Frog Gigging 101: How to Gig a Frog
Frog gigging, also known as frog hunting, is a popular activity in parts of the United States, particularly the South and Midwest. Gigging frogs typically involves using a large spear, or gig, to impale frogs and fish in bodies of water and then pulling them out of the water to be cooked and eaten. If you’re new to this pastime, or if you have always wanted to learn frog gigging yourself, then here’s everything you need to know about this fun summer activity!
But First....What is Frog Gigging?
The techniques and equipment involved with frog gigging are relatively straightforward, but to successfully gig a frog, is not. The spear has a small barb with a small barb near it's tip like a fishing hooks barb; when you gig a frog, it will stay on your spear without slipping off due to the barbs. The barbs of a frog gigging spear help keep your catch secure as you pull them out of underwater hiding spots or through thick vegetation. In general once you have some experience and have successfully learned to gig a frog it's very easy to gather large amounts of frogs through gigging. Though typically you'll want a partner to help you as it's much harder to do solo (We'll explain why below).
Step 1: Set up your Frog Gigging Spear
A frog gigging spear is a long-bladed spear tip traditionally used by hunters who wanted to catch frogs from the shore of a lake or river. A traditional frog gigging spear is thin, with three pronged spear points with small barbs on the end. You can purchase a ready to go spears to gig a frog, or even make one yourself from pretty basic materials. With that said, there are plenty of variations—some frog gigging spears have 3 prongs with barbs on all three ends, some have 2 or 4 prongs on them. Once you've got your frog gig grab a partner, and a couple headlamps. Don't forget to check out our guide on making your own frog gig pole.
Step 2: Find Some Water for Frog Gigging!
If you’re looking to gig a frog in the water, the first step is finding some water. Once you do you can confirm their presence by listening to the frogs as they croak; they often call near the water. (Croaking generally gets louder as their proximity to the water increases.) After locating a group of frogs, shine your light out over the water, you can see their eyes glow to confirm their presence. Once that's done it’s time to go get your equipment together and go gig a frog!
Step 3: Blind the Frogs and Prepare to Gig a Frog
You're now equipped with the perfect frog gigging spear, a partner and an area to hunt. The only thing left to do is shine them, then gig a frog. It's crucial that you blind the frogs while they are sitting on the bank or in their mud holes, or even in the water so your light needs to be as bright as you can get. You don't want them to be able to escape, but if you shine it right into their eyes, they won't be able to see your partner approach (from behind is best) just don't get between them and the light or they will quickly hop away.
Step 4: How to Gig a Frog
Step up slowly behind the frog. This is a critical part of making sure you take your frog out cleanly and quickly. When ready, aim at the base frog’s head, directly behind his eyes, and thrust, congratulations, you've just learned how to gig a frog! Put your frogs into a dedicated frog gigging bag (like a burlap potato sack that's been wet with cool water) and transfer them to an iced cooler as soon as you can to keep the meat as fresh as possible.
Step 5: Dinner Time!
now that you've got a few frogs, it's time to eat! There's a lot of resources online that include recipes for cooking frog legs, as well as other edible parts of frogs, so I won't go into that for now since there's plenty of information out there.
If your interested in finding your own gig set, check out Grim Workshops credit card size gig set!
About Grim Workshop
Grim Workshop specializes in high-quality survival, EDC, and outdoor gear designed for preparedness and adventure. We focus on compact, durable, and functional tools that fit seamlessly into your everyday carry or survival kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is frog gigging?
A. Frog gigging is a traditional method of hunting frogs using a gig, which is a multi-pronged spear attached to a long pole. It’s a popular activity for catching bullfrogs, often done at night near ponds, lakes, and swamps. Many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy frog giggin because it provides a fun challenge and tasty rewards.
Q. What gear do I need for frog giggin?
A. The basic gear for frog giggin includes a frog gig (spear), a long pole (wood or aluminum), a headlamp or flashlight, waterproof boots or waders, and a container for carrying your catch. Some people also use small boats for easier access to deeper waters.
Q. When is the best time to go frog gigging?
A. The best time for frog gigging is at night when frogs are most active. Using a flashlight or headlamp makes it easy to spot their reflective eyes. Warm, humid summer nights are ideal for successful gigging.
Q. Where can I legally go frog giggin?
A. Laws on frog giggin vary by state and region, so always check your local wildlife regulations. Many public lakes and rivers allow gigging, but some areas require a permit or have seasonal restrictions.
Q. What are the best techniques for successful frog gigging?
A. Move slowly and quietly along the water’s edge with a flashlight to locate frogs by their eye reflection. Once you spot one, aim slightly behind the frog’s head and strike quickly with the frog gig. A steady hand and precise aim are key to effective gigging.
Q. What species of frogs are best for gigging?
A. The American bullfrog is the most commonly sought-after species in frog gigging because of its large size and delicious legs. Other legal species include the green frog and pig frog, but always check local laws before gigging.
Q. How do I clean and cook gigged frogs?
A. After dispatching the frog humanely, cut the legs at the hips, peel off the skin, and soak the meat in cold water. The legs can be fried, grilled, or sautéed in butter for a delicious meal. Many people enjoy frog giggin as much for the cooking as for the hunt!
Q. Is frog gigging humane?
A. Yes, when done properly, frog gigging is a quick and humane harvesting method. Aim for a clean, precise gig placement to minimize suffering, and always follow ethical hunting practices.
Q. Can I use a gig for other purposes?
A. Absolutely! A frog gig can also be used for gigging small fish, spearfishing, or even catching small game. Some survivalists carry collapsible gigs in their EDC gear for emergency food gathering.
Q. Where can I buy a high-quality frog gig?
A. You can find frog gigs at outdoor stores, sporting goods shops, and survival gear retailers. Grim Workshop also offers compact, durable tools that fit into your EDC survival kit, perfect for frog giggin or other outdoor adventures.
Before Going Frog Gigging Check your Local Laws
before you go frog gigging check your local laws to determine any special requirements or limits you may have.
Types of Frogs: Only certain types of frogs can be hunted depending on the State. Some States allow more but, as a general rule, most states allow hunting:
American Bullfrogs
Green Frogs
Pig Frogs
Leopard Frogs
Your specific State Wildlife Department is the best place to get up-to-date information and resources for hunting, fishing, and land-use regulations
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