Make the leap and learn to catch some big ole Louisiana bullfrogs
Catching bullfrogs is quite challenging, especially for the inexperienced. But with some good advice and a little practice, you can become an expert frogger yourself.
My good buddy, David Simoneaux, has been catching bullfrogs for much longer than most of our readers have been around. His expertise is unrivaled in our area of the state. Besides the lightning quick reflexes necessary, there are also strategies that Simoneaux uses to ensure a nice catch of big bullfrogs on each trip.
Equipment
Simoneaux uses a Pro-Drive motor attached to his aluminum skiff for easier access to the shallows.
“Starting right at dusk, I look for floating grass and dead lilies as I ease along the banks of the local bayous, canals, ponds and sloughs,” he said. “I like to use a strong LED headlight to focus on the frog’s eyes as I make my approach.”
Simoneaux uses a modified 48-quart ice chest with a PVC pipe installed in the lid. This ensures the frogs cannot escape.
“I like to catch the frogs with my hands,” Simoneaux said. “I also bring a long-handled frog net for those frogs that are too far back on the bank.”
Spotting the frogs
One of the most difficult aspects of frogging is being able to spot a frog. There is an art to being able to pick up the eyes and/or the shape of the frog’s head slightly poking above the water. Sometimes the frog is broadside or even facing in the opposite direction, making detection even more difficult.
I can attest from my personal experience frogging with Simoneaux that there is a learning curve. He usually sees the frog before I do. Even after he calls out the location to me, it still takes a few moments for my eyes to track down the frog. Quite humbling, but I love the challenge.
When you attempt to grab a large bullfrog barehanded, you have to have a certain mind set. You must be able to make a quick, precise grab and be ready to hold on tightly when the big bullfrog tries to kick out of your hand.
Simoneaux’s advice to my grandson, Baylor Allen, who accompanied us on this frogging trip, was to not be timid.
“No half stepping allowed,” he teased.
Baylor was the designated frog catcher and did not disappoint. During our 2-hour trip, he had a 100 percent catch rate on 33 frogs.
Safety first
Simoneaux is very safety conscious while frogging.
“PFDs and running lights on your boat are mandatory,” he said. “GPS, while not mandatory, is essential when traversing any waterways after dark.
“Sharing your plans with a trusted friend who knows the area is the only way I travel.”
Frogging with two people is easier, but it can be done solo. Simoneaux showed us how he does it alone.
“Most important, is to lock the headlight beam onto the frog and quickly move to the front of the boat to make your grab,” he said. “When possible, I approach in a way to grab the frog from the side of the boat near my center console.”
Follow the rules
State law says the minimum size limit for keeping a pig frog is 3 inches and the minimum size limit for a bullfrog is 5 inches. They should be measured from nose to posterior of the body where the legs split off. There is no possession limit, but frog season is closed April through May.
Cleaning frogs is a fairly simple process, much like skinning a catfish.
“I prefer my frogs deep fried,” Simoneaux said. “I use Colonel Jim’s Seasoned Chicken Fry Breading Mix. The key is to go straight from the breading mix into the frying pan to ensure the breading sticks to the frog through the frying procedure.”
Frogging on a nice Louisiana night is an experience everyone should try. Challenge yourself. The reward will be a delicious meal that you and your family will enjoy.
