Tubes are one of the best baits for smallmouth bass. You can catch good numbers of smallmouth bass and big bass too.
What Sizes are Best for Smallmouth Bass Fishing?
Most anglers will go with smaller tubes than what they would use for largemouth bass, however, you can still catch some nice smallmouth bass on the larger tubes. Try using tubes in the 2 to 3.5 inch range if you’re looking for action with an occasional big bass mixed in. Upsize to the 4 inch tubes and the thicker tubes if you want to consistently get bites from larger smallmouth bass.
How to Rig Soft Plastic Tubes
Tubes work great on a variety of rigs. Tube jigs are made for rigging tubes and the tube jigs work great. However, they make it difficult if you want to change the tube you are fishing with. Anglers also use a variety of jigheads and the Texas rig with good success.
Best Techniques
Hop Them Along the Bottom
Smallmouth bass are often found swimming just above the rocky bottoms as they search for crayfish and other food to eat. Hop your favorite tube baits along the rocky bottoms with some pauses mixed in and you will catch plenty of smallmouth bass. Most of your bites will come on the pause.
Drag Them Along the Bottom
You can also have good success by just slowly dragging these tube baits along the bottom.
