Tubes

Tube Fishing for Bass: A Versatile and Proven Technique

Fishing with a tube bait is one of the most versatile and effective methods for catching bass, especially in clear water or around structure. Tube baits, often referred to as “tubes,” are hollow, cylindrical soft plastics with tentacle-like appendages on one end, imitating a wide variety of prey such as crawfish, gobies, or small baitfish. Their lifelike action and subtle presentation make them a staple in the tackle boxes of bass anglers.

Why Tube Baits Work

• Natural Action: The tentacles undulate and flutter with even the slightest movement, mimicking prey realistically.
• Versatility: Tubes can be fished in various situations, from shallow cover to deep structure.
• Universal Appeal: Effective for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.

How to Rig a Tube for Bass Fishing

1. Internal Tube Jig Head: The most common rigging, where the jig head is inserted into the hollow body of the tube, giving it a streamlined look and natural fall.
2. Texas Rig: Makes the tube weedless, ideal for fishing in heavy cover.
3. Carolina Rig: For presenting the tube near the bottom in deeper water.
4. Drop Shot Rig: A finesse option for targeting suspended or finicky bass.
5. Weightless Rig: Allows the tube to glide slowly for shallow or ultra-clear water fishing.

Techniques for Fishing a Tube

• Dragging: Slowly pull the tube along the bottom to mimic a crawfish or goby.
• Hopping: Lift and drop the tube to create darting movements that trigger reaction strikes.
• Vertical Jigging: Effective in deep water, especially around structure like brush piles or ledges.
• Swim and Glide: Use a steady retrieve to imitate a fleeing baitfish.

Best Situations for Tube Fishing

• Clear Water: Tubes shine in clear water, where their natural appearance and subtle action excel.
• Rocky Areas: Perfect for fishing rocky points, ledges, and drop-offs.
• Smallmouth Bass: A favorite lure for smallmouths due to its goby and crawfish imitation.
• Cold Water: Tubes work well in colder water, where a slower, subtle presentation is more effective.

Pro Tips

• Use natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, and brown in clear water; switch to brighter colors like chartreuse or darker hues in stained water.
• Match the weight of the jig head to the depth you’re fishing—lighter weights for shallow water, heavier weights for deep.
• Maintain bottom contact when fishing near structure to mimic natural crawfish behavior.

The tube bait’s versatility and lifelike action make it a go-to lure for targeting bass in various conditions and environments, whether you’re fishing shallow weed beds or deep rocky points.