Tubes 2024
Noah Ravas reply :
What are some of your favorite brands and colors of tubes for smallies?
A-Jay reply :
Check out PROvider Tackle ~ I've been a huge fan of these baits for a long time.
http://www.providertackle.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=66_69
Though all his gear is high quality, Art Ferguson III makes some especially killer baits right there in St Clair Shores, MI
Both the 3.5 " & 4" tubes are solid producers.
As for colors, the BBQ Melon, Roadkill, St Clair Tease, Great Lake Melon, & Natural Goby have all been gobbled up eagerly by North Woods Smallies.
A-Jay
roadwarrior reply :
Well, I am a little reluctant to give this one up, but I have mentioned them before:
BPS Tender Tubes #71 rigged on an internal weight/ hook: Owner Phantom Tube Hook.
http://www.ownerhooks.com/hooks/basshooks.htm#5153
Turkey sandwich reply :
Welcome to the forum!
some notes on tubes:
- I don't have any one brand allegiance, but I do like Zoom Salty Super Tubes, Strike King Coffee Tubes, Gitzits and a handful of smaller brands. Dry Creek makes some pretty cool laminated colors. Havoc's Iaconelli Smash Tubes also have some great colors, but they're huge (over 5") and not my go to most of the time.
- size is probably more important than anything. Having tubes in 2.5-4" will serve you best the vast majority of the time.
- colors - generally, think of tubes as a crayfish/sculpin/goby imitation. Colors like root beer, Watermelon, green pumpkin, and some basic variations with greens, reds and oranges will cover you 75% of the time. I also have colors like junebug, watermelon slice, and fire tiger for darker days/more stained water.
Also, are you fishing weeds? Rocks? Tubes are super versatile and can be rigged a ton of different ways with and without rattles/beads.
roadwarrior reply :
Secret #2
Fish the tube on spinning tackle and Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4 (8.5 lb breaking strength) or Tatsu #8. This will increase your hook-ups by at least 50%.
Turkey sandwich reply :
On 1/6/2016 at 5:45 AM, roadwarrior said:Secret #2
Fish the tube on spinning tackle and Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4 (8.5 lb breaking strength) or Tatsu #8. This will increase your hook-ups by at least 50%.
Great tip.
It'll also help keep your fish on the line. Anywhere you'll be fishing around rocks, clam beds, or submerged razor wire, Hybrid leaders are tough to beat.
WI_Angler1989 reply :
I'm looking forward to my first experience with the PROvider tubes that A-Jay always recommends. They in transit now.
I've had really good success with Cabin Creek 2.5 inch tubes around here (central wi). Color wise any shades of green pumpkin, watermelon, or browns with various glitter colors.
A-Jay reply :
On 1/6/2016 at 6:31 AM, WI_Angler1989 said:I'm looking forward to my first experience with the PROvider tubes that A-Jay always recommends. They in transit now.
I've had really good success with Cabin Creek 2.5 inch tubes around here (central wi). Color wise any shades of green pumpkin, watermelon, or browns with various glitter colors.
Cool ~
Let us know how it goes . . .
btw - have that scale ready & the camera rolling
A-Jay
WI_Angler1989 reply :
On 1/6/2016 at 6:46 AM, A-Jay said:Cool ~
Let us know how it goes . . .
btw - have that scale ready & the camera rolling
A-Jay
Oh I will for sure! It'll be a while sadly. d**n winter.
drew4779 reply :
Venom tubes - watermelon, pumpkin, roadkill. I also like ISG.
Molay1292 reply :
Mizmo 2.75 Bass Teaser in #47 Crawdad, BPS 3 1/2 Tender Tube in Puke, and Snack Daddy 4 inch Elite Tube in Squash Green, Gourd, and Crawdad.
These get it done for me.
BigSkyBasser reply :
Strike King Denny Braur Flippin' tubes Texas rigged on a 3/0 Lazer Trokar Worm Hook with a 3/16 oz Tungsten bullet.
I don't have much experience throwing tubes on your traditional lead tube jig, but I know it's a killer for smallies out on sand bars and weed flats!
JustinU1X reply :
Poor Boy tubes. $7 for a 20pk. Watermelon gold, green pumpkin, and purple smoke.
corn-on-the-rob reply :
The ISG Intimidator tubes (the small 2.75'' version) have been my go-to tube for lake erie smallmouth these days. The downsized baits up here have been killer for both size and numbers the last couple years, maybe fishing pressure or forage related. The colors they provide are amazing, they even have a great built in garlic flavor. My favorite part though is that they are very wide for their length so you can still fit larger weighted hooks inside, plus I like the fatter profile.
The smaller version is cheap ($3.19 for 12) on TW but while the 4'' ones are awesome, they are a little too fine for my wallet.
For larger 3.5'' to 4'' tubes I like Big bite baits, powerbait, and zoom.
As for colors, I like it pretty basic: Watermelon seed (or gold flake), green pumpkin purple flake, Black/blue for dirty water, and an oddball yellow/orange color like orange-melon, chartreuse, or mustard. Also any smoke color tube can be really really hot at times.
Will Wetline reply :
For years the Original Gitzit in smoke with red and black flake has been my favorite tube for the very clear water I fish for smallies.
Smallieseeker reply :
On 1/6/2016 at 5:45 AM, roadwarrior said:Secret #2
Fish the tube on spinning tackle and Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4 (8.5 lb breaking strength) or Tatsu #8. This will increase your hook-ups by at least 50%.
How is the sensitivity of the hybrid line I hear alot of good things about it but haven't heard if it has good sensitivity
roadwarrior reply :
Sensitivity is VERY subjective. I will rate Yo-Zuri Hybrid 8 on a scale of 1 to 10.
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 1/7/2016 at 10:47 AM, JustinU1X said:Poor Boy tubes. $7 for a 20pk. Watermelon gold, green pumpkin, and purple smoke.
Are they scented?
Toeshots reply :
My favorite is the 3.5" SK Coffee Tube in Black/Blue Fleck or Chaos (black w/purple & gold fleck).
I like to throw them on a 3/16 jig head either stupid-rigged or using the standard internal rigging.
JustinU1X reply :
On 1/10/2016 at 2:02 AM, HoosierHawgs said:Are they scented?
Nope, I do dip them in JJ's though. They also have a TON of salt and really durable.
C0lt reply :
Small tubes on spinning tackle: visit blue smoke tubes exclusively.
Larger tubes bed on spinning or casting tackle I tend to lean towards the sk coffee tubes. I think I like the scent more than the fish do tbh.
ABW reply :
I really like the Megastrike tubes! Black and blue!
WI_Angler1989 reply :
Really, color depends on the water. If it's clearer water then go with natural colors like watermelons, green pumpkins, browns and smokes. Various colors of flakes work well depending on the forage in your waters too.
If water has low visibility use darker colors like black, black bkue, junebug, and even dark browns to get the best silhouette for those fish to find.
Me, I try to keep my colors as close to the colors of the crayfish I imitate with tubes as I can. I always keep my eyes peeled in the sunny shallows for one to immitate. In cold water here watermelon blue flake can't be beaten. And a green gold flake is awesome in the spawn.
Brand wise it's up to you. Just try to find a company that does hand dipped if you want the best action, and poured of you want the best durability. Personally, I like soft, supple tubes with lots of action. I'd recommend Cabin Creek, Dry Creek, Confidence Baits little tube, provider (on word of mouth) and howies tackle (similar to cabin creek).
Tube fishing a lot of fun and don't be scared to play around with a couple packs from various companies. They all should work well enough after all. Just find what you like and have confidence in and that's the best you can hope for.
Spankey reply :
I have a pretty decent tube kit. But many years of fishing to get to that point. Have never fished a mag tube. 2 1/2 - 3 " range. No real big favorite. Fish with Cabin Creek, Gitzits Power Tubes.
favorite colors: pumpkin/orange, pumpkin/chart, pumpkin, black/blue, sand, roadkill
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 1/6/2016 at 5:45 AM, roadwarrior said:Secret #2
Fish the tube on spinning tackle and Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4 (8.5 lb breaking strength) or Tatsu #8. This will increase your hook-ups by at least 50%.
I'm just curious to know why.
roadwarrior reply :
Perhaps the smaller line diameter allows for more action. This is also true with live bait which some people simply cannot believe.
uptonfish reply :
Here's a question for you tube guys. What jig head do you guys use on the bitsy tube size (2.75 in). I have yet to find a jighead I am satisfied with. I like to fish them on 1/8 heads but have a hard time finding a hook size that is not too big or too small.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/18/2016 at 10:54 AM, uptonfish said:Here's a question for you tube guys. What jig head do you guys use on the bitsy tube size (2.75 in). I have yet to find a jighead I am satisfied with. I like to fish them on 1/8 heads but have a hard time finding a hook size that is not too big or too small.
Right here ~ PROvider Tackle tube jigs.
http://www.providertackle.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=73_83
They're all I use.
A-Jay
Jeff H reply :
On 1/6/2016 at 6:31 AM, WI_Angler1989 said:I'm looking forward to my first experience with the PROvider tubes that A-Jay always recommends. They in transit now.
Bought some 4" last year and used them at A-Jays recommendation. Great product and they take 'em deep. Liked them so much I've ordered from PROvider several times now. I also bought some of the heads on my last order but have not used them yet.
EvanT123 reply :
On 2/18/2016 at 10:54 AM, uptonfish said:Here's a question for you tube guys. What jig head do you guys use on the bitsy tube size (2.75 in). I have yet to find a jighead I am satisfied with. I like to fish them on 1/8 heads but have a hard time finding a hook size that is not too big or too small.
Tube jig 1/4 or round ball 1/8 with either a 2/0 or 3/0 jig hook.
uptonfish reply :
On 2/18/2016 at 11:39 AM, EvanT123 said:Tube jig 1/4 or round ball 1/8 with either a 2/0 or 3/0 jig hook.
Hmm I have found the 3/0 is too big for the 2.75 in tube, the 2/0 is ok but not ideal
EvanT123 reply :
On 2/18/2016 at 12:25 PM, uptonfish said:Hmm I have found the 3/0 is too big for the 2.75 in tube, the 2/0 is ok but not ideal
this works for me when they bite they are getting hooked. 1/4 jig head and 3/0 hook. You may want to post in the tackle making section. I'm sure some guys on here could pour you whatever you would like.
uptonfish reply :
On 2/18/2016 at 12:38 PM, EvanT123 said:
this works for me when they bite they are getting hooked. 1/4 jig head and 3/0 hook. You may want to post in the tackle making section. I'm sure some guys on here could pour you whatever you would like.
thanks, the tubes I use have a bit more tentacle length it seems, so that could be my hang up too
smallie.mike reply :
On 2/18/2016 at 10:54 AM, uptonfish said:Here's a question for you tube guys. What jig head do you guys use on the bitsy tube size (2.75 in). I have yet to find a jighead I am satisfied with. I like to fish them on 1/8 heads but have a hard time finding a hook size that is not too big or too small.
I had the same problem until I found these weedless wacky jigs. They are 3/32oz but I can't remember who makes them. They work perfect!
tracker01 reply :
On 2/20/2016 at 9:22 PM, smallie.mike said:I had the same problem until I found these weedless wacky jigs. They are 3/32oz but I can't remember who makes them. They work perfect!
Check over on Susquehanna Fishing Tackle. They have a jig head like this. I think it has a wire keeper that comes back to the barb on the hook making it very snag proof.
patred reply :
On 2/20/2016 at 9:22 PM, smallie.mike said:I had the same problem until I found these weedless wacky jigs. They are 3/32oz but I can't remember who makes them. They work perfect!
How do you rig those with the wire going through the body of the tube? Seems like you'd have to bend the wire or .... ???
Pat
Glenn reply :
I show you how in this video:
Josh Smith reply :
I like to support local manufacturers. One to loads his tubes down with salt and garlic and they seem pretty effective!
Josh
smallie.mike reply :
On 2/21/2016 at 11:03 PM, patred said:How do you rig those with the wire going through the body of the tube? Seems like you'd have to bend the wire or .... ???
Pat
You just bend the wire forward a bit and push it through first. The wire is flexible and goes right back in place.
roadwarrior reply :
On 2/21/2016 at 11:43 PM, Glenn said:I show you how in this video:
Glenn has done a great job filming videos for BassResource.com, but this might be his very best!
evilcatfish reply :
I like the color combos on the Dry Creek double dip tubes but in all honesty I think most any brand tube will work
mrmacwvu1 reply :
i love cabin creek
smoked purple has been good for me
bassinKS reply :
Check out snack daddy lures elite tubes or their pro tubes. The elite tubes (now have mini elite) are very soft which causes the fish to hold on longer. I went through countless brands of tubes and finally found these. Also, they sell them by the 50pk which is nice because you will go through them pretty quick. They have a large variety of colors to choose from.
smalljaw67 reply :
On 3/12/2016 at 1:52 AM, bassinKS said:Check out snack daddy lures elite tubes or their pro tubes. The elite tubes (now have mini elite) are very soft which causes the fish to hold on longer. I went through countless brands of tubes and finally found these. Also, they sell them by the 50pk which is nice because you will go through them pretty quick. They have a large variety of colors to choose from.
River Rock Baits, they are known for their tubes because they make a tube that I consider the best, and not only me but a lot of others think that way too. A local tackle shop got them in last season and he also sold Snack Daddy along with Gitzit and now he only has River Rock. I asked him why and he told me that when the customers started using the River Rock Tubes that was it, he didn't sell any others so he sold his remaining inventory to another shop. I get the 2.75" and the 3.5" tubes and they have the best colors for smallmouth, nothing like them to be honest.
Bass-fisher reply :
Strike King coffee tubes
WPCfishing reply :
I use tubes often, especially for flipping as a jig trailer. I do well in rocky areas with them rigged alone on various hooks.
Im a fan...
strikefc34 reply :
Wow...no votes for Crooked Creek tubes or git bit tubes, both staples around the Great Lakes.
SDoolittle reply :
On 3/9/2016 at 10:36 PM, mrmacwvu1 said:i love cabin creek
smoked purple has been good for me
Those are my favorite too! I had never heard of Cabin Creek until I lived in WV. Now, they're my favorite brand of tube, and smoked purple is my favorite color.
mrmacwvu1 reply :
On 3/27/2016 at 2:47 PM, S. Doolittle said:Those are my favorite too! I had never heard of Cabin Creek until I lived in WV. Now, they're my favorite brand of tube, and smoked purple is my favorite color.
were you in the oil and gas industry? we had many people from ok come through here the last five years. Took a bunch a guys trout and smallmouth fishing.
SDoolittle reply :
On 3/27/2016 at 8:19 PM, mrmacwvu1 said:were you in the oil and gas industry? we had many people from ok come through here the last five years. Took a bunch a guys trout and smallmouth fishing.
No. I'm in the Army, and I was out there teaching Military Science (ROTC) at West Virginia State from 2010-2013. I fell in love with the New River. That's a West Virginia smallie that I'm holding in my avatar.
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