Messinger's Frog

The Messinger Frog, crafted by Joe Messinger, is a renowned topwater fly pattern designed to mimic the appearance and movement of a frog. Its unique construction and lifelike action have made it a staple for anglers targeting species such as bass, pike, and snook.

Before casting, pinch the deer-hair legs lightly between your fingers and twist them a half-turn so they spiral. Once they hit the water, the legs slowly unwind during the retrieve, creating a subtle rolling kick that looks exactly like a real frog adjusting its stroke after surfacing. Fish pick up on this micro-movement far more than the pop or wake itself, and it often triggers strikes on days when a standard frog presentation gets followed but not eaten.