In this video, professional angler Cal Lane demonstrates an efficient and high-impact approach to frogging thick vegetation. With a focus on surface mats and heavy grass cover, Lane shares real-time strategy adjustments, target areas, and bite-triggering techniques. Each cast is designed to draw strikes from bass holding beneath dense cover, resulting in aggressive topwater action.
Featured Product
- FROG – SPRO Dean Rojas Bronzeye 65: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Casting Rod 7’4″ Medium-Heavy: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- REEL – REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Baitcast Reel 8.3:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE – Cortland Master Braid Line Moss Green (50 lb.): Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
Targeting Mats in Heavy Vegetation
Frogging success often comes down to finding the right kind of vegetation. Lane looks for mats that form a solid layer over the surface, where fish can sit comfortably just under the cover. When these mats mix with open patches or thinner grass nearby, they create prime ambush zones for bass. These transitions concentrate fish and create high-percentage strike areas. By making long casts and keeping the frog on top of the mat, Lane draws reaction bites from fish that are either locked in or cruising underneath.
How to Approach a Mat Effectively
Speed and rhythm are key when covering water. Lane works quickly until he locates an active zone. Once fish start showing themselves, he slows down and methodically picks apart every corner of the mat. Fish often track a frog for several feet, so he keeps working it all the way to the boat. When a bass misses on the first strike, Lane lets the frog sit. That brief pause often triggers a second, more aggressive hit. Reaction strikes often come near edges, especially when the frog bursts into the next patch of grass.
Quiet Movement and the Right Presence
Noise control makes a big difference in shallow vegetation. Lane stays stealthy with a shallow-water anchor system and avoids unnecessary trolling motor use. This allows him to stay locked on one mat and land multiple fish without disturbing the area. He also uses a heavy-action rod, fast reel, and strong braid—an essential combo when pulling fish from dense cover. While color preference varies, Lane often sticks with basic dark or white frogs, depending on water clarity and light conditions.
Boat Setup
- BOAT – Phoenix 921 Elite II Bass Boat: Check out at Phoenix
- MOTOR – Yamaha V6 V MAX SHO 250 hp: Check out at Yamaha
- TROLLING MOTOR – Power Pole MOVE ZR Trolling Motor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Power-Pole Blade 2.0 Shallow Water Anchor, 10′: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FISH FINDERS – Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Fish Finder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
