Tubes are an often overlooked lure selection. Most require internal rigging with the hook, which is not always the easiest task, especially with smaller tubes. Nevertheless, tubes are an awesome, easy lure for anglers of all skill levels.
Tubes are most effective on panfish, crappie, and black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass).
3-inch to 5-inch tubes are great for lakes and reservoirs. Depending on depth, pair a green pumpkin with red and/or black flake or a black and blue tube with a 1/4th to 1/2 ounce jig-head to target big smallmouth.
1.5-inch to 2 1/4-inch tubes are great for streams and ponds. Natural colors like green pumpkin with red and black flake tend to find the most bites when paired with a 1/32nd to 1/8th ounce jig-head depending on depth, current speed and retrieve style.
Tubes can be bounced along the bottom, steadily and/or erratically retrieved. Bass tend to favor a bounced and/or erratic retrieve with pauses and pops, while sunfish and crappie prefer a slow steady retrieve with an occasional twitch of the rod tip.
Sunfish and crappie are also more willing to take flashy colors as seen in most panfish starter kits. Bass Pro's Crappie Maxx brand makes a great assortment of naturally colored tubes to pair with those panfish starter kit colors.
