Tuning the tube

[JeffD]

When I think of improving my performance year to year, much of it comes down to better execution on hook sets and landing the fish, particularly with tubejigs.

 

Two critical statistics are,

 

1. proportion of bites that result in successful hook sets

 

2. proportion of successful hook sets that result in caught fish.

 

#1 amounts to some combination of decision making and timing, choice of line, and matching the jighead to the tube. It also varies with season as agressiveness of bites do. Obviously an exposed hook would help, but that isn't often an option in river smallie fishing. It usually comes down to some wire-guard insert heads versus a texposed or Texas-rigged finesse or slider head jig.

 

#2 has much to do with the quality of #1, but also there is room for improvement in playing a fish.

 

 

When I think of last weekend, I was 7/9 on #1 and 5/7 on #2, not bad for me, but it meant 2-4 nice fish got away. The difference between a 5 fish weekend and a 9 fish weekend is quite substantial. Well, some might say neither is a success, but a single smallie can make my weekend. This sort of efficiency, according to #1 and #2, whether concerning tubejigs or other baits, must account for a great portion of total success. Of course the other factor, call it #0, is "number of bites". I've learned quite a bit about numbers 0-2 from Phil Fiscella, especially as it concerns tubejigs, but I'm sure others have interesting ideas. I'd be interested in knowing how others fine tune their jig fishing, selection of jig heads, line, and other issues.

[Norm M]

Jeff,

 

I believe that how well developed a person's sense of feel and how attentive they are to watching thier line has more to do with success than tweaks to the tackle. I'd rate sharp hooks as the third factor ahead of balancing jig heads, weed guards, type of line, rod, etc. All the tweaking will help but not as much as the first three factors.

 

Now if someone is born with hands of stone, than they should develop a fine eye for line watching, and go with the most sensitive rod and line they can afford. That's just genetics and the lack of feel is nothing they should feel bad about.

 

As far as tweaking goes, a hook shank that's too short and/or a hook gap that's too narrow are often over looked in the search for success. Opening the gap and kirbing the hook are easily done with a pair of pliers, the length of the hook shank is paying attention when intially acquiring the tackle.

[Gavin]

Hi Vis braid (yellow, or orange) & a flourocarbon leader makes a big difference when fishing plastics deep......Its easier to watch your line to detect hits on the fall. Plus you have much better feel.

[JeffD]

Thanks for the valuable comments guys. I think watching the line is quite a big deal. In any case, I proved tonight that I have much work to do. I went to a pond in my neighborhood to try and catch a few largemouths on some old Mepps spinner. After missing 6 or 7 fish in a row, including one quite big one that I could see, I became very frustrated, and blamed my son's rod that I was using for not having enough backbone to set the hook. A couple casts later, I discovered all of the hooks had broken off of my Mepps, probably before I even made my first cast. So much for fine tuning!

[Bterrill]

After texpoising your tube, slice the underside of the tube with a knife so it will reveal hook point with little pressure. A stiff tube= missed fish. If you are hanging up too much, slightly tuck the plastic onto the hook point.

 

Consider also, small fish pecking at the tails of the bait.

[Travis]

I have been using Stank X Bait tubes with a TON of success. They tend to lean toward the larger size and large mouth bass but a smallie will strike them. I've seen 20 inch Smallies attack this bait.

 

Three reasons why I like them.

 

#1. The head is weighted. No need to add slip shots or jig/darter heads. They fall great at a perfect descend.

 

#2.. They are injected with a scent that is uncanny. They don't spit out the lure as quickly as the salted and the smell last a lot longer.

 

#3. Custom colors. You can order these pretty much any way you want them.

 

I know the guy that makes the plastics, I love them. He has great prices as well and takes care of his customers. Great tubes. I texas rig em with a 3/0 or 4/0 depending.

 

Tell them I sent ya ...

 

http://www.stankxbaitco.com/

[Jim Kast]

I have been using Stank X Bait tubes with a TON of success. They tend to lean toward the larger size and large mouth bass but a smallie will strike them. I've seen 20 inch Smallies attack this bait.

 

Three reasons why I like them.

 

#1. The head is weighted. No need to add slip shots or jig/darter heads. They fall great at a perfect descend.

 

#2.. They are injected with a scent that is uncanny. They don't spit out the lure as quickly as the salted and the smell last a lot longer.

 

#3. Custom colors. You can order these pretty much any way you want them.

 

I know the guy that makes the plastics, I love them. He has great prices as well and takes care of his customers. Great tubes. I texas rig em with a 3/0 or 4/0 depending.

 

Tell them I sent ya ...

 

http://www.stankxbaitco.com/

 

I like this policy a lot! Do our planet a favor and save your old baits. Send in your old bags with the used baits and we will give you a discount on your next purchase! Every little bit will go a long way to keeping our land and waters clean.

[Travis]

I like this policy a lot! Do our planet a favor and save your old baits. Send in your old bags with the used baits and we will give you a discount on your next purchase! Every little bit will go a long way to keeping our land and waters clean.

 

 

Good catch, they are good people, pro C&R and trying hard to make great products.