The original 3 1/2" Gitzit does the job for me with smallies.

x2. The only time i use tubes is for smallmouth and the 3.5 in gizit tube dipped in jjs is a great tube. Little pricey though. Around 8$ for 20. Last a while though.

I think I've caught more fish on the tube than any other bait. I used to swear by the simple, cheap, Bass Pro Shops Magnum Flippin Tubes and Tender Tubes. Used to be able to buy them in bulk, it was a no-brainer. Not sure when they quit selling them bulk online, but it's a shame. Fortunately I've had enough to last years.

A few years ago I decided to try Reaction Innovations Boom Boom Tubes based on success with their other plastics. Now I'm an addict. Something about them just seems different; texture, colors, how well they rig on t-rig w/ screw-in weight or unpegged. Flipping heavy cover or open water they're my go to tube. Just getting killed by SM & LM. I think I might be a sucker for the color combos maybe, they're great especially for Great Lakes - gobies.

Regardless I've found plenty I like and will use, but the Boom Boom gets rigged first.

Actually, I've tried those too! But I cut it "shorter' and think I should have cut it length-wise instead. The key is to get something skinny enough that it will float the tube AND STILL NOT be so "bulky" to lose all the tube's hollow-body and softness benefits. (Kind of the reason that I liked the Z-Man tubes and the others that already float on their own. )

I hear what you're saying, I'll have to find the thread I learned this from. One of the members here actually has a great system and I'll see if he'll respond to my PM, he hasn't been around much from what I can see.

The Yum F2ube is my favorite for a nose down attitude. I seem to catch more larger fish on that more than anything.

I also learned a neat trick for t-rigging tubes, if you're interested I'll PM you, I don't want to hijack this thread.

Good luck HuskerBasser...LOL

I only use 3.5 inch Fat Gitzits. I primarily fish for smallies in the river so tubes are my best and go-to tackle. I normally use 1/8 or 3/16 oz tube jig heads depending on depth and what types of terrain I'm attacking.

Mizmo Big Boys!