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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: South MS Bowhunter on May 11, 2014, 10:17:00 AM

Title: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 11, 2014, 10:17:00 AM
Went frogging last night for the first time this year, had to go solo as my old tired buddies (I'll give Possum Head a break as he been working on his Daughter house for months now) made every excuse not to go    :saywhat:    

Shot at 4 and got 3.

  (http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/file-1121.jpg) (http://s795.photobucket.com/user/jalmay5th/media/file-1121.jpg.html)

  (http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/file-1853.jpg) (http://s795.photobucket.com/user/jalmay5th/media/file-1853.jpg.html)
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: jt85 on May 11, 2014, 10:43:00 AM
I bet that is a blast, I'll have to see if I can talk one of my buddies into going with me some time
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: champ38 on May 11, 2014, 10:59:00 AM
14"s ?.. now that's a Whopper. Way to go John.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: PaulDeadringer29 on May 11, 2014, 11:08:00 AM
What's your technique? Hunt from the banks? What kind of light are you using? I'm assuming a powerful headlamp?
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 11, 2014, 03:27:00 PM
Yeah Shane the first 2 looking strait on were 13.5" to 14" The last one was a 12" er, it hard to tell due to the angle and being at night.

Paul,

When I'm solo I use 2 lights, a hand held Stream Light with 3 outputs the low setting is around 50 lm and the high being around 150 or so.

The second is a cheap Coleman headlight that I position over my left eye and when a frog is located and I'm ready to shoot I'll turn it on to make the shot.  A little more difficult then having a buddy with you to shine, but it can be done.

I've tried it both ways from a boat and from the banks, and prefer the bank when I'm able to get clear enough shots.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Spurs on May 11, 2014, 03:34:00 PM
looks fun.  What is setup and how you do it?  Seems like it would be hard unless on a golf course?  Reason I say that we used to gig the golf course here, and get 18-20 a night.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 11, 2014, 03:46:00 PM
Tom,

When I'm solo I use 2 lights, a hand held Stream Light with 3 outputs the low setting is around 50 lm and the high being around 150 or so.

The second is a cheap Coleman headlight that I position over my left eye and when a frog is located and I'm ready to shoot I'll turn it on to make the shot.  A little more difficult then having a buddy with you to shine, but it can be done.

I've tried it both ways from a boat and from the banks, and prefer the bank when I'm able to get clear enough shots.

Also I live where we have a couple of WMA and several waterways, I'll Goggle earth the areas and look for dead lakes or with only inlets where frogs like to lay their eggs.

If the edges are too thick me and my buddy will go in on a pre scout and machetes us a path around the banks to get shots off.

Last year by my count we took about 200 prime frogs ranging in length from 10" to 16". Lots of fun and keeps you tuned in at least for shots under 15 yards   :biglaugh:
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Pascagoula Archer on May 11, 2014, 10:56:00 PM
Good job John , if I would have gone with you ,you would have had 4 .... lol
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: shag08 on May 11, 2014, 11:19:00 PM
Does a regular broadhead arrow just pass through and pin them down? When I was a teenager we used 22 rifles and lost a lot of frogs...a frog is a tough s.o.b. Then I started gigging them...more fun and alot fewer losses. I've considered using bowfishing arrows on them. I don't hardly see how they could escape that way.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 12, 2014, 12:22:00 AM
Here some pic's of the different types of point I use; Field point with flat washer, blunt like Hammerhead or Convertapoint, and a gig point I make out of concrete wire.

Here a link to a "How to" I did last year...

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=129363;p=5#000064  

  (http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/file-811.jpg) (http://s795.photobucket.com/user/jalmay5th/media/file-811.jpg.html)

  (http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/file-2485.jpg) (http://s795.photobucket.com/user/jalmay5th/media/file-2485.jpg.html)

The smaller gig point works best for strength and keeping a frog on the arrow. The frogs will try and jump off the arrow with the other heads if a direct head shot is not made.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Fattony77 on May 12, 2014, 02:33:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by jt85:
I bet that is a blast, I'll have to see if I can talk one of my buddies into going with me some time
Hey, buddy, if we can get our schedules to work out, I'm game!

South MS,
Looks like a lot of fun! Thanks for posting!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: shag08 on May 12, 2014, 06:46:00 AM
Cool. Thanks for posting the link. I remember reading that last year now. Thanks for refreshing my memory. I'm definitely gonna give those a try.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on May 12, 2014, 07:48:00 AM
Its hard to beat a good night of froggin and reaping the rewards.  Looks like your frogs are dandy!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Swinestalker on May 12, 2014, 09:39:00 AM
Yummy!!!!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Tradtical Commando on May 12, 2014, 05:02:00 PM
I just made me a few of these. Thanks for the how-to.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Jayrod on May 12, 2014, 07:28:00 PM
GOOD EATS THERE,! Congrats
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: SheltonCreeker on May 12, 2014, 08:11:00 PM
Thats just plain awesome. Thanks for sharing. I believe I will be trying this!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Yellow Dog on May 12, 2014, 09:40:00 PM
:thumbsup:  John, you're a frogs worst nightmare!!!!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Possum Head on May 12, 2014, 09:58:00 PM
Good job bud. As high as the river is you must have shot em from the blackop   :notworthy:
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Possum Head on May 12, 2014, 09:59:00 PM
Forgot to ask how wuz them skeeterz
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 12, 2014, 11:14:00 PM
Kirk,

Not bad but I did dope up well before hitting the slough.

I was on the other side of the slough too so my shot were not that steep, but several frogs were on the other side wouldn't you know it    :knothead:  

Mike,

Frogs and snakes seem to be my forte, wish it was deer and hogs    :rolleyes:
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: 2fletch on May 13, 2014, 08:49:00 AM
Looks like great fun John. We were fly fishing on a pond last week and the frogs were making their presence known. I hope to have at them in the next few weeks. It's hard to beat frog hunting and they are quite a delicacy.

We developed a "light caddy" last year using our Wing attachment to mount a light to the top of the bow riser. It was designed to be used with or without the bow quiver, and for night hunting frogs, hogs, fish, raccoons, or predators. Although it hasn't yet seen extensive usage, it looks very promising. In testing here in the shop it has proved to be secure on the bow and very convenient. It sure beats trying to hold a light and a bow in the same hand. We now have it for sale but it's not on our website yet.

 (http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n64/2fletch/DSCN2475.jpg) (http://s109.photobucket.com/user/2fletch/media/DSCN2475.jpg.html)
 (http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n64/2fletch/DSCN2458.jpg) (http://s109.photobucket.com/user/2fletch/media/DSCN2458.jpg.html)
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: rooster77 on May 13, 2014, 06:19:00 PM
Just ordered a light caddy for my bow from 2 fletch      looks like it will work great!    Randy...
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 13, 2014, 07:55:00 PM
Don,

Great ideal, looks like it would work.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Tajue17 on May 14, 2014, 11:34:00 AM
can't see the pics from work but now I'm pumped... need to check our seasons but here we cannot hunt em till July I think....  wood grilled frog legs,,can't wait!!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 14, 2014, 12:39:00 PM
Ted,

I remember you had a couple of really good outing last year post up when you slay some.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Doc Nock on May 14, 2014, 02:28:00 PM
Your posts SMB, always bring a smile to my face or a grin to my chin!

I forget how late we have to wait to hunt frogs here... but alas, not a target rich environment I can find... as many as you took last year, be interesting to see if they have any size again this year!  

Keep up the fun posts! Good luck!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: 2fletch on May 14, 2014, 04:09:00 PM
John, you have really got the fever started. I hope to get out on a pond or two in the next few nights.

Randy, your "Light Caddy" is on it's way. It's complete with 200 lumen light and a good battery. Put it tight on the bow, set the light focus to where you aim and you are ready. Let me know how it works out.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 14, 2014, 06:06:00 PM
Don,

Since your Light Caddy is not on the web site yet what the price for one?  And the light come with it?
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: bowhunterfrompast on May 14, 2014, 08:18:00 PM
Congrats    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 14, 2014, 08:50:00 PM
If I had a small video camera that could be hooked up to that light caddy it would be great to get some "Shot Footage".

I tried last year to film "Pascagoula Archer" Tommy but it didn't work out as the camera wouldn't film good in the very low light conditions.

It is something to behold a big old bullfrog being whacked! especially with one of the "Pitchfork" frog heads   :saywhat:
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Tradtical Commando on May 14, 2014, 08:59:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by South MS Bowhunter:


Here a link to a "How to" I did last year...

  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=129363;p=5#000064  

A moderator really ought to ad this to the How-To section
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: 2fletch on May 15, 2014, 08:58:00 AM
John, the price for the "Light Caddy" which includes the limb wrap attachment, 200 lumen LED adjustable focus light, and one AA battery, is $35.00 plus $3.00 shipping. It wraps the top riser fadeout where it is secure and out of the way. Right now it can be ordered by email or phone, but is not yet on the website.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Tradtical Commando on May 15, 2014, 09:22:00 AM
SMB- Do we have a season on frogs here in MS? I mad me a couple of your trident arrows and am ready to find a place to go now!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 15, 2014, 10:06:00 AM
Chris,

Yes, this year it opened in April and will run to September 30th.

Where are you located in the state?
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Swinestalker on May 16, 2014, 10:31:00 AM
John, have you tried a bowfishing rig for frogs? I like shooting the flying carp at Lake Mary, but now you've got me wanting to give frogs a whirl!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 16, 2014, 10:56:00 AM
Cliff,

I bought a "PSE Kingfisher" to be my frog rig but found it to be too heavy for my taste and the heavy arrows not necessary for the type of shooting I'm doing.

Originally we started frogging from a canoe and shooting them in the lilly and weed beds. We spent more time looking for arrows under the weeds then shooting frogs.

I thought the fish arrow would solve that problem, but found I had better success using the gig points I made even in the weed beds as the prongs would catch the weeds and usually stay on top.

I use my hunting bow with regular arrows and either gig points, mix of blunts, and field points with washers. The gig points to me works best if kept to 1.5" - 2" wide max and are devastating on frogs.  If you bend them they will nose dive on you so some maintenance is required to keep them true. Just bend them true with pliers.

Now me and the guys I frog with spend more time on the little dead lakes that are found off the rivers and sloughs.

I'm sure where you hunt you have the oxbow lakes that fill up during flood stage and will contain frogs. If it has a an abundances of craw fish it will have frogs.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Fattony77 on May 17, 2014, 03:34:00 AM
I just thought about this...
I'd be willing to bet that the leftover frog parts would make pretty good catfish bait, too!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 17, 2014, 08:36:00 AM
Yes sir make some good chum, phew!
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Tradtical Commando on May 17, 2014, 08:40:00 AM
I am up in Montgomery Co. About an you north of Jackson.
QuoteOriginally posted by South MS Bowhunter:
Chris,

Yes, this year it opened in April and will run to September 30th.

Where are you located in the state?
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 17, 2014, 05:32:00 PM
If you were closer, we could get a trip planned.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Tradtical Commando on May 17, 2014, 09:24:00 PM
Man I know. It is a haul down there though.
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: Swinestalker on May 18, 2014, 09:53:00 AM
Thanks for the info John, frogs with a bow will be a new endeavor for me and I appreciate your advice. I am certain it will shorten my learning curve. We certainly have lots of crawfish! So opportunities may be plentiful. One more question if you don't mind. How long is the average shot and is there any real need for fletchings?
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 18, 2014, 03:48:00 PM
Cliff,

On average with me working the banks I'd say average shots are about 12'-15' but there are times where I've seen some 15 yards are better shot made by one of my buddies Tommy (Pascagoula Archer).

As for fletchings if your arrows are tuned good you can get by, but I use either 3 or 2 fletchings.

I make my gig points to weight the same as my FP'
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: 2fletch on May 20, 2014, 09:11:00 AM
John, the idea of a camera on the bow sounds interesting. It would be unique to see how a camera mounted near the top riser fadeout would perform during a shot cycle. Today we are shipping a prototype bow quiver with a modification to accommodate a string tracker. A camera installation wouldn't be any more difficult. What do you think about the idea of having a camera on the bow?
Title: Re: First Frogs of 2014!
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 20, 2014, 03:55:00 PM
I would think it may work if the hand shock wasn't to bad. To me the main concern would be getting enough light to film.