Crappie Tube Question

[WHARFRAT]

As much as I fish soft plastics, I've never really fished tube baits. But I just bought a bunch of 1.5" baits, since the shad are running so small around our end of the lake, it's the smallest soft plastic bait I could find right now.

So my question is how to you rig them. Just like any soft bait with the lead on the outside, or do you run the lead on the inside of the tube?

Just trying to match the hatch, so to speak.

[MOPanfisher]

I have done it both ways, they make a lead head that is made to insert inside the tube, others are made to be outside and have a barbed collar to hold the tube. I always like the head that inserted as they didn't tear up as bad but when it does tear up you have to cut off and re-tie, not a bad thing just annoying at times.

[nomolites]

The elongated heads inside. Moisten it a bit and tread it up in there then press on the eyelet where you want it to pop out. They seem to crawl through brush and vertical jig much better this way for me.

Mike

[Manny]

I prefer lead head on outside.

A tad of superglue the night before.

I do this to my go to colors.

[fishinwrench]

Can't offer any insight on the little tubes cuz I don't use them, but I spoke with a couple guys that were out spider rigging this morning and they were having some steady action over a creek channel in 25ish feet.

It looked to me like they were only set down about 15' though so I assume the slabs were suspended. They were sure making alot of trips to the livewell.

I've never done worth a crap at hot weather crappie fishing, and if they typically go out and suspend like that then I understand why.

[MOPanfisher]

Maybe you need better electronics to find them.

Sorry I just couldn't resist.

[fishinwrench]

You might be right. I scored my possession limit back in March though, and C&R crappie fishing just doesn't do anything for me.

I'll need to have a fish fry before I do any more slab chasin'.

[NickIL]

Works both ways but I prefer to keep the lead head on the outside and add a touch of super glue and the tube will last for a limit of fish. I also like to tie the jig to the line with a loop knot. The loop knot, for me, results in more hook ups and usually the hook ends up in the top of the crappie's mouth.

[WHARFRAT]

Hot weather crappie fishing, I try to go back to where I fish in Jan/Feb. I don't do as well as I usually do then, but, keeps me entertained. If you keep any this time of year, its best to toss em directly on ice.

I do best pullin cranks this time of the year. No telling what you'll pick up. It's like a smorgasboard of different things!

Thanks all for the advise on tubes!!!!!

[Mike jones]

If you want a livewell full of crappie, go below the dam RIGHT NOW!!!