The Max Smith Top Frog: 5 Revolutionary Secrets Of The Lure That Kicks For Big Bass In 2025
The "Fishing 2 The Max Top Frog" is not just another topwater bait; it is a meticulously engineered, garage-built revolution in frog fishing, and as of late 2024 and heading into the 2025 season, it remains one of the most talked-about lures in the bass community. This unique creation by Max Smith is designed to solve the age-old problem of unnatural frog movement, thanks to an innovative rigging system that forces the lure’s legs to kick with startling realism, triggering explosive strikes from wary largemouth bass lurking in the thickest cover. Its recent inclusion in "new bait" lists for the upcoming year confirms its continued relevance and demand.
The lure's success stems from its commitment to realism and its ability to navigate heavy vegetation where traditional baits fail. Unlike standard hollow-body frogs that rely solely on a walking-the-dog or chugging motion, the Top Frog incorporates a mechanical advantage that mimics a distressed frog attempting to swim to safety, making it an irresistible target. If you are serious about topwater action and targeting trophy-class fish, understanding the unique characteristics and required rigging of this bait is essential.
The Top Frog's Unique Anatomy and Creator Profile
The Fishing 2 The Max Top Frog stands out immediately due to its unconventional design, which is a testament to the custom, hand-crafted approach of its creator, Max Smith. While Smith may not have a traditional professional fishing biography, his "garage-built" philosophy has yielded a highly specialized tool that is quickly gaining a cult following among serious anglers.
- Creator: Max Smith (Fishing 2 The Max)
- Lure Type: Topwater Frog Imitation (Unique Hybrid Design)
- Body Length (Approx.): 2 3/4 inches
- Total Length (Approx.): 7 inches
- Weight (Approx.): 1.4 ounces
- Primary Action: Realistic "Kicking Legs" action
- Key Rigging Component: 100lb Monofilament Leader
- Hook Requirement: Size 4 Treble Hook (tied to the leader)
- Known Color Option: Greenback
- Best Use: Dense grass edges, lily pads, and open water between cover
The lure’s weight and size make it an excellent choice for long casts, allowing anglers to reach distant pockets of cover that are often untouched by lighter topwater baits. The body is designed to be highly durable, capable of withstanding the violent strikes typical of large, aggressive bass.
The 5 Revolutionary Secrets to Fishing the Top Frog
Fishing the Top Frog requires a departure from standard hollow-body frog techniques. The unique mechanics of the lure demand specific gear and retrieval methods to maximize its revolutionary kicking action. Mastering these five secrets will significantly increase your hook-up ratio and the quality of your catch.
1. The Non-Negotiable 100lb Monofilament Leader
This is the most critical and unique aspect of the Top Frog's design. The lure is specifically engineered to be fished with a 100lb monofilament leader. This heavy leader is not just for abrasion resistance against thick cover; it is integral to the lure's action.
- Action Enhancement: The stiffness of the 100lb mono leader acts as a pivot point, ensuring the line connection to the feet translates into a sharp, realistic kick rather than a limp drag.
- Connection Point: The leader is tied directly to the lure’s feet, allowing the legs to kick outward when pulled.
- Recommendation: Use a high-quality, clear monofilament to maintain the stealth of the presentation.
2. The Essential Size 4 Treble Hook Rigging
Unlike most topwater frogs that use a dual-upward-facing hook, the Top Frog utilizes a size 4 treble hook tied at the end of the 100lb monofilament leader. This configuration is what makes the Top Frog a hybrid—it offers the weedless capability of a frog with the hook-up power of a traditional topwater plug.
- Hook-Up Ratio: The treble hook significantly improves the hook-up ratio compared to single or double-hook frogs, especially when bass "swat" at the bait.
- Weedless Compromise: While the treble hook is more exposed than a standard hollow-body hook, the lure's design keeps the hook riding above the water, making it surprisingly effective in less-than-dense vegetation and grass edges.
- The Bite: Wait until you feel the weight of the fish before setting the hook to ensure the bass has fully engulfed the treble hook.
3. The 'Pop and Pause' Retrieval Technique
The Top Frog is not designed for a continuous, fast retrieve. To maximize the unique kicking action, a rhythmic "pop and pause" is the most effective presentation. The goal is to make the frog appear to be swimming erratically or struggling on the surface.
- The Pop: Use a short, sharp downward or sideways twitch of the rod tip. This should cause the legs to kick out and the body to lurch forward.
- The Pause: Allow the bait to sit motionless for 2–5 seconds after the pop. This is often when the most aggressive strikes occur, as the bass views the paused bait as a vulnerable meal.
- Targeting: Focus your casts directly into small openings in the lily pads or along the edge of dense hydrilla mats.
4. Optimal Rod, Reel, and Line Setup (The Power Gear)
Due to the lure's weight (1.4 ounces), the need to cast heavy leaders, and the requirement to pull large bass out of thick cover, a heavy-duty setup is mandatory. Your gear must be capable of handling the entire fight, from the hookset to the landing.
- Rod: A 7'3" to 7'10" Heavy (H) or Medium-Heavy (MH) power baitcasting rod is ideal. A fast tip is helpful for working the bait, but the backbone must be substantial to haul fish out of the slop.
- Reel: A high-quality baitcasting reel with a gear ratio between 7.1:1 and 8.1:1. The high speed is crucial for quickly picking up slack line after a strike.
- Main Line: 50 to 65-pound test braided line. Braid is essential for its zero-stretch quality, which ensures a powerful hookset and maximum sensitivity in heavy cover.
5. Color Selection and Water Conditions
While the "Greenback" color is a staple, understanding general frog color principles will help you choose the best presentation based on the water conditions and the natural forage in your lake.
- Dark Colors (e.g., Greenback, Black/Brown): Use on overcast days or in stained/murky water. The dark silhouette is highly visible from below against a dim sky.
- Light Colors (e.g., White, Yellow): Best for bright, sunny days and clear water. White is an excellent option for mimicking a frog’s belly against a bright backdrop.
- Natural Colors (e.g., Bluegill/Shad Patterns): Effective in waters with high fishing pressure or when bass are feeding on specific forage other than frogs.
Topical Authority: Why The Top Frog Triggers Big Bass
The effectiveness of the Max Smith Top Frog is rooted in the specific behavior of largemouth bass, particularly when they are holding in dense, shallow cover. Bass are ambush predators, and their feeding behavior is often triggered by two key factors: vulnerability and disturbance.
The unique kicking action of this lure perfectly mimics a frog that has been injured or is struggling to swim, signaling an easy meal. This vulnerability is a major trigger for large, lethargic bass. Furthermore, the 1.4-ounce weight of the lure, combined with the heavy leader, creates a substantial "plop" when it hits the water—a significant surface disturbance that alerts bass to its presence, even in thick vegetation.
By combining the weedless capability needed for heavy cover fishing with a realistic, high-percentage hook-up system (the treble hook), the Fishing 2 The Max Top Frog bridges the gap between a traditional hollow-body frog and a conventional topwater plug. This hybrid functionality is why it continues to be a favorite among anglers looking for an edge in competitive or trophy bass fishing.
In the evolving world of bass fishing, the Top Frog stands as a prime example of how innovation, even from a "garage-built" origin, can redefine a classic technique. By adopting the specialized rigging and retrieval methods, you can unlock the full potential of this unique lure and experience some of the most exciting topwater bites of your fishing career.
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