rigging tubes

when carolina/texas rigging…….

How do you rig your tubes? Do you keep the hook point “free floating” inside the tube.

OR

Do you bury the point into the side, so it just barely sticks out?

Personally, I try to use a long enough hook that it goes up through the very front of the tentacles (not the body of the tube) and then I just skin hook the point in the top of the tube. Others are most likely different.

I think it is easier to get a good hook in them this way, but in very heavy cover the point pops out too much.

I skin hook mine through the side of the tube most of the time.

This does 2 things for me:

1. It gives the tube more erratic movement b/c the weight balance is off….and
2. Allows for less tube to have to tear through on a hookset….

I’m sure all methods work well, I just prefer this one.

I agree with Moss & Slop.

I agree with Moss, Slop, and Blue. I also tried the free floating, but find getting a good hookset more difficult and the hook occationally flops out when going through cover.

I also agree with Slop Bass.

I normally rig a tube just the same as I would a worm. I will center it right in the middle and push it through the top side, with the end of the hook barely inside the skin of the tube. This technique may require a heavier hookset, but won’t expose as much of the hook. It’s all about personal preference…I think everyone can admit that they’ve tried most rigging techniques and have still missed a fish or two on all of them.

This is a good question and I am confused. I run the hook completly through the tube and then either lay the hook along the tube or skin hook it(depending on how much weeds). I do miss too many fish on tubes, am I rigging wrong? Slop, could you take a pic and post what you are referring to?

Thanks!!!

I was just going to ask the very same question.

A pic is worth a thousand words on this description!!!

Yes, pics would be good. I’ve tried different hook sizes and different methods of texas rigging tubes but have been unhappy with them all. Any examples of successfull rigging would be appreciated.

For those of you who said you miss fish or lose fish on tubes, I have learned that using a more skinny profile, smaller tube seemed to cure that problem for me. Some of those tubes that certain manufactuers make are too fat and bulky.

testing…

Not sure how this will turn out, but here is your basic point hook through the tip. Kinda blurry

phase 2, pull the hook down and out

Spin the hook back facing the tube

Then “skin hook” the side of the tube. You can vary the amount of hook you “skin”, figure out what works for you Hope this helps

If anyone plans on rigging this way and using spinning gear you might want to consider a swivel too. I’m sure most will throw on a baitcater though and then it usually isn’t an issue.

Nice job Jeremiah!!! We have the same taste in hooks too!!

Slop- that looks nice! I use the same hook- (gammy ewg it looks like)but i run it straight through the tube like texas rigging and skin hook it after coming out the other side (tex-posed). Then i usually cut the tube from the tentacle end up to the bend of the hook (on the side opposite the hook point where it enters the tube)- this way the hook only goes through the one wall of the plastic on a set. Sorry i am not as clever nor have as much time as our beloved slop to post a pic of each step.

Damn slop, look at the keyboard in that one pic. Dont you wash yer hands after fishin?? J/K

Looks like I’m using the same hooks too. I’m also using a 3″ tube that it not as bulky as some others I’ve used/seen. Skin hooking is something I haven’t tried yet but I think I will. Thanks Slop.

do you think a 4.5 inch flippin tube is too big???

No, a 4.5″ tube is not too big. I have some that are an inch bigger than that.

Quote:

---

do you think a 4.5 inch flippin tube is too big???

---

I look at those big tubes and have a hard time believing that a smallie could actually eat it! Not to say they don’t, I am just starting to fish tubes and feel a little more confident starting with a smaller tube. Maybe I’m wrong and should go big? New to the tubes…don’t know.

I’ve caught Rock Bass before on tubes.

They don’t have a problem with a 5 inch fluke, a 5 inch Spook, a 7 inch lizard, or a fullsize Brush Hog, so I wouldn’t worry about them not being able to eat it.

But, if you don’t have confidence in it, don’t throw it. Cofidence is a big thing.

I was pre-fishing a swamp of a lake in south western minn 2 weekends ago and caught an 8 inch bull head on a 4 inch tube. I rarely use a tube smaller than 4inches. OF COURSE I always tell my wife it is 12 inches

Quote:

---

They don’t have a problem with a 5 inch fluke, a 5 inch Spook, a 7 inch lizard, or a fullsize Brush Hog, so I wouldn’t worry about them not being able to eat it.

---

How true, I spent most of Sunday throwing a 7″ lizard around. Maybe it’s the whole rigging deal…I’ll do some more experimenting with the little tube and see if a can catch a few. Who knows…might become my favorite plastic.

Smallies also don’t have a problem trying to eat an 8″ Suick!!!!

I’ve caught Crappie on tubes that big.

I’ve caught bluegill one time on a tube.