proposition.
I would absolutely recommend this lure to any angler looking to add a reliable and exciting topwater option to their arsenal, especially for targeting bass in vegetated waters. If you enjoy the thrill of watching a fish explode on a lure right at the surface, this hollow body frog popper is an investment that will likely pay dividends in exciting catches.