The true magic of top water baits is you get to fully experience the hunt by the fish. I think it is a journey well worth the travel.
Let’s start with a pop R. That and a lucky craft Waketail are my true shore line search baits. I’ll pop,pop,pop,pop. Then stop. Let the tail flutter... do it again. I’m on an 8.1:1 reel with 10 -12 lb mono.. R.I.P. it in, do it again. I won’t get hit as often as a creature bait say, along some rip rap or rocky bottom, however, in my mind, I’m not looking for numbers. I’m looking for experiences..... I’m fully immersed in each cast, the optimism dopamine rises, every pop could..be.. a fish. Then KAPOW! fish on! Always angry. The fish never fails to excite. in the boat, do it again....
Now let’s talk frogging.... I’ve had days where they hit every 10 casts, some where it’s every 50 casts.... but that type of hunt is different. That one you get a true water explosion, and you MUST wait 1-2 seconds and reel to then weight THEN set the hook. I like smaller frogs with more rear weight. I get hit on the initial plop.... again, a winch 6.3:1 or faster is recommended with 40-65 lb braid on a heavy 7.0” rod does the trick.
Good luck and enjoy the journey.