By varying the give of the plastic, the tube becomes less weedless, but sticks more fish. Always test the stiffness of your tube and think of it as your weed guard.
Thanks for the update. I misunderstood on the first tutorial and was tearing the front...
Btw I've noticed with the 60 degree jigs the fish tend to hook themselves. At least with the round bend on the swim jigs and the round bend for the tubes. I'll have to try the above which has a sharper bend where it leads to the hook point.
Like that creek I took you to. Lots of wood everywhere. By exiting the hook closer to the tip of the tube, the tube sticks up with more stiffness and acts like a weedguard. Sometimes too much. Thus the tutorial. ;)
Exit the hook 2/3" or so from the head, the tube isn't nearly as stiff, which helps with hookups.
I never have used an open hook. I bet I could get away with it some places I fish. Don't like the idea of casting up a second jig head to carry.
Nice photos and explanation. I have no problems throwing larger baits for smallmouth. 5" plastics, 1/2oz spinnerbaits, crankbaits or topwaters.
When the water is cold, clear or pressured, I prefer something more subtle. The 3" Stik-O from Bass Pro is cheap and works great. Yum is another brand I like.
I know many don't like them, but I use Mister Twister Keeper hooks for my plastics. Never had any trouble. I keep a stone with me to keep a good point. I use their hooks from unweighted to 1/4oz.
Just found your blog. Great step by step post here. I think I've always rigged my tubes in a roundabout way so this definitely helps. Thanks for the tips. Looking forward to your updates.
Thanks for the update. I misunderstood on the first tutorial and was tearing the front...
ReplyDeleteBtw I've noticed with the 60 degree jigs the fish tend to hook themselves. At least with the round bend on the swim jigs and the round bend for the tubes. I'll have to try the above which has a sharper bend where it leads to the hook point.
Kev, the EWG jig is best for lots of hangups.
ReplyDeleteLike that creek I took you to. Lots of wood everywhere. By exiting the hook closer to the tip of the tube, the tube sticks up with more stiffness and acts like a weedguard. Sometimes too much. Thus the tutorial. ;)
Exit the hook 2/3" or so from the head, the tube isn't nearly as stiff, which helps with hookups.
I never have used an open hook. I bet I could get away with it some places I fish. Don't like the idea of casting up a second jig head to carry.
BT,
ReplyDeleteNice photos and explanation. I have no problems throwing larger baits for smallmouth. 5" plastics, 1/2oz spinnerbaits, crankbaits or topwaters.
When the water is cold, clear or pressured, I prefer something more subtle. The 3" Stik-O from Bass Pro is cheap and works great. Yum is another brand I like.
I know many don't like them, but I use Mister Twister Keeper hooks for my plastics. Never had any trouble. I keep a stone with me to keep a good point. I use their hooks from unweighted to 1/4oz.
MJ
Good tip on the keepers! You'd think companies would market hooks like that for bass lures, or that Flukes would come with hard heads and soft bodies.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog. Great step by step post here. I think I've always rigged my tubes in a roundabout way so this definitely helps. Thanks for the tips. Looking forward to your updates.
ReplyDelete