Rippits part 2

[spanky116]

I wanted to say thanks to everybody that gave me the advice on the rippits. I tried them out last night. I had a couple of blow ups and had one on for a little bit. I never got a good hook set on him. They are great. I like throwing buzz baits but found I could throw these in brush better. Now I just need to work on setting the hook better.

[KyBoneHead]

I probably fish these a bit different as I use a 1/0 ewg hook and Texas rig the frog,
Obviously without the sinker. The hook settles in the groove on the top of the frog to make it weedless. As hard as it is, try to give the fish a second after it strikes to set the hook. Good luck!

[DJD]

After you posted that before I bought some and have used one bag of them. They are ok but I still prefer the Zoom Horny Toad. The ribbits are an option for me if I ever run out of my zoom which I doubt since I carry many bags of several colors at all times.
Anyone who fishes with me knows I toss toads ALOT! The hookset I use is different than others but I have found it works for me. I use a 7-71/2 foot rod with a medium heavy action and 20# excel. My normal hookset is when they nail it I pull back hard and fast with no hesitation. I don't wait to see if they have it like some do. I just cross their eyes and if I start missing a few I'll give them a second to see what they are actually doing.
I have found that if I'm fishing it to fast they might just slap at it.....so I slow it down and set it fast when they have it. If that doesn't work I'll work it slow and then give them a second to hold it before setting the hook.
Sometimes they only want to hold on to it if it's falling along side some cover like wood or grass. You have to watch this bait all the time and figure out what they want. Paying attention to what the bass want is KEY in being successful with toad fishing.
I have used braid while fishing toads but I found I missed too many fish with braid. I keep things simple and have a preprogrammed hookset in me (from using the same action rods and line for many years) while using 7ft rods and 20# excel. When I try and change that I mess myself up and I want my hookset to be automatic with no consideration of what line or rod I have in my hand. Of course I'm talking about pitching, flipping and casting soft plastics and jigs which I fish 90% of the time.
Once you find the setup you like and feel some success you will increase your hookup ratio. Just remember your perfect setup of rod, line, hook and hookset could be different than others. Good Luck!