Megabass Dark Sleeper versus Tube - When/Why?

[ABrugs]

FYI, my plan as of now is to get and use both of these techniques. I plan on retrieving the DS very slowly along the bottom and then using the tube as a true jig. However, for those that use both techniques, how do you determine which one to try? They seem very similar in profile, size, and intended use so I'm looking for insight on when and why you go w/ either one. Thanks!

[softwateronly]

2 minutes ago, ABrugs said:

FYI, my plan as of now is to get and use both of these techniques. I plan on retrieving the DS very slowly along the bottom and then using the tube as a true jig. However, for those that use both techniques, how do you determine which one to try? They seem very similar in profile, size, and intended use so I'm looking for insight on when and why you go w/ either one. Thanks!

 

If you have clear water or limited mobility, the DS sails out there!  I like the DS first because it can be fished faster.  Thats all I got.

 

scott

 

 

[GaryH]

I’ve had good results with the DS. I slowly bounce on the bottom and also slow retrieve around 6” off the bottom. As for which one to use I let the fish dictate that.

[A-Jay]

 In my quest for bulbus brown bass, these two baits are pretty close to interchangeable. 

I fish them both on the same gear, in similar situations/conditions and even utilized the same

short / twitchy, stop & go retrieve.

Both boxes contain the same colors for the most part.

(I like to match the bottom color)

There may be two 'small' (and I do mean small) differences in my mind.

The DS might be a more 'realistic' goby imitator and there are days where for whatever reason, that seems to matter.

And the second revolves around 'vibration'.

Even though it's pretty small, the DS does have the little paddle tail that a tube obviously does not.

While I certainly can't feel it working, I'm sure it put's out something the fish can 'feel'.

Sounds like a good 'challenge' on the water.

DS vs The tube . . . .

 

***supplemental info ~ Tube Tips & Tricks.

Slipping a small glass jig rattle into a tube can help get bites.

I use a small section of a foam ear plug to hold it in place.

The foam can also be used by itself.

Slathering it with a little (ok a lot) of Megastrike helps with installation

and makes that deal very tasty.

To the bass I mean.

A-Jay

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, ABrugs said:

However, for those that use both techniques, how do you determine which one to try?

I haven't looked at them as interchangeable/similar. If you do, that's OK. Whatever works is all that actually matters.

 

I'd found the DS at a fishing show before I'd ever heard of them, so I wasn't influenced before I'd ever fished with them. Over time I've mixed up retrieve/presentation, but initially I needed to fish them fast in order to keep them just above the bottom to avoid snagging muck. Not necessarily burning them in, but still pretty fast using an eight speed reel. Hits usually come after bumping anything in its path. Total reaction strikes. I've caught a ton of bass, and Walleye too, fishing it this way from ice out through early summer where it becomes nearly unusable here.

 

That said, I haven't caught many at all fishing it every other way imaginable. My initial success and love affair with it lead me to not want to put it down, and I really tried every other presentation I could think of. I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't do with it as you like, or that there's only one way. Just saying to give it a shot fishing it fast. This works very well here for me.

[ABrugs]

That's outstanding insight already. Thanks!

 

@A-Jay - My research has expressed very similar perspectives. Considering it's still all ice up here, as you know, I'm left to my own thoughts about how each of these will perform in April w/ the LSC smallies! I love thinking about this though and appreciate the platform I have here to discuss things like this. I could only imagine my wife's response if I asked her the same question, LOL.

 

@PhishLI - I appreciate your thoughts as that's why I posted this! I've only thought about using it on a slow retrieve so it's great to hear that your approach is different.

[roadwarrior]

A tube can be rigged weedless. The Dark Sleeper is a rock/ limb magnet.

[Spankey]

I can’t dis a DS. I’ve never tried one. I have to believe the reviews which seem to be positive. I just haven’t been moved to try them. A tube for River Smallies or punching or jigging a weed less mag tube for largemouths is grass is no hesitation.  

[FishTank]

21 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

A tube can be rigged weedless. The Dark Sleeper is a rock/ limb magnet.

I will second that.  I love the bait but I lose one almost every time I use it. 

 

I do like that I can swim it as well as bounce of the bottom.  I have great luck with the bright colors in stained water.

[Columbia Craw]

I don’t over think it.  I drag both. My Sleepers are 1/2 and 3/4 so they maintain contact in deeper zones.