The Hookup: Then it happened. Right on the edge of a weed clump in the middle of a typical slough on the California Delta, just beneath my lure, the water sucked down and went "plop!" Just like that my lure was gone. Where was the big explosion? Never mind that! I swung and set the hook - got'em!

The fight ensued and I coaxed what turned out to be about a one pounder to the boat. Alright, I figured it was time to stop pressing my luck for while I didn't really mind not landing something that might bite, I didn't want to run the risk of losing my Kicker Frog - these baits are not easy to come by!

Durability: So I switched up to my Megabass Orochi X4 Cover Hacking rod matched with a Chronarch 101D spooled with fourteen pound Sunline Shooter FC. Turns out I didn't have a reel spooled with braid on the boat. Oh well.

Zander and I stuck around in this slough that we somehow had all to ourselves, and managed to boat about half a dozen fish of different sizes all in the same general area. All my fish were caught on the Kicker Frog and my hookup ratio was 100%. I've never had this much success with a frog before.

The downside? These frogs get torn up. No doubt part of the reason for this bait's excellent hookup ratio is the plastic used on the body of the frog is very soft. On one hookset, I actually turned the bait inside out! The plus side was, after a little adjusting, I had the bait back into its original position. Question is, how many times can you do this before the bait is non-recoverable?

Availability: Up until ICAST 2012, I was hesitant to write this bait up because I know the first question I was going to get was "how do I get some of these frogs?!" But now that distribution channels have finally been set up, we expect to see the Kicker Frog on store shelves very shortly. Let's hope so because this is one excellent bait.

Conclusion: If you're a topwater fanatic and enjoy tossing frogs, you owe it to yourself to do whatever it takes to get your hands on Evergreen International's Kicker Frog. One of the other reasons I was hesitant to share this bait is the fact it is so fun and easy to throw, I didn't want to have to write it up and put it on the "already reviewed, rarely to be used again" pile. But as usual, all good things must come to an end I suppose.

Be mindful that this is not the most durable frog bait available, but also be aware, the hook up ratio with this bait is unreal. I've fished it in open water and cover situations, and will not hesitate to throw it anywhere and everywhere I think a hungry bass may be hiding. While the body of the bait is soft and pliable, that single hook is strong and sure on the swing. The Kicker Frog from Evergreen International inspires the very definition of "enthusiasm". The last bit of news is, if you really need to have a two hook, heavier cover version of this bait, well, stay tuned because the Big Bite Frog is just that and it's scheduled to be released this coming year.