Need help with Tubes on a river

[warwickforlife]

I was fishing the Potomac this morning for smallies, and the tube was killing.  I caught all sorts of fish, most were small but still fish.  Only problem was that if I was'nt catching a fish, I was getting snagged on a rock.  Does anyone have a good way to remedy this problem?  I was just sticking the jig head up the tube and the hook is hanging out.  Hoping someone has some magic trick they could share  

[bassnleo]

Maybe try a lighter head. Ususally the key to fising tubes with an exposed hook is selecting the right weight to match the current. Too little weight will cause you to loose bottom contact, too heavy will cause you to snag.

Another option would be to try fishing the tube texas rigged, again selecting the proper weight.

[Big Phish]

x2

[plnoldrick]

lindy tube inserts and a good ewg hook.

i could pobably keep a tube for a couple trips if i tried.

[tnbassfisher]

Maybe try a lighter head. Ususally the key to fising tubes with an exposed hook is selecting the right weight to match the current. Too little weight will cause you to loose bottom contact, too heavy will cause you to snag.

Another option would be to try fishing the tube texas rigged, again selecting the proper weight.

I personally don't like Texas rigging tubes. I prefer for the weight on the tube to be attached on a jig head.

[MNGeorge]

Here's how I've been rigging tubes for Mississippi River Smallies. It has proven to be pretty snagless and does minimal damage to the tube. The jig is a Title-shot jig made by Fin-tech. For reference, the jig is 1/4 oz. and the tube is 4" long. I know the guys who like a spiraling fall won't like this rig, but it has proven very effective on Mississippi River Smallies since I started using it last Spring.