Would like to learn this technique this season. I've used tubes before, but always went away from them because of the weedless problem and the inherent compramises of the various weedless techniques. This rig seems like just the ticket.

 

I played around with it in the workshop this afternoon, and through my tinkering, it seems to me that the rig would work better with tubes that have a certain body/tentacle ratio (i.e., longer body).

 

What tubes/heads have you guys used with this rig? What has worked best for you?

i actual just found a couple of different hooks to match the tubes. even though they both may be 3/0 for example some have a shorter shank that will work the the smaller body tubes.

http://www.shop.actlures.com/Stupid-Tubeheads_c5.htm

Owner Rig-N hooks, being shorter size for size than EWG hooks, are my choice for tubes.

Poor Boys tubes are my tube of choice these days.

Eagle Claw HP Quick Clip weights complete the rig.

If you're looking for tubes with a longer body, check out 4" Venom tubes. I remember switching away from them to Mizmos because I did'nt like how short the tentacles were on the Venoms. Pretty sure the body was longer than the tentacles, might be just what your looking for. They used to sell them in 50 ct. bags at Gander Mtn. Hope this helps

http://www.shop.actlures.com/Stupid-Tubeheads_c5.htm

Thanks! Those look great and very reasonably priced too!

I use the Owner Phantom Tube hooks and I like the Reaction Innovations Boom Boom tubes and I also the Strike King tubes.

I started experimenting with traditional tube jigs and found no reason NOT to use them. I've also tried weighted swimbait hooks, but some of the tube's inherent action is lost on the fall.  The Stupid Jigs have the line tie and head design that's makes rigging this way a lot easier and it also seems to add to the action.  I'll definitely be giving them a good amount of experimental time when I get out.