smbrule!

For decades I've use 4" tubes that are on the soft side. Using soft rubes with a tube bait jig head is a problem as it tears up the front of the tube on the strike therefore requiring re-rigging. I'm interested 3.5" tubes, that are readily available in stores, that are on the harder side. Not interested in slim 3.5" tubes, Thanks. Bob

I've and others have experienced knot failure on hooksets. The key reason why was that the line got wedged into the area where the eye of the hook meets the shank. After a number of hook sets or pulling the hook off a snag there is line failure.

I use several brands of off the shelf tubes mentioned above. Have also ordered River Rock Custom Baits tubes. They come in various sizes. They are custom made and they will provide single, double and triple dipped tubes. There tubes are soft, at least the ones that I got were. Talk to Robert Shue the owner about what your expectations are.

I cloned this lure from a Reactions Innovation Double Wide Beaver and a Culprit 9" Fat Max. Weighs in at 0.73 oz.

I use lead wire which can be obtained from stores that handle tie flying products. Pic shows one wrap of lead wire covered with epoxy. I also use multiple wraps of lead wire to increase weight. ( My own hook keeper also on hook)

If you want detailed information regarding mono, flurocarbon and braid lines regarding label strength and actual breaking strength plus a lot of other information go to "Paulus Just Fishing". http://www.paulusjustfishing.com/4linetestingplastic.htm

merc1997 has made some very useful comments on EWG hooks. I much prefer a O'Shaughnessy worm hooks by Gamakatsu for slimmer soft plastics. And, the Gammy heavy cover flippin hook for wider bulky baits because of its large throat. I routinely use the Gammy heavy cover hook for 4-5" tubes, large worms and sticks, and lures like the 7" Magnum Super Fluke. For two reasons--a better hookset as the hook is buried inside the bait it is much more snag free compared to an EWG texposed. I fish a lot of pads and reeds and other vegetation and a texposed EWG is a sure thing to get snagged. I have no confidence in an EWG hook that is texas rigged. I do use EWG hooks when their is little danger of snags and primarily when I'm finesse fishing with light mono line and soft rods.

VMC Ike approved EWG hooks have a 3 degree offset to the right (left)?

X2 for River Rock Baits tubes. And, they will do a single dip, double dip and triple dip. I often use tubes with no weight or up to a 1/16 oz. to fish pad fields in northern MN. The 4" triple dip tube weighs almost a half oz. So they permit long casts with medium heavy to heavy action rods.

A Shimano rep (Bantam 1) has commented on spool weight for the Shimano CI. Hopefully by providing this link I'm not not going against this forums rules--go to Tackle Tour (Reels) Forum and scroll down to "Curado I Spool Weight". Hats off to the response by Bantam 1

The spool on the Curado I (has been reported on a different forum) to have a weight of 16.4 grams due evidently to its heavier brake blocks. That weight is heavier than some other popular shimano reels. See comparison in attachment. I would suspect that this is not a reel for casting finesse baits.

Tubes, tubes, tubes.

I use Googe Earth Acme Mapper and Bing Maps Bing Maps are especially useful for increased clarity in some areas of Lake of the Woods, Ontario

For my four to five inch tubes I use Gammy Heavy Cover Flippin Hooks in 4/0 or 5/0 and leave the point of the hook inside the tube. Less snags compared to EWG hooks. Using braid have not experienced problems with hooksets .

I've used Bass Team Tackle tungsten weights. Reasonably priced. http://www.bassteamtackle.com/Tungsten_Weights.html

I also use Google Earth to check out new fishing spots. Would also suggest that Bing maps also be explored. For Lake of the Woods in some places Bing maps are superior to Google Earth.

Tackle Warehouse. One time they sent the incorrect weight for jigs. Called them and they promptly sent me the correct weight and told me to keep the incorrect ones. Also, they offer a 10% discount to all active and inactive military veterans.

I'm not familiar with the "Thumper",and its diameter but I use a lot of thick plastics including the Culprit 9" fat max and have had good results with the Gammy's Heavy Cover Worm hook in 4/0 or 5/0.. That line of hooks has a wider gape compared with its length.

4" Tubes, weighted or no weight. Can fish them on top or deep

Use a lot of big game in 10, 12 and 15# test. Never had a problem in breakage.

I use plastic boxes and also for immediate back-up the Bass Pro binder bag. Bag is: 9" x 6" x 7" high

Four inch tubes with zero to 1/16 oz weight.

Netbait baby paca craw. Sometimes I use a lighter to burn the end and pinch it closed. Then ride the sinker up the line and if you are not using a heavy hook the craw will float off the bottom.

I only for fish for smallies on Lake of the Woods in June so perhaps it influences my tube size as the fish are very aggressive. I almost exclusively use 4" tubes. Use various brands including generic. Also fish 3 3/4 " Original Gitzits but only for LMB on highly pressured lakes.

A 4-5" soft bodied tube. Can use it with an inside tube weight, a bullet weight or no weight as a substitute for floating frogs when fishing over pads or around reeds