Tubes !!

[riverrat63]

So I was fishing a team tournament today it was a crappy day, so I was throwing a tube with a tube jig I lost fish all day, has any one ever had trouble with lossing fish on them I mean I would set the hook I would fight them half way to the boat and pop off like they were never there I lost at least 10 like that I even put a new jig on same thing would happen no matter how hard I would set the hook the same thing happend I had something happen a couple years ago in a tournament but never put much thought into it until today it happen again

[Hester]

I have had the same problem before too.

It was kind of a running joke between my league partner and I over how many smallies I have lost throwing tubes.

It has not been as bad lately.

[RumRiverRat]

I am guessing Smallmouth?

The problem with fishing a tube or grub for smallies is they can clamp down so hard on the bait that it is hard to get a good hook set.

A Light Wire hook can help get a better hold on the fish.

[riverrat63]

Good guess dam smallmouth I was on the croix today I was useing bite me tube jigs, I have had it happen befor but today was so frustrating I just wanted to see if I wasn't the only one this has happen to

[Nhamm]

Forget where I got the tip from, maybe the Next Bite, but to offset your jig by 10° or so and my hookups have gone up significantly. Even bass stuff, might get a few more snags, although not that many IMO, but I bet you would have lost a few jigs today rather the fish. Good luck next time.

[RumRiverRat]

The Bite Me jigs are good jigs.

What line and rod/reel combo were you using?

[riverrat63]

I was useing 7ft mh veritas spinning rod with 10# sensation with a Abu cardinal reel

[mainbutter]

Only when I rig them weedless have I had problems on some days.

There are times where I rig them so that plenty of hook point is exposed, and I've even rigged them with a stinger treble.

[delmuts]

Turning the hook slightly should help some.( we've been doing this for years for crappie and walleye) Maybe using a hook with a little more open bend may help too.

[Nhamm]

I was useing 7ft mh veritas spinning rod with 10# sensation with a Abu cardinal reel

As long as you are not casting out to far you should be good, I love the sensation line myself I had it on my 610 mxf, but I noticed if I chucked that lure out farther than 20 yds my hooksets diminished. That line is notoriously stretchy, and just cant dig in with it at long distances. Switched to braid with a flouro leader and works well.

[riverrat63]

Yea I have noticed that to with it I notice it when I'm fishing senkos I think next year I'm going to try braid with a leader I do that now on my baitcasters but going to try with my spinning rods, I have herd of the trouble hook trick I will try that next year or the next I have trouble catching a smallmouth the weird thing is they wouldn't eat a jig of any color or a senko it was just one of thows days

[eyeguy 54]

I went to a 3/0 worm hook and a bullet in front if it. Hating tube jigs. lol

[Markula]

Yep, texas rig! Quit using jigheads for tubes many years ago.

[RK]

Smallies can really airmail a tube can't they? Especially tough on heavier heads. I've gotten super-particular about the hooks on my tube heads. I like the 3/0 sproat Gamakatsus that Bite Me uses. Northland uses a similar design hook although I think it's a Matzuo. Both are sharp and light wire.

The other thing is rod/line selection. Especially in deep water or making long casts fluoro helps, and so does a longer rod that loads up so you can keep the line tight vs a shorter, stiffer rod. As someone rightly pointed out when they clamp down on a tube the hookset won't move it in their mouth, so if they get any kind of slack they'll throw it, especially on a jump. I use a Loomis Bronzeback 7'7" rod for tubes most of the time, with a reel with a big spool. When I get a hit I sweep set and crank like mad rather than do a hard snap set. With a sweep set the fish will just pull against it at first rather than rocketing straight up. The line stays tight and the hook grinds in. Usually with those light wire hooks once you get penetration they're buttoned up pretty well. Still lose some at the boat once in a while especially with 1/2 or 3/4 oz heads (it's a lot of weight banging around) but lose a lot less than I used to on a shorter stiffer rod.

[EBass]

Is the tube slipping down? I've had that happen. Put a dab of glue where the jig head and tube meet. That should help if the tube is slipping. I needed some glue this past weekend. Note to self: buy glue.

[bemidjibasser]

+1 RK A long sweep rather than a snap hook set has worked well for me as well. I use a 7'6" MM that I built on a Castaway blank a few years back that loads up great and keeps constant pressure on a light wire hook. I use the same set up with most all of my light jig worm/tube fishing.

[MSRiverdog]

I went to a 3/0 worm hook and a bullet in front if it. Hating tube jigs. lol

Only reason I can see of you hating tubes is they don't make a tackle box with enough space for ya.

[eyeguy 54]

heeheehee

[riverrat63]

I think I will have to look into a longer rod with braid and a Floro leader I usually didn't have problems with tube jigs but I had a prob at the wrong time on a crappy day we fished a bridge pulling and on five cast I lost four fish that's when I knew it was going to be a bad day but it's nice to see I'm not the only one that had the prob thanks for all the helpful comments

[RK]

I think I will have to look into a longer rod with braid and a Floro leader I usually didn't have problems with tube jigs but I had a prob at the wrong time on a crappy day we fished a bridge pulling and on five cast I lost four fish that's when I knew it was going to be a bad day but it's nice to see I'm not the only one that had the prob thanks for all the helpful comments

You also have to factor in the possibility that sometimes it just ain't your day

[riverrat63]

I agree 100% rk

[RumRiverRat]

You also have to factor in the possibility that sometimes it just ain't your day

Call me stubborn or stupid or both....but I refuse to accept that.

I have had a lot of grind it out/ just pick up a rod and fish until I get bit days this year. Having the mental fortitude to keep fishing when most people would give up is something I have really embraced this year.

I have dealt with a lot of tragedy in my life in the last 18 months. Fishing is my way of coping.

The days on the water that are mentally draining have been a blessing, sounds weird to say that, but it gives me something to focus on and puts me in a happy place for a few hours.

[tolle141]

What everyone said. You add these up and it should make a noticeable impact:

Longer rod - I use a 7'4"

Braid + flouro leader - reduce stretch with the benefits in clear water

Light wire hooks

[delmuts]

"I have dealt with a lot of tragedy in my life in the last 18 months. Fishing is my way of coping.

The days on the water that are mentally draining have been a blessing, sounds weird to say that, but it gives me something to focus on and puts me in a happy place for a few hours."

Rum. You're not alone! Dealt with many problems( personal and work) for several years. An hour of two out fishing was a chance to clear ones mind and get your head on straight. Not weird at all.

[bemidjibasser]

The greater the problems in one's life, be they money, family, work, etc., the longer the fishing trip he should take...