Tubes

[kkirchmer]

Every year I try to focus on a new bait for me and tubes are my choice for this year.  In the past I've always used some type of crank, spinner, or soft jerk bait and thought it was about time to get serious about tubes since I only hear good things about them.  I think I've read every article possible about them but would love any tips or hints you guys would have about rigging and fishing if you don't mind.

Thanks in advance,

Kurt

[Gary L]

I real nice way to rig a Tube is on a single Worm hook weedless on about 12" of line with a swivel and weight above the swivel. The Tube will dance around in the current and attract the Smallmouths. More or less a Carolina Rig with a Tube.

[Gavin]

Tubes are a good bait for inactive fish, but fish will swallow tubes if your not paying attention.

I fish them on a 6' medium spin rod, yellow or orange braid with 6' flourocarbon leader, 1/8 or 1/4oz insert tube jig head. Color makes no difference as long as its a shade of brown, or green, or black.

Braid will help you feel strikes but you need to watch your line too, especially when the bait is sinking and out of contact. Set the hook on line movement or feel. Switch to something else if the fish are taking the bait agressively (Jig n' chunk, or something a little higher in the water column). Cheers.

[Mitch]

I learned a trick from Woo Daves about rigging a tube. He didn't push the jighead all the way to the end of the tube, he left about 1/4" gap so the end was kind of soft and rubbery. This allowed the jig to get hung up less and added a bit of extra erratic action. Like when you tow a boat with the rope tied a few feet inside the boat instead of tying the rope on the end. The tube will fall more erratically and dart from side to side.