Tube weights and hooks

[Ole the Guide]

Hi,

I'm wondering how everyone rigs up there tubes when fishing shallow (2-5 ft.) of water. Not docks but weeds like pads, reeds, slop, etc.. In the past few years I've used the Shaw Grigsby setup with the internal weight system but it can be a pain in the b**t when you're trying to re-rig it on the water. Sometimes it takes a while to get the hookpoint in the weight when it's inside the tube. <geesh>

My question is: How do you guys rig your tubes? Do you use a weighted jig (if so what weight) or a texas rig (how do you get the tube to stay on), a screw rig, or what??

Can a heavier weight be used on tubes in shallow and be effective? I've never thrown one with more than 1/16 weight. Can I go heavier? I suppose I could just give it a try but I thought, "what the heck", I'll ask the forum for their thoughts and tricks for tube fishing!

Thanks for any replies!

Ole

[Captain B.R.K]

When using tube's, I personally like the Lindy weights that are out. I believe they are packaged in yellow and red (rattles) w/ 3 in a pack. These slide right onto a 1/0, 2/0, etc. Gammy hook and go right into the tube.

I have yet to have any problems with these internal weights.

[basguy31]

I also use the Shaw Grigsby hooks for my tubes, but for a weight, I use a small crimp on style steel bullet weight. I think you can find them at most places that carry split shot weights.

[st.crioxfishin]

I use a thicker style Wide Gap Hook with my tubes. Like a Superline 3/0 Gamakatsu. Then I will rig it with a bullet weight. The weight will depend on the cover I'm fishing and the wind. If its thick cover, I'll peg a heavier weight to get it throught the weeds, If its windy I'll need a heavier weight as well. When fishing sparser(is that a word?) weeds or the weed edges I'll use a lighter wieght. But overall I always use a bullet weight. Its just what I've always done, but may not be the thing for others.

[delmuts]

i use a couple of way to rig them; many times if fishing broken weeds/ flats i just use a reg 1/8 wide gap,light wire jig , that i slide inside the tube and fish with the hook exsposed,and heavier wire jigs that i use.( i seldom go over a 1/4 oz.( i am looking more for the slow erratic fall of teh tibe)i also use flippin tubes that have a solid head and hollow body . again i use mostly a 1/8 oz slip sinker, but may go heavier if fishing deeper water or heavy weeds,and rig it tex posed.

[Ole the Guide]

Basguy31,

Where do you crimp on your weight? In front of the tube or on the hook? I've seen people put a weight on the hook which I've tried but it kept falling off. What weight 1/8 or 1/16 or?

Thanks for all the replies.

Ole

PS.. I like the lindy tube weight idea

[BigMike]

Ole - I love tubes! I've always had issues with the internal weights and hookup ratios. Internal weights don't allow the tube to collapse fully and expose the hook point as much plus they are a pain to rig. I fish tubes two ways. The first is for rock humps, on the river or in sparse cover. I use a 4/0 tube jig head, either in a 1/8th or 1/4oz weight (maybe 3/8-1/2oz for deeper water). I like to get the tube jigs that I can put inside rather than just push the hook point through.

The second way I rig tubes I use when I'm fishing tighter/denser structure. I use a 3/0 or 4/0 EWG hook (the biggest my tube will allow - some tubes have shorter bodies than others...). I tex-pose the tube and peg the tube with a toothpick through the hook eye (to keep the tube from falling down the shank or up the line) and I will either put a sliding bullet weight (1/8-1/2oz depending on presentation: flipping, skipping, etc.) or a "bullshot" (crimping bullet weight) and crimp it right at the head of the hook eye. Be sure to re-crimp after every fish or you'll be loosing bullshot weights all day - but they are real cheap so it may not even matter.

Good luck