HOME | TACKLETOUR FORUMS  | EDITOR'S CHOICE | REVIEW ARCHIVE | ABOUT US | 

Reels | Rods | Lures | SwimbaitsBFS Lines | Term. Tackle | Tools | Storage | Apparel | Enthusiast | Watercraft | Interviews | Events | Autopsy


 


 

 


Lure Review


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...

 

   

Google
  Web
  TackleTour

 

 

 
 





 

 



Copyright 2000-2024 TackleTour LLC All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy information