Soft
plastics - Bass Tube
by Robert Henegar
This is a bait
that has really increased its popularity in
recent years. Maybe it's because tubes are a
good, finesse bait to use with the ever
increasing fishing/recreational pressured lakes
of today. Quite possibly, tubes are becoming more
popular because they can be rigged and fished in
as many ways as a plastic worm. No doubt about
it, tubes have become more popular these days
because they catch fish, lots of them. As far as
what size, color, etc to use, you'll have to be
the judge. Just be sure to choose the sizes and
colors that match the baitfish.
The most common way to fish tubes is around and
under docks. I don't think this method comes as a
surprise to anyone here.
Instead of flipping or
pitching a jig in this situation , rig up a
spinning rod/reel combo with abrasion-resistant
line and either Texas rig a tube (and peg the
sinker - use as light a sinker as you can get
away with) or use an HP hook with a loop weight (1/16
or 1/8 oz). Now you' re set to skip the bait
under the dock. This method is effective
primarily for its quiet presentation as well as
the skipping action simulates a baitfish fleeing
a predator. Bass often find this irresistible and
can't help themselves but to investigate the
situation. I know I'm not alone here, but often
times I'll catch not one but several fish from
underneath one dock. Don't be too eager to leave
a dock once you've caught a fish or two. Chances
are there are more to be caught and the bigger
ones usually go last.
I'm also a big believer in using scents. I'll
spray or squirt some attractant inside the hollow
cavity of the tube about every 20 minutes.
Sometimes on those tough-condition days, this
could make the difference in putting a few more
fish in the boat.
One important thing to note about tube fishing -
watch your line closely. The fish will either
inhale the tube on the fall, or they'll suck it
off the bottom after it's been lying motionless
for a period of time. The fish will dictate which
they prefer. Just like with plastic worm fishing,
the tell-tale twitch in the line or movement is a
sure sign of a strike. Quickly reel in the slack
and set the hook.
Good Luck on the water! Bob
