By Jeff Kurrus
There is a 10 p.m. cap for some people. Regardless of how late they slept that day, by the time the local news hits the TV, they may not make it to the weather.
Yet they still have a desire for pan-fried frog legs.
No fear, early sleepers, for daytime bullfrogging can be just as productive as its midnight counterpart of flashlights and hand-grabbing. There are just a few more things to consider.
Beware the Hunters
A bullfrog’s field of vision is nearly 180 degrees, allowing them a panoramic view. Because of this trait, nighttime hunters shine lights into their eyes, disabling their most powerful attribute. But there’s no amount of light during the day that will offer a hunter the same assistance. Therefore, approach from behind when bank hunting, maintaining as much distance as possible before striking.
What to Strike With
Is daytime hand-grabbing possible? You bet, especially at dawn and dusk, but a preferred method is casting or even cane-poling for them. The first tactic involves using some sort of topwater plug, such as a scum frog, and casting toward the frog from a good distance. The key to this method is the lure itself.
Its body has to be soft enough for the frog to get it in its mouth and for the hunter to set the hook. Hard-bodied frogs are often ineffective. If the frogs are on sand or other bare banks where vegetation is low, then traditional treble-hooked lures, such as torpedoes or other prop lures, also work.
From the bank, approach the frog from behind with a cane pole baited with anything from a scum frog to nightcrawlers and dangle this offering in front of the frog. Because of their extreme aggressiveness, bites will be plentiful.
Using nets is another effective tactic, but there’s just something about talking a frog into striking a lure that conjures a smile.
Time of Day
If a hunter maintains distance, and can stay out of eyesight, then time of day doesn’t matter. Later in the summer, it’s common to see bullfrogs on the surface near mats of aquatic vegetation. Casting or cane-poling will continue to work in these circumstances.
New Water
How bullfrogs and other amphibians find water is an amazing act of nature. New water can be golden for frogs, so access it if possible. Early-season trips are also best, such as this time of year west of Highway 81, where the season is open year-round, or on Aug. 15 east of Highway 81, where the season is open until Oct. 31 and a minimum length of 4½ inches from snout to vent is required.
Regardless of when the desire to hunt begins, just know it doesn’t have to be at midnight to be productive.
Check out the Fishing Guide at OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.