Frog tongue weights, also called “wedge” sinkers, are one of a handful of sinker options designed specifically for the conditions encountered while surf fishing. Let’s discuss exactly what frog tongue sinkers are, and when you might want to use them. I’ll also briefly discuss some common alternatives.
What Is A Frog Tongue Weight
A frog tongue weight is a uniquely shaped lead sinker specifically designed for casting far and holding bottom in heavy current. It’s meant to be a stationary sinker much like a Sputnik weight.
The line tie is positioned inside of a scoop shaped face on one end that tapers to a flat sharp edge on the other end. This design allows for great in-flight aerodynamics, combined with superb holding ability in sandy bottoms.
Because wedge sinkers are flat, they offer little resistance to current on the bottom. And, the frog-mouth-like face digs into the sand. With these 2 things combined, frog tongues are less likely to get dislodged from the bottom than some of your other options.
They are commonly available in sizes ranging from 2 to 12 ounces. I would imagine that a 12 ounce wedge sinker would hold bottom like Thor’s hammer.
When To Use A Frog Tongue Weight
Frog tongues are primarily used for surf fishing applications when chasing big fish in rough water. They work particularly well when you need to cast a bait a great distance, and you also need that bait pinned to the bottom in heavy current.
The shape of any sinker has a great impact on its holding ability. It’s not just about the number of ounces. Using a weight like this, or a Sputnik weight, allows you to cast less weight, but still get a strong hold. This is useful when you need a lot of holding power, but you don’t have a rod or the skill to cast a really heavy payload.
How To Use A Frog Tongue Sinker
This style of sinker is used the same way as a pyramid weight, or other similar surf fishing sinker. I use them on my fish finder rigs, just as I would a pyramid.
Advantages Of Frog Tongue Sinkers
The advantages of wedge sinkers have been discussed above, so I’ll simply list them here. Then, we will discuss the disadvantages.
- Frog tongues don’t tumble in heavy surf like pyramid weights do
- Aerodynamic for improved casting distance
- Flatness allows current to flow over them better
- Frog mouth shaped face digs into sand providing a solid anchor
- The holding power per ounce of this style of weight is superb
- They don’t get tangled in your line like Sputnik weights do
- They don’t pick up trash in the water as bad as Sputnik weights do
- Overall, these are one of the very best options for strong current
Disadvantages Of Frog Tongue Weights
Not Readily Available
In some areas they may not be as readily available as other options, so you may have to order them online. You can expect to pay more, if you have to have them shipped to you. Lead is heavy and all. Not all online fishing supply retailers carry them, so you might have to search around a little. I like TackleDirect.
Harder To Reel In
Unlike other options, frog sinkers fight against you the whole way in. If you use a really heavy frog sinker, you’ll want to have a very strong rod. Pyramid sinkers reel in much easier by comparison.
Slightly More Expensive
They are supposedly more difficult to manufacture, so sometimes they will be a little more expensive. But, as you can see in the pricing chart below, they are only slightly higher priced. Certainly, they are much cheaper than Sputnik weights.
Alternatives To Frog Tongue Sinkers
There are several common alternatives to wedge sinkers. Below are probably the 3 most common options for surf fishing.
Hatteras Sinkers aka Storm Sinkers
A good alternative to frog tongue sinkers are storm sinkers. These also have excellent holding ability, but they don’t fight you as much when reeling them in. You’ll find that storm sinkers are more common than frog tongues, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are better. Frog tongues do hold better per ounce than Hatteras sinkers.
Pyramid Sinkers
The pyramid weight is a staple in the surf fishing community, but it does have a weakness in strong current. They tend to tumble more in rough conditions. So, they can be used as an alternative in calmer waters.
Sputnik Sinkers
When it comes to holding power, Sputnik’s are a good alternative to wedge sinkers. They have a similar, but slightly superior, holding ability. However, Sputniks are prone to tangle with your line and other debris in the water. Therefore, a frog tongue will typically be the better option, unless you really need the ultimate per-ounce holding ability that a Sputnik provides.
Prices from TackleDirect.com (08/02/2020)
| Style | Cost |
|---|---|
| 6 oz. Pyramid Weight | $1.99 |
| 6 oz. Storm (Hatteras) Sinker | $2.10 |
| 6 oz. Frog Tongue Sinker | $2.20 |
| 6 oz. Sputnik Sinker | $6.00 |
Frog Tongue Molds
Wedge sinkers can sometimes be slightly more expensive than your standard Pyramid weight, but they seem to fall pretty well in line with other sinker prices, as shown by the chart above. With that said, some people still like to make their own. Molds are available if you care to search them out. But, be prepared, as they can be quite expensive.
Conclusion
Frog tongue sinkers are indeed one of the best designed surf fishing sinkers on the market. If you chase big fish in heavy current, try one out. I think you might find that you have a new favorite surf weight.
If you like this article, check out some of my other saltwater fishing articles such as this one here – Sputnik Sinkers Are Better Than Pyramid Weights.
Cheers,
Augustus Clay
