Tube Trick

[papajoe222]

I'll admit it; I'm a tube junkie. I know it isn't a popular bait, but that isn't because it doesn't produce results. Just the opposite, sometimes it'll outproduce other, more conventional, soft plastics.  One of those times is when it's rigged on a C-rig and allowed to float off the bottom.  There is a way to get all but the smallest tubes to float, even if they don't do so on their own.

Poster boards made from pressed styrofoam make for great, small inserts that will float almost any size tube.  Just cut a strip about 1/8in. wide. Insert it halfway into the tube of your choice and cut, or break it where it exits the tube body.  You can add a drop of super glue to hold it in place, or if you're T-rigging it the hook will hold it in place.  This also works great for using a tube as a soft topwater presentation if you ever run out of hollow body frogs, or you want a smaller profile topwater.

[Crestliner2008]

I like drop shotting tubes for smallies. I plug the hole with a small section of compressible ear plugs. They expand and actually flare the skirt. Works well.

[Cgolf]

If it is unpopular, that works out better for those of us that rely on them:) Most versatile bait on the market, mimics everything. Thanks for the tip, will have to raid my kids room to see if she has any lying around, or I will try some closed cell foam I have left over from fly tying.

[papajoe222]

I'm to the point where tubes are my #1 soft plastics. From top to bottom, as a finesse offering, or for punching. 

My Flukes, Trick Worms and Beaver Baits have sat in their bags for a number of seasons and my 17ft tackle box is quite a bit lighter because of it. 

[Mike L]

Good tip that I'll definitely try for other plastics as I never throw those down here because every picture I see or article I read, they're rigged with the hook exposed which I guess gives them the spiral fall that they're noted for. 

 

Down here with all the grass filled lakes I fish I'd be hung up on every cast. 

I know the answer is to texpose, but then they'd be like any other small compact plastic.

 

Thanks Papa

 

 

 

 

Mike

 

[Fisher-O-men]

3 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

my 17ft tackle box

Your boat I'm guessing?

[BobbyBBass]

11 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

I'm to the point where tubes are my #1 soft plastics. From top to bottom, as a finesse offering, or for punching. 

My Flukes, Trick Worms and Beaver Baits have sat in their bags for a number of seasons and my 17ft tackle box is quite a bit lighter because of it. 

I agree I use tubes for everything Crig , flipping , drop shot and finesse , There is reason they have been around for a long time . 

[papajoe222]

11 hours ago, Mike L said:

Good tip that I'll definitely try for other plastics as I never throw those down here because every picture I see or article I read, they're rigged with the hook exposed which I guess gives them the spiral fall that they're noted for. 

 

Down here with all the grass filled lakes I fish I'd be hung up on every cast. 

I know the answer is to texpose, but then they'd be like any other small compact plastic.

 

Thanks Papa

 

 

 

 

Mike

 

Try an internal weight to get that spiral drop. I use bell sinkers with a big eyelet.  Insert eye first and T-rig allowing the hook point to go through the weight's eye before exiting the nose. You could also 'Stupid Rig' it with a tube jig. Either method will result in a weedless presentation that adds action to the tube when falling, or popping it on a steady retrieve.

 

[riverbasser]

Good discussion!

 

Care to share your favorite brand/size?

[Montanaro]

I looove tubes.  I have other style plastics for flipping and casting but I only use those when I need something specific.  The tube is first choice and can key you in on how bass are feeding.

 

I use to be too cool for tubes until a boater I drew caught a couple 6 pounders in a tourny here in WV on them.

[Mike L]

10 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

Try an internal weight to get that spiral drop. I use bell sinkers with a big eyelet.  Insert eye first and T-rig allowing the hook point to go through the weight's eye before exiting the nose. You could also 'Stupid Rig' it with a tube jig. Either method will result in a weedless presentation that adds action to the tube when falling, or popping it on a steady retrieve.

 

 

Thanks, I will

 

 

 

Mike