Alexei Volkov
Plastic tube baits are a versatile lure that can be rigged in several ways to catch a diverse range of fish species. The rigging method depends on the fishing conditions, such as water colour and cover thickness, and the desired motion of the tube. The most common rigging methods include the Texas Rig, Tokyo Rig, weightless rigging, and using a heavy jig or Carolina Rig. The choice of hook and jighead is also critical to the success of the rigging. This introduction will explore the various ways to rig a plastic tube bait and provide tips for an effective setup.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 3/4", 3 1/2", 2 1/2", 2.75", 3.5", 4.5" |
| Color | Light, dark, catalpa (chartreuse/black), RageTail watermelon/red flake, silver |
| Rigging technique | Texas-rig, Tokyo rig, weightless, heavy jig, Carolina rig, Stupid Tube rig |
| Rigging steps | Slip hook into hollow cavity, bring hook out 1/4" from head, work jighead into cavity, rotate head inside cavity, push line tie through plastic, scrunch tube and work hook through |
| Additional steps for Stupid Tube rig | Moisten head of jig, insert hook point into base of tube, thread body down shank of jig until hook is 1/4"-1/2" from head, pierce body of tube and pull jig through, rotate jig 180 degrees, push fingers on both sides of eye to expose line tie, 'texpose' hook by inserting through both walls of body |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right jig head
Size and Weight:
The size of the jig head should complement the size of the lure or bait. A general rule of thumb is to match the hook size to the bait size. For example, 2/0 hooks are ideal for 2-3 inch baits, 3/0 hooks for 3-4 inch baits, and so on. Ensure that the hook point doesn't extend beyond halfway on the soft plastic, as it may be too big. Conversely, if the hook doesn't go past a third of the body, it's too small. The weight of the jig head also matters, especially when fishing at different depths. Heavier jig heads are suitable for deeper fishing, while lighter ones are better for shallower waters.
Type of Jig Head:
There are various types of jig heads available, such as flipping jigs, finesse jigs, and skirted jigs. Flipping jigs have pointed heads and stouter hooks, making them ideal for heavy cover fishing. Finesse jigs, on the other hand, are smaller and often used with lighter baits, requiring spinning gear. Skirted jigs come in different shapes, sizes, and head designs, with stout hooks and rubber skirts. They are versatile and can be tailored to various fishing conditions, such as grass or rocky bottoms.
Colour Coordination:
While not always necessary, some anglers like to colour coordinate their jig heads with their lures or baits. Red is a popular default colour, while chartreuse is useful in murky waters for added contrast. In situations where the fish are spooked, a more subtle colour like grey can be effective.
Hook Style:
The style of the hook is also an important consideration. Some hooks have larger gaps, which can be beneficial when fishing for species with bigger mouths. Additionally, the number of hooks and their arrangement can vary, with some jig heads featuring multiple hooks to increase the chances of hooking a fish.
Specific Applications:
When fishing for specific species, such as crappie, consider using specialised jig heads designed for that type of fishing. For example, Mo' Glo jig heads are suitable for both daytime and nighttime crappie fishing due to their glow colours and sharp hooks. Crappie Pro's Overbite Sickle jig heads are another option, offering a larger hook on lighter jig heads, making them suitable for tiny baits.
In conclusion, choosing the right jig head involves considering the size and weight in relation to your bait, the type of jig head and its specific features, colour coordination, hook style, and any specialised applications for the type of fishing you intend to do.
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How to tie the knot
When it comes to tying knots for plastic tube bait, there are several methods and knots that can be used. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a knot for a plastic tube bait rig, specifically for a spinnerbait:
Firstly, start by running the line through the line tie of the spinnerbait, leaving about 8 to 10 inches of the line passed through, which will be referred to as the tag end. Then, take the tag end and bring it back through in the same direction, creating a loop in the line.
Next, bring the tag end of the line back up so that it runs parallel to the main line. Create a second loop by twisting the tag end around the main line 6 to 7 times. At this point, you should have two loops down at the line tie of the bait.
Now, take the tag end and simultaneously run it through both loops that you have just created. This is the basic Trilene knot. However, to make the knot stronger and cleaner, an additional step can be added.
For the additional step, simply cinch the knot down until it is tight and secure. Then, cut off the tag end. This will ensure that the knot does not slip and your spinnerbait is ready to use.
It is important to note that there are various types of knots that can be used for tying plastic tube bait rigs, such as the improved clinch knot, Palomar knot, Rapala knot, and snell knot. Each knot has its advantages and can be preferred in different situations. Additionally, the type of hook and rigging method used can vary depending on the specific fishing scenario and personal preferences.
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Using a Texas-rig
Texas-rigging a plastic tube bait is a popular method for bass fishing. It is a versatile lure that can be used in a variety of scenarios, from flipping tubes in cover to casting in lakes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to Texas-rig a plastic tube bait:
To begin, gather your equipment: a 3- to 4.5-inch tube bait, a weighted EWG Tube Jig with a 60-degree line tie, and some form of lubrication to moisten the head of the jig. This will reduce friction and the risk of tearing the soft plastic bait. You can also choose to use a fire-polished faceted glass bead and a Weenie Weight to attract fish with light reflection and noise.
Now, secure your tube bait in one hand and the jig in the other. Insert the hook point of the jig into the base of the tube bait, and thread the body of the bait down the shank of the jig until the hook is approximately 1/4 to 1/2 an inch from the head of the bait. If using a bead and weight, slide the weight up the line first, followed by the bead. It is not necessary to peg the weight or bead.
Next, pierce the body of the tube bait with the hook and pull the jig through until you reach the moulded weight of the jighead. Rotate the jig 180 degrees so that the hook eye and hook point are oriented towards the top of the tube. You can then 'texpose' the hook by inserting it through both walls of the body and burying the point back into the top wall. This will help you navigate highly vegetated areas without snagging.
Finally, tie the hook to the line using a Palomar knot for strength. Bury the hook point about a 1/4 inch dead centre in the head of the tube. Pull the hook through the side of the bait until the hook eye enters the tube head, then pop the hook back into the side and pull the point through, penetrating through the opposite side. The tube should be straight, with the hook point exposed and tight to the fleshy side of the tube. This will allow for easier penetration when setting the hook.
The Texas-rig is now complete and ready for use. Remember to experiment with retrieve speeds, starting slow, and consider techniques such as \"flipping\" heavy cover or the standard swim, twitch rest or slow bottom crawl.
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Colour selection
Firstly, consider the water conditions you'll be fishing in. Clear and translucent colours are typically recommended for clear, gin-clear, or slightly cloudy waters. These subtle shades mimic the natural forage of the fish and can effectively deceive them. On the other hand, darker shades like black, blue, or green are more suitable for muddy, tannic, or stained waters as they help the bait stand out and attract the attention of bass.
Secondly, the available light conditions can influence your colour choice. Natural colours work well in clear water under bright sunlight, while darker colours are preferable in low-light conditions or when fishing in shaded areas. White-coloured baits are generally versatile and effective under sunny conditions in various water types.
Additionally, you can experiment with laminate colour patterns that mimic the natural colour gradients of baitfish, with darker shades near the back and lighter colours towards the belly. This approach can be highly effective in attracting a variety of fish species.
Green Pumpkin and Watermelon (often with flake colours) are considered versatile colours that work across a wide range of fishing conditions. These colours effectively imitate common forage for bass, such as bluegill, crawfish, and small bass. You can also add unique touches to your bait by incorporating colours like chartreuse or orange at the tips, making them more attractive to specific fish species.
Lastly, don't be afraid to explore new colours and observe their effectiveness in different situations. Every angler may have their own "magic colour" that works exceptionally well for them, so feel free to experiment until you find yours!
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The benefits of a Stupid Tube Rig
The Stupid Tube Rig is a timeless technique for anglers looking to target both smallmouth and largemouth bass. It is a highly effective method for fishing around cover such as docks, grass lines, wood, or under boats where the biggest bass tend to lurk. The rig combines the fish-drawing power of the tube bait with the weedlessness of a Texposed presentation.
One of the biggest benefits of the Stupid Tube Rig is that it offers a completely weedless presentation. This means that anglers won't encounter any issues when fishing in weed beds, tall grasses, or other areas where exposed hooks can get snagged. The rig is specifically designed to offer a natural and realistic presentation, allowing fish to strike quickly without inspecting the lure or shying away from it.
The Stupid Tube Rig also provides a secure presentation for catching bass in the area, with fewer hang-ups and less tangling of the tube itself. It is important to note that the right tube jig head can enhance the effectiveness of the rig. Smaller jig heads, such as the Zman Finesse model, are recommended for use with hollow body baits.
Additionally, the Stupid Tube Rig allows anglers to experiment with different colors and sizes of tubes to find the most successful combinations for their specific fishing conditions. The rig can be used with tubes ranging from 3 to 4.5 inches in length, and colors can be selected based on the clarity and color of the water being fished. For clear water, lighter and more subtle shades are typically used, while darker and more contrasting colors are chosen for dirty or stained water.
The Stupid Tube Rig is a versatile and effective technique for bass fishing, offering a natural presentation, weedlessness, and the ability to experiment with different colors and sizes of tubes. It is a great option for anglers looking to target both smallmouth and largemouth bass in a variety of fishing environments.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic tube baits are versatile and can be rigged in many different ways. They can be used in any location and are effective in catching bass, catfish, and crappie, among other species.
Popular methods for rigging a plastic tube bait include the Texas-rig, Tokyo Rig, and the Stupid Tube Rig. The Texas-rig is weedless and can be used in thick cover. The Stupid Tube Rig is also weedless and glides gently towards the bottom instead of spiralling.
To rig a plastic tube bait with a Texas-rig, start by slipping the hook into the hollow cavity and bringing it out about 1/4" from the head of the tube. Work the jighead into the cavity while threading the hook out and back towards the rear of the tube. Rotate the head inside the cavity so the line tie is opposite the exit hole. Push the line tie through the plastic and scrunch the tube, working the hook through like a normal Texas-rig.
To rig a plastic tube bait with a Stupid Tube Rig, start by securing the tube in one hand and the jig in the other. Moisten the head of the jig to reduce friction and the risk of tearing the plastic. Insert the hook point into the base of the tube and thread the body down the shank of the jig until the hook is about 1/4" to 1/2" from the head. Pierce the body of the tube and pull the jig through until you reach the moulded weight of the jighead. Rotate the jig 180 degrees so the hook eye and point are oriented towards the top of the tube. Locate the line tie and push it through the body of the tube. Finally, ''texpose' the hook by inserting it through both walls of the body and burying the point back into the top wall.
