The Tube Jig

One of my favorite baits I have ever used has to be the tube jig. Whether I am fishing for Smallmouth in Lake Erie, or pond hoping for Largemouth, the tube always seems to get the job done. I religiously throw green pumpkin but I also like to throw smoke and red pepper smoke. I always use the least weight I can get away with depending on where I am fishing. I simply cast out and either drag or shake the tube back to me very slowly. Honestly some of my best luck with tubes has been when I get stuck in a rock and pop it out. I have had so many fish hit that bait as soon as it pops out of the rock. I was taught that this is because it looks like a Crayfish trying to escape a fish. Below I have listed the gear I like to use for tubes. This is also the gear I use for Ned Rigs.

Gear used:

Rods) I prefer 7ft medium power, fast action rod

• https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/13_Fishing_Omen_Black_3_Spinning_Rods/descpage-CRST.html

• https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Clarus_Spinning_Rods/descpage-SCSR.html

Reels) When it comes to reels I stick between 1000 and 2500 and specifically look for smooth drag 

• https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Sedona_FI_Spinning_Reel/descpage-SED.html

• https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Pflueger_President_XT_Spinning_Reel/descpage-PRS.html

• https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Pflueger_Patriarch_Spinning_Reel/descpage-PFX.html

Line) Depends on water clarity but I normally use 8-12 pound fluorocarbon. For braid to lead I go with a 12 pound power pro and any of the fluoros listed below.

• https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Sunline_Super_FC_Sniper_Fluorocarbon/descpage-SLFCS.html

• https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/P-Line_FloroClear/descpage-PLFC.html

Tubes) I pour my own heads but below are my favorite tubes to throw on them.

• https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-tender-tube

• https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Strike_King_Coffee_Tube_35_Pro-Model_8pk/descpage-SKCTP.html

• https://www.strikeking.com/en/shop/soft-baits/bt2.75