Topwater Tricks! Toad Fishing For Summer Bass!

Summer is topwater time! The toad lives in the shadow of the hollow body frog but these baits have earned a place in every angler's arsenal. Come along as we take some of the most popular toads and swim test them so we can compare sound and action in the water!
When it comes to toads, no two baits are alike. Some baits are subtle as they skitter across the water, others splash and make a violent commotion. Different toads work in different conditions and on different lakes so its important to understand the differences between them. We try to always keep a subtle toad and an aggressive toad in the boat throughout the topwater season so we can quickly adapt to changing conditions.
Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video, as well as some of the gear we use to fish them. We've included our favorite colors for each, the hooks we use, and even a budget-minded angler who wants a great combo without breaking the bank. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
TOADS...
-Strike King Rage Tail Toad: bit.ly/2dekwdd
Colors: Green Pump Chart, Green Pump Pearl, Pearl
-Zoom Horny Toad: bit.ly/2aY5lBt
Colors: Bull Frog, Grey Ghost, White
-Big Bite Baits Tour Toad: bit.ly/2NtAghc
Colors: Dirty Snow, Pearl Shine, Green Pump Chart
-Stanley Ribbit: bit.ly/2djis1t
Colors: Bluegill, Smokin Shad, Wild Shiner
-ZMan Goat Toadz: bit.ly/3yZ2WF3
Colors: Hot Snakes, Red Bone, The Deal
-ZMan Finesse Frogz: bit.ly/3ORrQvL
Colors: Mud Minnow, Red Bone, White
CROSSOVER BAITS...
-Rage Tail Shad: bit.ly/2dqEf8E
Colors: Blue Glimmer, Smoky Shad
-SPRO Flappin Frog 65: bit.ly/37ljzM8
Colors: Albino, Killer Gill, Leopard
COMPONENTS...
-Halo Swimbait Cone Heads: bit.ly/3y8yzds
-Owner Twist Lock Hook: bit.ly/2cYZ3rM
Sizes: 5/0 or 6/0
-Gamakatsu Superline EWG Hook: bit.ly/2ac92XG
Sizes: 3/0 and 4/0
FAVORITE TOAD COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Heavy: bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL (HG): bit.ly/2TQHwrP
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid (50 lb): bit.ly/2clBRiQ
BUDGET FRIENDLY TOAD COMBO...
Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" Heavy: bit.ly/2mGp1Vc
Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- Power Pro Spectra Braid (50 lb): bit.ly/2aFg46b
WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??
We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...
TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
MAJOR EQUIPMENT WE USE DAILY...
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Net- Frabill Conservation PLD 2612: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: bit.ly/2KQ0VEI
FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/3xJFwTu
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3kngvEG
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#bassfishing #topwater #frogfishing

[@riclindsey329]

There's no other channel that even comes close to the quality of Matt n Tim's work,,guys you're leaving your compitition in the dust....

[@Zanzabar5]

Intuitive angling and fish the moment.

[@mikee9464]

Bassfishinghq

[@danham3344]

@@Zanzabar5 - My first bass YT subscription was TB, but Fish the Moment came right after and then Randy with Intuitive Angling. All great channels.

[@shaunspindly2087]

Lets not forget about TRF. He puts out some great information and he is one hell of an Angler.

[@josephphillips590]

Richard Gene the fishing machine!!!!

[@live2fishofficial]

The toad is THE most overlooked bait out there IMO. The ability to have a surface/topwater presentation AND a subsurface option is KEY to finding those bass and giving them what they want. It’s amazing how switching up from one type to the other can create such a subtle change that will get you bit by some absolute tanks! Thanks for giving the toad some love and absolutely great video for anyone wondering if they should give this a try. Just do it!👊💥🎣

[@Mcgriddles90210]

Not talking shit about other content creators but you guys are head and shoulder above the rest. I appreciate how you always talk about different presentations in different parts of the country but you actually know what you're talking about

[@richardblake4777]

Don't thank us Tim, you and Matt are my fishing idols and have given so much bass savvy. You are so brave to pick up and leave California with your wifes and children, to start a new life full of unknowns. That takes more guys than most people have and it makes you so strong willed. I'm 81 but still love bassin and went today with my 83 year old friend and we destroyed them up to 5 lbs. Caught 40+ in 7 hours. Anyway, I always tell my buddies about you and Matt and how much knowledge y'all pass on. Thank you again.

[@Spoonman6061]

No thank you all behind the camera and in front you guys and your team are awesome. Well deserved. Thank u thank u

[@joeybranum230]

You guys are the best bass fishing channel on any platform watching ur videos got me back into bass fishing and I hadn’t fished since I was in my 20s and I just turned 50 this month . Keep up the awesome videos I’ve learnt so much watching you giys

[@miltonalbright1606]

Tim milt here you guys are outstanding too be said l have got a few goodie’s from you guys thanks form a old Vietnam vet 77 years Milton

[@grunion721]

The Goat ToadZ glow in the dark after you hit them with light. I know for sure Redbone does.

[@fishtheusa]

Do fish like glowing bait?

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thanks for these "toadally" awesome tips, Tim! Congratulations to you and Matt on reaching 500k . You two do an amazing job of reaching all levels of anglers without boring or confusing anyone. Your efforts are very much appreciated; thank you!

[@LilKGames]

Underrated comment

[@fishitmiddletennessee]

I love the Stanley Ribbit as my solid body toad.

[@jimbones2327]

Long overdue for the subscribers should be at the million plus by now

[@dontnonowuno9953]

This channel has changed bass fishing and will forever be remembered as a "go to " video hand book on the art of catching bass #legacy

[@theoriginaltech019]

I'd really like to thank YOU Tim as well as Matt and the wives and children of tactical bassin! None of this would be possible without you all putting in the work, testing out all these different products. You guys are the best on the tube!

[@brianrobinson9979]

I honestly don't know why it took almost 15 years for them to get 500K. They have quality material and everybody that's into fishing that watches KZbin has had to have heard of them because I have heard other fishing KZbinrs talk about them as well. By the way #TacticalBassin #Flukemaster (Gene Jensen) has talked about wanting to Collab with you guys since before you moved to Tennessee so now that you guys are only a few hours apart..... He does boat and Kayak so there's tons of available content that would be fun to watch 😁👍

[@davidhidalgo5662]

Been experimenting last two seasons with toads in creeks and rivers for smallmouth and have been killing them. I just got a box of the Goat toads and Finesse frogs from Zman last week and cant wait to try them. I caught my biggest ever smallie last year 4lb + on a frog.

[@skipdockside]

500K!!!!!! Thats wild. Thank you both for the profound affect you've had on my fishing career and capabilities over the years.

[@pat632]

Thanks for sharing for sharing these great tips and tricks mate!! Greetings from the Netherlands, Pat. 👊🏼👍🏼🇳🇱🐸🎣

[@princemichael49311]

Thank you for all that you guys do. Nothing else comes close!!!

[@garysummitt7833]

Thanks so much for your videos I'll watch them all

[@ffmedic3349]

Ive got a suggestion… whenever you talk about different types of grass, or lily pads, or types of cover (mainly types of grass) you could put a picture in the corner, maybe even labeled, of what you are covering. For example you said this would be great for x grass but not y grass, you could have an example pic in the corner of them both. Sometimes its hard to be learning about the lure and everything then having to pause to google grass types lol. You guys are great, just a friendly suggestion that I know would be helpful for myself and surely others.

[@robertbrandywine]

Great idea!

[@jackolson8775]

Perfect timing, Tim. Thanks guys! Congratulations on 500K !!

[@cedargroves]

Congrats on your subscriber milestone guys! Well deserved. Thanks for another great video

[@eddiestephens868]

Awesome! Great information, will definitely give them a try.

[@sergiocerdabeltran5338]

Congratulations on half a million! One of the best bass fishing content out there!

[@TahoeBassLife]

Congrats on the 500k! Keep ‘em coming, we love them👊🏼

[@davidhidalgo5662]

Congradulations on 500K you guys deserve millions. You have made me and I'm sure a lot more people better fishermen. I have caught so many more fish, tried so many more lures, that I now love, and caught two of my PB's because of you guys. Thank you

[@grandpawoodyfishing1882]

I love Toad fishing . I think the best one out there is the Savage Gear Duratech Toad . Super durable great keel and floats . I have caught some giants using them . Congrats on the half million .You guys are the best . Stay Safe Tight Lines

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Great video!!!👊🏻 Thanks for all the helpful tips & tricks on using the toads!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!

[@leroyapplegate5049]

The Goat Toadz is a Northern Snakehead KILLER

[@pietrodibenedetto5056]

Thank YOU guys for the amazing content you put out and massive congrats for this achievement, super deserved! I've been following you from Italy for years and when it comes to bassfishing Tactical Bassin is my bible

[@fish2much12]

We love all the videos!!!! You fellas have taught me a solid 85% of the bass fishing techniques I use.

[@ericrhode1028]

Awesome video Thank you!

[@shortround889]

Congrats 🎉 guys on 500K!!! You both definitely earned it. You all are the best informative tubers out there!

[@jimmcculloch5825]

You are very welcome, and thank you for your hard work (if fishing is work) and great advice.

[@CDSilverado]

You guys are the ones that is awesome! Learn sooo much from you guys. Saying that, I'm always looking forward your next video.

[@mindyabbey9231]

Congratulations 🎉. Your videos have been so helpful. Had to teach myself to fish. Watch a lot of KZbin and yours is one of my favorites. !

[@matthewtewksbury9479]

You guys hands down have THE best most informative fishing channel out there. Your combined experience and attention to detail is next to none! Always love when new videos pop up

[@funkymojo111]

A couple of tips for future vids: when recording sounds on the water, don't do a voice over, drowns out the lure sounds. Secondly, probably remake this video because your audio goes out and don't turn your back when talking to your audience. If you are going to do that, get a mic so your soundtrack is consistent and audible. Thanks for passing on your knowledge. One of the informative and educational channels on YT!!

[@brandonolson1959]

A huge thanks to this channel I've been watching your vids and my catch ratio has gone up dramatically It's a great feeling

[@BigAlFishingAddiction]

You guys are awesome!

[@ryanswanson2178]

Just started using a buzz toad so very happy you posted this!

[@Balding187]

Your channel is refreshing from all the dude bro fishing channels

[@514fishing_official]

Congratulations on 500k, you guys are just the best in teaching us about bass fishing! Very well deserving!

[@johnthebastist]

Been crushing them on topwater lately!! Great video much love from KY!

[@brianwills4398]

Congrats on the 500k 🎉 You guys are really helping the fishing community.. I can't help but think about the pros before the internet. Now we can watch a video and learn a year's worth of knowledge.🤙

[@jimbones2327]

Congrats 👏 👏 👏 fellas long overdue seriously

[@vuexiong6087]

Yeah baby. 500k! Y'all are the G.O.A.T. of fishing tutorials and advices!

[@abelabner]

CONGRATS! keep em coming and we'll eat em up

[@terranceleonard960]

Thanks for the tips

[@brandonwalmsley1863]

I have a few toads, but I’ve never caught a thing on them. This is a huge help! Thanks Tim, and congratulations on 500k!!

[@jakerinaldi4766]

I like using the weighted Beast hook as well

[@mikemaahs638]

Congratulations on a half million subscribers!!!

[@jonathangreen6088]

Congrats on the half mil Bros!

[@RayCruzJr]

Nice video, ill have to try some of these at my local pond. The bass are finicky and rarely bite hollow body. They smoke the Zoom Horny Toad though!

[@PythonDad]

Gratz on half a million y'all.

[@stjester]

zman soft plastic frogs are the end game of frogging. they now offer many options for different situations...maybe the castings distance is the only drawback.

[@IW1896]

This channel is by far the best

[@seizedcarcass8440]

The finesse frogz are really cool. I’ve found a #1 or 1/0 EWG work perfect.

[@biggrigg1026]

Congratulations. It’s well deserved. Nobody covers all the bases like you guys.

[@jholl7339]

Perfect timing! I picked up a couple packs of toads, but haven't really gained any confidence in them, yet, cause I haven't caught much of anything.

[@carlosalvarado2160]

Congratulations on the half million subs.. best fishing show hands down..

[@YMPUB]

How this channel does not have over a million subscribers is baffling to me Amazing channel guys thank you

[@Snap-Time]

I love toad fishing! I tend to have better luck on toads over frogs so I prefer them for that reason.

[@rdking58]

Getting back to fishing after some medical issues. Was trying to find a site to help me how to rig lures and toads etc. As always I came to you guys. Never disappoint with your videos main reason I subscribed to your channel.

[@adambuschbacher9450]

I have had great success using a belly weighted hook (with screw lock) with toads, allows me to pick my depth. Have hooked some hogs coming off the bottom with a toad

[@Thepondguy85]

Banger and congrats on hitting 500k.... 600k here we come

[@Twangtown7]

Congrats on the half mill!! Well deserved and should be 2 mill if you ask me.

[@markalbert8855]

The Yum Tip Toad Is always in my bag. In New Jersey Bass love Them

[@OtherEndofLine]

I wished no one mentioned zman finesse frog, LoL. It really works ! Thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@MWM92688]

Congrats on 500K this channel should have a million subscribers, best bass fishing channel on KZbin if you ask me!!

[@greenpighunter6930]

501 K! Awesome! Earned and deserved #'s. Toad video👍

[@scottpennington1208]

Congrats on the 500k! This is a little off subject but I would love to see a video on how you edit your videos and what program you use to do it. Keep the great videos Coming.

[@kurtbecker9609]

Tim: regarding deflecting grass... have been using a clear glass bead for years. when wet, they are 'real slick' and really help come through the weeds/vegetation. one other share: those zoom HTs can be really effective on top of mats too.... sometimes they just get bit better/more than the typical HB that get used. My favorite hook remains the Mustad Ultrapoint Megabite... some day , maybe we cross paths and can dive deep into the philosophies of frog fishing... 😁

[@golfingandfishingmylifeawa978]

I haven’t tried one of those weedless bobber stops yet, but that sounds like a genius idea.

[@danham3344]

Thanks Tim, great job! I’ve been waiting to learn more about Toads. I’m wondering if water clarity ever plays into your toad choice due to more or less sound & disturbance? Congratulations on 500k! I’m super happy for you guys. TB is not only my first bass fishing channel, but the first YT subscription that I ever did years ago. Yes, you two have come a long way and it’s been fun riding along with you and your families. “We appreciate ya.” 😃👍🏼. God bless you all.

[@Twangtown7]

The Mustad Grip Pin EWG hooks work great with the Goat Toadz.

[@brianlee9074]

Love the lightning in the background at 12:28 Thanks for the video Tim. I've thrown a Zoom horny toad for years, before throwing hollow body frogs. They work great. Congrats on 500k subs guys. ✌😎🎣

[@williamgould2470]

Muskies and northerns also love these.. When they hit though it becomes musky or northern one and Harry Vaderche frog. Lol

[@DoubleDigitAngler]

Defying the odds

[@PsychicPsychToad]

Congrats on the 500K guys! Thanks for all of the hard work you put into this amazing show!

[@williamgould2470]

2 additional tips that I use. 1st use a weighted hook that will keep the bait from turning over especially at the beginning. Unfortunately my favorite hook from Falcon lures with a slim piece of lead on it is being discontinued by tackle warehouse. When not using a screw in type hook I can put them straight through the nose of the frog at an angle to keep the nose of the frog up.. The 2nd tip would be to buy some mendit . Some of these frogs are a dollar a piece and mended will make it look like new again and can be reused many times.. I have also used a bead on the front to help it get through weeds.. The cone shaped wake from from Halo looks interesting but it is hard to get.

[@ricksonora6656]

Thanks for taking time to share your tips!

[@dalestevens7734]

glad to see that you did a toad video i got into toads after a pike cut the body of my brand new bully wa 2 frog on the first cast making it useless. The toads were a budget option to frogs and I loved them, I've progessed from fishing with them with swim bait style hooks to toad hooks (berkley fusion toad hooks or owner toad hooks). My main frog is the yum tiptoe with fusion hook that i fish even on pads and get better hook up that original hollow body frogs. this is also an excellent bait for kids for its effective chuck and wind bait, Saw the zman toads but now i might consider them

[@dimitriousdevilboon7714]

Not happy with my bully wa frog from a durability stand point......scum frog launch will do the trick.

[@ohiobassin94]

You guys should have a million subs. Criminally underrated channel

[@yummygogolak]

They don't claim to have caught a monstah in every title, don't squeal like teenage girls at Taylor Swift shows, and don't play loud music. So, no million.

[@BasslivesmatterLLC]

Let's put that sleeper in the mix chasebaits flexi toad already pre rigged with a hook and it floats great vid Tim 👍🏿

[@ericschmidt2085]

i really dont know how u guys aren't past 1 mil..

[@tdeeb6359]

WOW‼️

[@mikefurness1598]

That last frog reminds me of the cowboy.

[@JasonCarrara]

I used screw lock hooks for all my soft Plastics last longer if I hook up ratio has never been better

[@bassingwithawesomejohnson3202]

Great content on this channel!!! 👍🏻👍🏻😎 .!! New sub here

[@danham3344]

Welcome! 😃👍🏼

[@JOSHWAAHHHH]

I honestly fish the rage toads in 90% of frog situations and feel they they are so underrated and not used.

[@johnhildenbrand2642]

Lol, of course you come out with this video while I'm waiting for delivery of some hooks for this technique, never done toads before, but I picked up a few bags of Ribbit toads and some hooks and we'll see if the smallies out here like that better than a full blown buzzbait or a frog being a bit more finesse by comparison

[@alltree78]

I nose hook most of my toads like the flukes, they come through cover good but my hook rate doubled

[@jonhaller9241]

You guys should really check out the Bizz Baits Pad Daddy. The gurgle is incredible!

[@ahastar1141]

I actually love a toad in sparse pads. Can run it through there and when the fish misses a blow-up, instead of having to throw a follow-up bait I let the toad sink, and a good percentage of the time that bass will eat

[@bruuuce78]

I have problems with most of them landing/running upside down? The Keitech Crazy Flapper is my go to, runs true most of the time.

[@Jschuhfishing]

My best buddy and me used to use so many ribbit frogs, as I got older I didn’t have much luck on lakes. I’m super confident with toads on a pond but I usually don’t use them on the boat.

[@ricksonora6656]

I was hoping he’d say just a sentence or two about where to use them. It’s hard to put all the pieces together.

[@mikebainter8917]

I have found that using the Dbl hook method for the toads will increase your hookup ratio much higher than the standard single hook mrthod!

[@truthhub7395]

I'm about to try the Rage Toad, I've read though that it flips over sometimes

[@waynelagarde7956]

We hit 500k baby let's go #Tacticalfamily!!

[@adamcartes9569]

Hey I had a question. Have you ever used Kistler rods? If not you should definitely try them out they are great

[@TearItUpFixItTV]

This video was timed perfectly!! The last few weeks I’ve been fine tuning my “horny toad 🐸 techniques” and I’m sure this video will help me much more!! Thanks as always guys 😉