16 Nebraskaland • June 2025
IN THE FIELD
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.
DAYTIME FROGGIN'
By Jeff Kurrus
Daytime frogging can be just as productive as midnight frogging. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
