How to Catch a Bullfrog

The chirp of a bullfrog is an irresistible melody to frog enthusiasts both young and old. Froggers, as they are often called, enjoy nothing more than sneaking out after dark and catching a few bullfrogs in the warm summer night air. Bullfrogs are crafty creatures and will slip right out of your hands if you're not properly prepared. Whether your plans involve dining on frog legs or catching and releasing your quarry, catching bullfrogs is an adventure that requires both dedication and patience.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing pole
  • Small fishing hooks
  • Earthworms
  • Cooler with ice
  • Spotlight
  • Bucket or burlap sack
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact your state's fish and wildlife division and find out if it is legal to catch bullfrogs in your area. In many states, bullfrogs are regulated much like fish and you must have a license to legally catch them. Ask the wildlife officer if your state has a bullfrog season or if they're legal to catch all year long.

    • 2

      Rig up a frog gig by tying a small fishing hook to the end of a short, strong fishing pole. Keep a container of fresh, live earthworms inside a cooler full of ice to keep them alive. When you reach your hunting site, bait the hook with a earthworms and keep the pole within arm's reach.

    • 3

      Find a pond or shallow lake in which to conduct your frog hunt. Walk in the shallow water along the shoreline, examining the shore for frogs. Bullfrogs make a very distinctive "ruu-u-mmm" sound as they call out to other frogs, so shine your light in the direction of any frog calls you hear. The spotlight slows frogs down, as they cannot see well against the bright light.

    • 4

      Shine your light down toward the ground under the frog, and drag your baited frog gig slowly along the ground. As soon as the frog jumps forward and swallows the worm, pull up gently on the pole to set the hook and reel in the excess line to keep the frog from escaping. Gently hold the frog on the ground as you open its mouth with your fingers and pull out the hook, and transfer the frog to a bucket or burlap sack for safe keeping.

    • 5

      Catch bullfrogs by hand if you choose not to use a gig. Have a helper shine the spotlight directly at the frog as you quietly move around and sneak up on the frog from behind. Lean forward slightly as you crouch down and grab the frog just behind the head with one hand. Scoop the frog off the ground with the other hand and hold it securely until your helper meets you with a bucket or bag to contain your prized catch.