Tube baits have earned a reputation with smallmouth bass anglers for producing fish during tough conditions. Tubes should top the list of soft plastic bait options just before smallmouths spawn in the spring, when they're holding tight to cover in fall, and any other time they're in shallow water. But a few minor modifications to standard tube rigs will often produce more and bigger smallies than other artificials throughout the year in lakes and reservoirs across North America.

Tackle

 

Rod: 7-foot medium- to medium-heavy-power fast-action spinning rod.

Reel: medium-capacity spinning reel.

Line: 10-pound-test mono.

 

Rigging

Using a toothpick or Mojo pegging tool and living rubber to peg a bullet sinker creates a rig that casts and fishes like a leadhead jig. Sliding the sinker 1/8 inch away from the tube makes the lure drop straight by a target. An internal weight like the Gitzit Glider or Luck "E" Strike Quick Clip gives the tube a gliding fall, while a nose-weighted lure doesn't move as far horizontally when paused. To make a rattling tube, insert a rattle chamber into a 1/2-inch section of surgical tubing and the hook point through the other end of the tubing. For really tough smallies, rig a tube backwards using an HP Hook and a Quick Clip, or inject liquid attractant into the body cavity and plug the hole with a piece of plastic worm.

Presentation

Tube jigs are most effective in water shallower than 15 feet. Tubes can be fished deeper by adding more weight, but they fall quicker and lose the subtle action that makes them so appealing to smallmouths. When casting to docks, fallen trees, or other shoreline structures, allow the jig to fall to the bottom on a semi-tight line. Watch the line where it enters the water for any sign of movement, as an active smallie often inhales the lure before it hits the water. Retrieve the lure by gently lifting it off the bottom, allowing it to fall on a tight line, then lifting it again. If fish seem reluctant to pursue the bait, a pause and jiggle routine after the drop will often trigger them. For covering rockpiles, the edges of bars, or flats, a swimming retrieve often produces more fish. Cast past your target and allow the lure to hit the bottom. Then raise and drop your rod tip as you retrieve the lure just off bottom.