How to Fish a Tube Bait
Tube baits are round soft plastic lures with an attached fringe of rubber surrounding the open end of the bait. The bait is tubular in design with a rounded enclosed end which allows the lure to be attached to a weighted hook. Tube baits imitate a crawfish and often produce great results especially when used for attracting largemouth bass.
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Instructions
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1
Assemble a matching rod, reel, and fishing line. The components should be of appropriate size in relationship to the size and species of fish and should also be matched to each other. For example, when fishing for large mouth bass, consider a 6 to 7 foot medium heavy rod with a matching reel. Use a stout 10 to 12 pound test monofilament line.
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Attach a weighted hook to the fishing line with a clinch knot. A typical weighted hook such as a jighead will typically feature a bullet shaped weight attached to the hook just below the eye and provides the needed weight to quickly get attached baits to the bottom and hold them there. When selecting a weight, consider the depth and current of the water as well as how quickly the bait should settle toward the bottom.
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3
Insert the point of the hook into the solid end of the tube bait. Slide the hook down through the tube until the tube rests against the bottom of the bullet weight. Push the point of the hook downward and out through the side of the tube bait.
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4
Identify areas of the water where tubes may prove effective. Cast the rig near reeds, grass, logs and rocks. Allow the tube bait to sink until it reaches the bottom. Let the bait sit motionless for anywhere from several seconds to a minute, especially if fish are under heavy pressure from fishing.
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Slightly raise the rod tip and retrieve the bait a foot or so. Allow the bait to settle once again and sit motionless. Repeat this process working the tube bait over the target area. If fish are detected either visually or by a strike, cast back to the same area or work other areas where fish may be located.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep in mind that the intent is to imitate the natural movement of a crayfish or other similar naturally occurring bait. Take time while retrieving the tube and allow it to settle and sit between retrieves.
Be careful not to hook yourself when rigging a tube bait.
