The cool morning air was still as I cast my line into the deep green pool, the surface barely rippling as my tube settled onto the rocky bottom below. I worked the tube lightly back and forth, hesitating for just a moment as I felt the almost imperceptible tap on the line. With a quick jerk, I set the hook, feeling the powerful pull as a fish charged off with my lure. After a short battle, I lifted my prize from the water – a shining bronze smallmouth bass that had to weigh close to 2 pounds.

There is nothing quite like the fight of a smallmouth bass taking your tube, and knowing how to properly fish this versatile lure is key to catching more of these feisty gamefish. In this post on how to fish a tube for smallmouth, I’ll break down my favorite tube fishing techniques for consistently hooking up with these popular freshwater fish.

11 Step-by-Step Guidelines on How to Fish a Tube for Smallmouth

Step 1: Choose the Right Tube

The first step in successfully fishing a tube for a smallmouth is selecting the right lure. Look for tubes that are between 3 and 4 inches long, with a slightly thicker body and long thin tentacles. Natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon and brown are great for mimicking the smallmouth’s favorite prey.

Step 2: Rig Your Tube Correctly

One of the most common ways to rig a tube is with an internal jig head. Simply thread the hook through the top of the tube, pushing it out just below one of the tentacles. A more wheedles alternative is a Texas rig, where you insert a bullet weight into the head of the tube and rig it weedless by inserting the hook through the side of the tube.

Step 3: Use Appropriate Gear

For smallmouth bass, a medium-weight spinning rod with a 6-10-pound test line is usually sufficient. A longer rod will help to cast further and provide more leverage for fighting big fish. You can also use a baitcasting setup for more precision and control, especially when fishing in tight quarters. It’s important to match the line weight to the size of your tube and the strength of the bass in your area.

Step 4: Find the Right Location

Smallmouth bass tend to hang out in rocky areas with moderate currents, so look for deep pools or riffles near submerged boulders or ledges. They also enjoy hiding under overhanging vegetation or in the shade of fallen trees. Try casting your tube near these types of structures. This species also tends to prefer clearer water, so choose a location with good visibility.

Step 5: Vary Your Retrieve

Smallmouth bass are known for their aggressive strikes and will often hit a tube as soon as it hits the water. However, it’s important to vary your retrieve depending on the mood of the fish. Try slow, steady retrieves or quick jerks with pauses in between to mimic injured prey. You can also try bouncing your tube along the bottom or hopping it up and down through the water column.

Step 6: Be Patient

Smallmouth bass are notorious for their light bite, so be patient when fishing with tubes. If you feel a small tap on your line, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Wait for a more distinct pull before setting the hook it will increase your chances of landing the fish. It’s also important to note that smallmouths often travel in schools, so where there’s one, there are likely more.

Step 7: Pay Attention to Water Temperature

Smallmouth bass are most active in water temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit, so pay attention to the temperature and adjust your tactics accordingly. In colder water, slow down your retrieve and use smaller tubes. In warmer water, try faster retrieves with larger tubes to entice more aggressive strikes. But keep in mind, that smallmouths can be unpredictable and may not follow these patterns every time.

Step 8: Use the Right Color

Smallmouth bass can be picky about their color preferences, so it’s important to have a variety of colors on hand. Natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon and brown are generally good choices. If the fish are particularly finicky, try using more vibrant or contrasting colors to stand out in the water. It’s a good idea to switch up your colors frequently until you find what the fish are biting on that day.

Step 9: Don’t Forget the Drop Shot

A drop shot is a popular and effective rig for fishing tubes, especially in deep or rocky areas where smallmouth bass like to hide. To set up a drop shot, simply tie a hook onto your line and attach a sinker about 12-18 inches below the hook. You can then thread your tube onto the hook and drop it to the bottom, slowly dragging or hopping it back towards you.

Step 10: Experiment with Different Sizes

Although 3-4 inch tubes are considered standard for smallmouth bass, don’t be afraid to experiment with different sizes. In some cases, a larger or smaller tube may produce better results depending on the fish’s mood or water conditions. It’s always a good idea to have a variety of sizes on hand. You can also try cutting down a larger tube for a different profile and action.

Step 11: Practice Catch and Release

Smallmouth bass are a prized gamefish, and it’s important to practice catch and release to preserve the population. These fish can live up to 20 years and grow to be over 5 pounds, so by releasing them, you are helping to ensure future generations of anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching smallmouth bass on a tube lure.

Now that you know how to fish a tube for smallmouth, get out there and put your skills to the test! Remember to always respect the environment and practice responsible fishing techniques to help preserve this popular species for generations to come.  So, grab your gear and head out to your favorite smallmouth bass spot – you never know what size fish might be waiting for your tube! Happy fishing!

How Much Could It Cost?

Tube fishing for smallmouth bass can be relatively inexpensive, especially if you already have the necessary gear. Tubes are typically affordable and can cost anywhere from $2-$5 each depending on the brand and size. You may also want to invest in a good quality jig head or bullet weight for rigging your tube, which can cost around $4-$6. Overall, it’s a fairly budget-friendly way to fish for smallmouth bass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the Best Time of Day to Fish With a Tube for Smallmouth Bass?

A1: Smallmouth bass are most active during times of low light, such as early morning or late evening. However, they can also be caught throughout the day if you vary your tactics and pay attention to water temperature. You may also have luck during overcast or cloudy days when the fish are less likely to be spooked by bright sunlight.

Q2: Can I Use a Tube for Largemouth Bass as Well?

A2: Absolutely! While tubes are known for their effectiveness on smallmouth bass, they can also be used to catch largemouth bass. Just like with smallmouth bass, vary your tactics and use different colors and sizes to see what works best for the fish in your area.

Q3: Do I Need a Special Rod and Reel Setup for Tube Fishing?

A3: No, you can use any type of rod and reel setup for tube fishing. However, using a spinning or baitcasting setup with appropriate line weight can give you better control and sensitivity when fishing with tubes. It’s also important to make sure your setup is strong enough to handle the potential size of smallmouth bass, which can put up a good fight.  So, make sure to use at least a medium-heavy rod and a reel with good drag capability.

Q4: Can I Fish Tubes in Rivers or Streams?

A4: Yes, tubes can be effective in rivers and streams as well. Look for areas with slower-moving currents and structures such as rocks or logs where smallmouth bass may hide. You may also want to use a lighter weight or smaller tube in these environments to avoid getting snagged. As always, be mindful of your surroundings and practice responsible fishing techniques to protect the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion on how to fish a tube for smallmouth, fishing for a smallmouth using a tube as bait is an effective and rewarding technique that any angler can master with practice. By understanding the behavior of these feisty fish and utilizing the right equipment and techniques, you can have a successful day on the water. Remember to keep your presentation natural, vary your retrieval speed, and be patient in your approach. And above all, don’t underestimate the power of research and preparation before heading out onto the water. As you continue to hone your skills as an angler, always remember to respect and protect the environment that allows us to enjoy this sport.

So let’s grab our tubes and head to our favorite smallmouth spot, ready to catch some trophy-worthy fish! Share your successes with us by tagging us on social media at #FishingTubeForSmallmouth. We can’t wait to see what you reel in! Now go out there and try out these tips for yourself – happy fishing!