Hollow-Body Frog

Topwater — hollow-body frog

Written by — professional Central Texas bass fishing guide since 2000. 50+ years fishing these waters, 26+ years guiding, thousands of trips across all 16 lakes he personally fishes. More about Bryan →

· · Knowledge base v2026.07

The hollow-body frog is a weedless topwater walked over matted grass, pads and wood where other baits snag. Bass crush it through the cover in violent blowups — on grass lakes like LBJ and Canyon it is the most exciting bite in Central Texas bass fishing.

Why: The most exciting bite there is.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Frog Fishing · Grass / Hydrilla Fishing · All bass lures

Verified Answered by , Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026

Why it works

Its weedless design fishes cover nothing else can, and the walking action over mats triggers explosive strikes.

Brands that make this style: Berkley Swamp Lord sponsor, SPRO Bronzeye Frog, Strike King KVD Sexy Frog

As an Amazon Associate, Texas Hawgs earns from qualifying purchases. Brands marked sponsor are companies Bryan proudly represents — see the sponsors page.

Hollow-Body Frog at a glance

Family
Topwater
Sizes
2.5 in
Weights
1/2-5/8 oz
Water temp
65-92°F
Skill level
●●●○○
Bryan's confidence
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Catches: Largemouth Bass

When to throw it

Best seasons: Summer, Fall

Best conditions: Summer Heat / Dog Days, Cloud Cover, Calm / Slick Conditions

Where to throw it

Depth: 0-4 ft; cover: Grass, Pads, Wood; structure: Matted Grass, Lily Pads, Laydowns.

How to fish it

Rig it with: Frog Fishing, Grass / Hydrilla Fishing.

Retrieve: Walk and pause across cover, slowing in pockets and holes; hesitate on the blowup before setting.

Color selection

By water clarity — Clear: natural, bluegill · Stained: black, white

By forage — Bluegill: bluegill, natural

Lakes where it produces

Lake Travis · Lake Austin · Lake Buchanan · Lake LBJ · Inks Lake · Stillhouse Hollow · Lake Bastrop · Fayette County · Lake Falcon · Canyon Lake

Common mistakes

  • Setting the instant it blows up
  • Line too light to pull fish from cover
  • Not tuning the frog to walk straight

Pro tips

  • Count "one-thousand-one" after the blowup before setting
  • Trim the legs and add rattles to tune it

Keep exploring

All bass lures · Frog Fishing · All techniques · Central Texas bass fishing guide

Want to catch 'em on a Hollow-Body Frog? All tackle is provided on a guided trip. See rates and book or call 512-762-0190.