Tube lures are popular and effective fishing lures, but they can be tricky to rig. If you’re not sure how to rig a tube lure, don’t worry—it’s not as difficult as it seems. With a few simple steps, you’ll be able to rig a tube lure like a pro.
The first step is to choose the right jig head. The size and weight of the jig head will depend on the size of the tube lure you’re using and the depth of water you’re fishing in. Once you’ve selected a jig head, it’s time to thread the tube lure onto the hook. Start by inserting the hook into the tip of the tube lure. Then, work your way down the tube, pulling the hook through until it comes out the other end. Once the hook is through, you can secure the tube lure in place with a small rubber band.
The final step is to attach the tube lure to your fishing line. You can do this by tying a knot in the end of your fishing line and then sliding the tube lure onto the knot. Alternatively, you can use a snap swivel to attach the tube lure to your fishing line. This will allow you to change out tube lures quickly and easily.
Customizing the Rig for Specific Conditions
To maximize the effectiveness of your tube lure, it’s essential to customize the rig based on the specific conditions you’re fishing. Factors such as water depth, current, and target species influence the optimal rig setup.
Depth
For shallow water (<6 feet), use a small jighead (1/8-1/16 ounce) and a short leader (18-24 inches). In medium depths (6-12 feet), increase the jighead weight to 1/4-3/8 ounce and extend the leader to 24-36 inches. For deep water (>12 feet), opt for heavier jigheads (1/2-1 ounce) and longer leaders (36-48 inches).
Current
In fast-moving water, heavier jigheads are necessary to keep the lure in the strike zone. Use jigheads weighing 1/2-1 ounce and a shorter leader (18-24 inches). Conversely, in slow-moving or still water, lighter jigheads (1/8-1/4 ounce) and longer leaders (36-48 inches) allow the lure to drift more naturally.
Target Species
Different species prefer different lure sizes and rigging options. For example, largemouth bass tend to favor larger tubes (3-4 inches) on heavier jigheads. Smallmouth bass and walleye prefer smaller tubes (2-3 inches) on lighter jigheads.
| Target Species | Tube Size | Jighead Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 3-4 inches | 1/2-1 ounce |
| Smallmouth Bass | 2-3 inches | 1/4-3/8 ounce |
| Walleye | 2-3 inches | 1/8-1/4 ounce |
How to Rig a Tube Lure
A tube lure is a popular and versatile lure for bass fishing. It can be rigged in a variety of ways to achieve different actions and depths. The most common way to rig a tube lure is the Texas rig, which involves threading a bullet weight onto the line and then inserting the hook through the nose of the tube. Other popular rigging methods include the Carolina rig, the wacky rig, and the ned rig.
The Texas rig is a good all-purpose rig that can be used in a variety of situations. The weight keeps the lure near the bottom, where bass often feed, and the hook is exposed, making it easy for bass to strike. The Carolina rig is similar to the Texas rig, but it uses a swivel to keep the weight separate from the lure. This helps to prevent the line from twisting and tangling. The wacky rig is a popular way to rig a tube lure for finesse applications. The hook is inserted into the back of the tube, and the lure is fished weightless. This gives the lure a very natural action that can be very effective in clear water or when bass are feeding on small baitfish.
The ned rig is a relatively new rigging method that has become very popular in recent years. It involves using a small jig head with a weed guard. The tube lure is rigged on the jig head so that the hook is exposed. This gives the lure a very natural gliding action that is very effective in shallow water or around cover.
People also ask
How do you rig a tube lure for fishing?
There are a variety of ways to rig a tube lure for fishing, including the Texas rig, the Carolina rig, the wacky rig, and the ned rig. The most common method is the Texas rig, which involves threading a bullet weight onto the line and then inserting the hook through the nose of the tube.
What is the best hook size for a tube lure?
The best hook size for a tube lure will depend on the size of the tube lure and the size of the fish you are targeting. For small tube lures, a size 1 or 2 hook is a good choice. For larger tube lures, a size 3 or 4 hook is a better choice.
What is the best weight for a tube lure?
The best weight for a tube lure will depend on the depth of the water you are fishing and the size of the fish you are targeting. For shallow water, a 1/4-ounce weight is a good choice. For deeper water, a 3/8-ounce or 1/2-ounce weight is a better choice.
What is the best color for a tube lure?
The best color for a tube lure will depend on the water clarity and the type of fish you are targeting. In clear water, natural colors such as green, brown, and black are good choices. In stained water, brighter colors such as orange, yellow, and chartreuse are better choices.
