Bull Frog Slider
Like many of you I have fished frog imitations for years. But my bait casting counterparts arsenal of frog imitations have been constantly improving while my collection of frog poppers and sliders have for the most part stayed the same. Looking through what was available in preformed popper and slider bodies I knew that I if I wanted a slider head to look like a real frog I would have to make it myself. Here’s what I have come up with.
Materials:
- Head: Foam cylinder
- Eyes: 1/4 inch holographic eye
- Markers: Permanent Markers - Prismacolor markers in cream, lime green, wheat, and dark mocha.
- Legs: Grizzly Hackle Feathers, and optional rubber legs to finish
- Collar: Black saddle hackle feather
- Weed Guard: Monofilament line
- Epoxy: 60 min epoxy to set eyes, fill hook slot, and coat the head.
To make the slider body I use a foam cylinder from the craft store
You will need a dremel type tool with a wood or sanding bit. 1/4"
Start by narrowing one end and groove out the top for the separation of the eyes. Then start to shape the throat , lip and eyes as shown.
The indention for the eye is made with the tip of the dremel bit. If you are using a ¼ bit a ¼ holographic eye fits perfect.
Your head should now resemble this.
Using the tip of the bit you can now make the tympanic membrane. Cut in about a 1/16 of an inch and wallow out the foam.
With a straight edge now cut a slit for the mouth.
I use permanent markers to color my sliders. Here I’m using Prismacolor markers in ,Cream, Lime green ,Wheat and Dark Mocha.
First cover all the foam in wheat.
Next highlight all the areas to remain dark with the dark mocha.
Before the mocha has time to dry blend the colors using the lime green marker.
With a razor cut the foam to receive the hook then color the underside with wheat or leave white.
With your hook in the vice tie on a 3to 4 inch piece of mono to use as a weed guard.
Tie in grizzly hackle feathers to mimic legs . I used four to each side here
Tie in a black saddle hackle feather as shown and tie in the weed guard just before the hook eye and whip finish.
With epoxy fill in the slot made to fit over the hook and set aside to dry. After drying add rubber legs if desired.
Then using 60 min epoxy set in the eyes and coat the entire frog head and place on a drying wheel.
Fred G. Hannie is a dental technician by trade. He is from Southwest Louisiana, and lives near Lake Charles, Louisiana.
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