Googan Squad Expload Toad Soft Bait Review

The Googan Squad Expload Toad Soft Bait and What It Taught Me

The Googan Squad Expload Toad Soft Bait is a soft plastic topwater lure designed to mimic a frog with an emphasis on generating explosive surface action. Googan Squad’s patented flange design is central to its ability to create significant commotion even at slower retrieval speeds, making it ideal for targeting fish that respond to topwater disturbances. My initial need for a lure like this arose from a persistent lull in my usual fishing spots; I needed something that could draw attention from wary predators that might be ignoring more subtle presentations.

Upon receiving the pack, my first impression was of a surprisingly durable yet pliable soft plastic. The texture felt robust enough to withstand aggressive strikes and multiple hook-ups, a crucial factor for any topwater bait. I considered a few other hollow-body frog imitations, but their advertised action often required faster retrieves, which wasn’t ideal for the sluggish conditions I was experiencing. This Googan Squad offering immediately sparked curiosity due to its promise of a different kind of topwater disturbance.

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this soft bait occurred in a local lake known for its submerged vegetation and occasional patches of lily pads. I primarily fished around these areas, where the product description suggested the Explode Toad would perform best, looking for that sweet spot between open water and cover. The lure’s buoyancy was excellent, sitting high on the water even with a weedless hook.

The performance in these conditions was quite striking; a steady retrieve with occasional pauses or twitches consistently produced a noticeable disturbance on the surface. I did notice that in extremely thick grass mats, the patented flange could sometimes catch, requiring a slightly firmer tug to free it. However, in the intended spotty grass with open water, it truly shone, creating an enticing commotion.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, during which I probably deployed the Explode Toad over two dozen times, its reliability has become apparent. The soft plastic has held up remarkably well, showing only minor teeth marks from a few landed bass, with no significant tears or structural compromise. This level of durability is a significant plus, especially given its relatively affordable price point.

Maintenance is straightforward; a quick rinse with water after each outing and a bit of air drying is all that’s needed. Storing it with other soft plastics in its original packaging or a lure box prevents any unwanted sticking or deformation. Compared to some other hollow-body frogs I’ve used that quickly lost their shape or became waterlogged, this Googan Squad bait proves to be a much more dependable option over time.

Specifications

The Googan Squad Expload Toad Soft Bait comes in a 4-inch length, making it a versatile size for a range of predatory fish. Each pack contains 8 soft baits, offering a good quantity for the $5.99 price. The construction is of a soft, pliable plastic designed for buoyancy and action.

The lure is intended to be fished with a weedless hook, which is critical for navigating through the vegetation it’s designed for. The patented flange is the key functional specification, designed to displace water and create that explosive topwater commotion. This specific design ensures the lure stays on the surface even when retrieved slowly, allowing for more enticing presentations.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Explode Toad excels at creating topwater noise and disturbance. It effectively draws attention from bass lurking beneath the surface, particularly when fished over submerged grass or around shallow cover. The lure’s ability to maintain its position on the water is impressive, even when subjected to various retrieval speeds and techniques.

Its main strength lies in its ability to generate action with a slow retrieve, a feature many other topwater lures struggle with. However, it can be slightly susceptible to snagging in exceptionally dense vegetation, which is a minor drawback for certain fishing scenarios. Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations for a dedicated topwater searching bait.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Explode Toad is simple yet effective, focusing on its intended function. The soft plastic material provides a good balance of durability and flexibility, allowing it to compress slightly on a hookset. Its shape and the flange are the standout ergonomic features, contributing directly to its unique topwater action.

The soft plastic has a good feel, neither too rigid nor too flimsy, which is important for rigging and casting. There’s no real learning curve; rigging it weedless is intuitive, and its topwater action is readily apparent with a steady retrieve. The only slight annoyance might be ensuring the flange remains clear of any debris before casting.

Durability & Maintenance

For a soft plastic lure, the Googan Squad Expload Toad Soft Bait exhibits commendable durability. Under normal fishing conditions, especially when rigged weedless, it should last for many outings. The plastic is resilient to teeth marks and the rigors of being cast and worked through cover.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring basic rinsing and drying. It’s not designed for extensive part replacement, being a consumable fishing lure. Potential failure points are primarily related to hooksets that tear the plastic, or prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can degrade soft plastics over time.

Accessories and Customization Options

This product is a soft bait lure and does not typically come with accessories or extensive customization options beyond the choice of hook. The primary “accessory” is a weedless hook, which is essential for maximizing its effectiveness in vegetated waters. Different hook sizes can be used depending on the hook shank size and the desired weedless performance.

The lure’s design is self-contained; its action is derived from its shape and the patented flange. It is not intended to be rigged with additional weights or trailers, as this would likely interfere with its intended topwater presentation. The main customization comes from the angler’s retrieval technique.

Pros and Cons of Googan Squad Expload Toad Soft Bait

Who Should Buy Googan Squad Expload Toad Soft Bait?

The Googan Squad Expload Toad Soft Bait is ideal for bass anglers who frequently fish in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with moderate vegetation. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking to add an effective topwater searching bait to their arsenal that doesn’t require a fast retrieve. Anglers who appreciate realistic frog imitations that create significant surface commotion will find this lure a great addition.

Those who primarily fish in open water with no structure, or in extremely thick, matted vegetation might find better alternatives. For optimal use, I’d recommend pairing it with a quality weedless EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook of appropriate size for the lure. A sturdy baitcasting setup is also advisable for accurate casting and effective hooksets.

Conclusion on Googan Squad Expload Toad Soft Bait

The Googan Squad Expload Toad Soft Bait delivers on its promise of creating impressive topwater action with a slow, enticing retrieve. Its patented flange design is a genuine innovation that sets it apart, offering anglers a unique way to trigger aggressive bites from wary predators. The 8-pack for $5.99 offers excellent value, making it an accessible option for most anglers.

I would definitely recommend this soft bait to any bass angler who enjoys topwater fishing, especially in environments with scattered weeds and open water. It’s a reliable and effective lure that has earned its place in my tackle box for its ability to create excitement when other methods fall flat. If you’re looking for a topwater bait that punches above its weight in terms of performance and price, this Googan Squad offering is well worth considering.