When targeting bass with a topwater frog, stealth is everything. In this video, Cal Lane shares a proven approach to fishing mats that can make or break your success. Whether you’re fishing tournaments or just chasing your next big bite, this technique matters.
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
Why Quiet Mat Approaches Matter
Many anglers focus on the gear—rod, reel, line, and frog—but few pay attention to how they approach the mat. Lane emphasizes that noise, vibration, and movement can spook even aggressive bass hiding beneath the surface. By staying quiet, cutting down boat movement, and minimizing wake, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of triggering a strike. Lane carefully eases into a mat, drops his Power-Poles once he gets a bite, and thoroughly works the area. It’s this level of discipline that separates casual casts from calculated catches.
Topwater Frog Fishing Tactics That Work
Lane doesn’t just fan cast and hope for the best. He commits to each mat, dissecting it with precision. After 15 to 40 casts, depending on the mat size, he uses the Power-Pole Move function to quietly shift positions. This lets him continue working the area without alerting fish to his presence. He also notes the importance of cutting off livewells during key moments in a tournament. Every small adjustment contributes to a quieter profile on the water—crucial when bass are pressured or finicky.
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
