Goin'
for a Walk with the Jackall Iobee Frog

Date: |
9/2/14 |
Tackle type: |
Lure |
Manufacturer: |
Jackall |
Reviewer: |
Wolbugger |
Total Score: 7.58 -
GOOD
Introduction:
Go ask a hundred bass anglers if they like frog fishing, and you'll likely get a
hundred exuberant answers of “YES.” Frog fishing is unquestionably one of the
most fun and exciting ways to catch bass. While it's not normally a technique
that works all year on many bodies of water, when the time is right it can be an
incredibly effective way to catch quality fish. Despite the popularity of
hollow-body frogs, a lot of anglers get frustrated with them at times because
they can be difficult to walk. It takes different tackle and a much different
cadence to master one of these baits compared to, say, a Zara Spook. Jackall's
Iobee frog is made to ease this burden a bit, as it's designed for effortless
walking action. So, will the Iobee indeed walk, or flop?
Jackall
Iobee
Frog
Specifications |
Type |
Hollow
Plastic Frog |
Class |
Topwater |
Depth |
Surface |
Size |
Body only~
2.5 inches
Whole bait~
6.5 inches |
Weight |
1/2 ounce |
Colors/Patterns |
6 |
MSRP |
$12.99 |

Jackall lightheartedly refers to the Iobee as “Potentially the best frog lure.”
Impressions:
Many
anglers like to customize their frogs, but Jackall optimized the Iobee's design
so that you can literally take it out of the package and go fish it. Its plastic
body is quite soft and is specifically made around a sharp double-pronged custom
hook for the best shape and weedless characteristics. The belly portion is what
really helps the frog walk, as it sports a very pronounced “keel” to enhance the
side-to-side action. In the rear, you'll find a water seal around the hooks to
keep the H20 out, a tiny drain hole, and a pair of long four-inch legs that are
made of a unique, very limp rubber. Indeed, these baits are nicely put together
and seemingly encompass most everything you'd look for in a hollow frog.

There are only six colors available, but that's really all you need.
Casting:
Hollow
frogs are bulky baits that definitely aren't the most aerodynamic around.
Thankfully, the Iobee utilizes a small weight near the hook bend for just the
right amount of balance and casting ease. With an overall heft of a half ounce,
the toad is extremely stable and easy to fling on a very straight, accurate
trajectory. In fact, a strong cast will launch this thing a surprising distance.
I was able to skip the frog here and there on a backhand cast, but to be quite
honest my skipping skills with a baitcaster are sorely lacking so I tend to shy
away from the possibility of a braided bird nest!

A small drain hole is located at the rear of the Iobee.
Retrieving:
When
looking head-on at the Iobee, you'll notice the pronounced v-shaped belly that
looks like the hull of a boat. This built-in keel is said to make the frog walk
much easier. But, does it actually work? Absolutely! It still takes a touch of
skill to get it right, but out of all the frogs I've used it's definitely the
easiest one to walk. I have fished the Iobee on 20, 40, and 60-pound braid and
didn't have any issues. Even at the end of a long cast I'm still able to walk
the frog easily at an extreme distance. Depending on rod tip speed, the frog can
softly walk, dart, or bounce its way side-to-side across the surface. Using very
subtle movements can also make the frog move back and forth with minimal forward
motion—great for a prolonged presentation in a confined space. Whatever the
retrieve, the subtle legs move willingly and impart a ton of added attraction.

Here's a look at the water seal (at the base of the hooks) and the small, round
weight.
The three baits
I had for testing didn't have any issues with taking in abnormal amounts of
water. The seal that's used around the hooks kept water out very well—even after
modest usage. There is a drain hole located at the rear so the frog can quickly
get relief when squeezed.

I have total confidence casting the Iobee over and through thick weed lines.
Next Section: Into the weeds...  |