The Art of Light Tackle Tube-and-Worm Fishing

A Tactical Approach

When most anglers think of the tube-and-worm rig, they envision a “low-skill” trolling method that covers water in search of opportunistic fish. While this technique has been a staple for decades, dismissing it as an "entry level" strategy undersells its potential—especially when refined with a light tackle approach.

Tube and worm fishing happens to be one of my all-time favorite methods for targeting big striped bass, especially in daytime when big striped bass are notoriously difficult to catch. While I indeed love the nostalgia and connection to two generations of striped bass anglers, I also love how highly technical and rewarding tactical tubing is. Combining precision boat maneuvers, strategic tube size selection, and tactical rigging, this method transforms into one of the most effective ways to target big striped bass and bluefish.

Why Light Tackle for Tubes?

Light tackle transforms tube-and-worm fishing into a highly tactical and rewarding experience by combining the thrill of light gear with a technical approach to trolling techniques. By focusing on precision boat maneuvers, depth control, and strategic presentations, light tackle tubing elevates what many consider a basic trolling method into an advanced and interactive form of fishing. For anglers looking to refine their approach, here’s why light tackle is the ideal choice for tubing.

Tubes Are Built for Precision:

Unlike traditional lures, tubes don’t have weighted heads or swimming bills. Instead, their behavior in the water is dictated entirely by the angler’s setup and technique. This unique characteristic makes tubes incredibly precise tools for targeting specific depths and fish.

Controlled Sink Rate: The design of a good tube, like the Hogy Perfect Tube, distributes weight evenly for a controlled, horizontal sink. This allows for accurate depth targeting.

Exact Presentations: Light tackle, paired with braid and trolling sinkers, ensures the tube stays precisely where you need it, whether that’s in the strike zone near structure or at specific depths marked on your finder.

Enhanced Sensitivity:

Light tackle provides unmatched sensitivity, allowing you to stay connected with your presentation at all times.

Feel Everything: You’ll detect every bump, nibble, or change in tension. If a striper eats your worm or weeds foul your tube, you’ll notice instantly.

Trigger Strikes: Sensitivity allows you to react dynamically—speeding up the tube for a reaction strike or slowing it down to tempt hesitant fish.

Pro Tip: Use 30lb braid, which offers low drag, quick deployment, and superior feedback.

Pinpoint Presentations:

Light tackle tubing allows for unparalleled precision when presenting your tube to structure or specific depths.

Fewer Variables: The less line you let out to reach your target depth, the more control you have over your tube’s position.

Line Characteristics:

• Light Braid: Flies off the spool quickly and with minimal drag, making it easy to hit specific depths.
• Trolling Weights: A light setup paired with trolling sinkers lets you adjust depth precisely, especially when free-spooling or taking the boat out of gear.

Pro Tip: Light tackle tubing is ideal for working key structures, like drop-offs or boulder fields, where accuracy is everything.

Versatility:

A light trolling setup isn’t just for tubing—it’s a multi-purpose outfit that adapts to various fishing conditions and techniques.

Less Tiring:

Light tackle tubing is an active method that requires holding and working the outfit for much of the session.

• Why It Matters: A lightweight rod reduces fatigue during long outings, especially when you’re frequently repositioning, letting line out, and retrieving.
• Pro Tip: Choose a soft, parabolic rod to cushion the workload while still delivering the control and sensitivity you need for tubing.

More Fun:

There’s no denying the thrill of fighting a big striper on light gear.

• Accessible for All: Soft, parabolic rods make light tackle tubing enjoyable for everyone, including kids and inexperienced anglers. With the captain’s assistance at the helm, even young anglers can participate in this rewarding technique.
• Memorable Experiences: Light tackle tubing has created some of my most unforgettable moments on the water—especially when fishing with young families. Watching kids land trophy stripers on light gear never gets old.

Why Tube and Worm?

Why are tube-and-worm lures so great?  Tube-and-worm lures aren’t just great—they’re iconic. Whether you’re matching the hatch, offering a meal worth chasing, or hugging the bottom with purpose, tubes are versatile, reliable, and endlessly rewarding. The fact that they’ve been a staple for generations of striped bass anglers speaks volumes about their effectiveness. For me, they’re a timeless and incredibly effective tool for targeting big striped bass. They’re not just lures—they’re versatile instruments that excel in specific scenarios. Here’s why tubes have earned their place in my top fishing techniques:

To Match the Hatch:

Tubes perfectly replicate two of the striped bass’s favorite prey:

• Very Large Sea Worms: This is my camp (and in my opinion, the correct one—think Celtics fans). Tubes mimic the undulating motion and substantial profile of sea worms that bass can’t resist.
• Large Eels: This is the opinion of the other 50% of tube-and-worm enthusiasts (or, as I like to call them, Knicks fans). While I disagree, there’s no denying that tubes do an excellent job of mimicking eels in the water.
• The Debate Continues: Regardless of which camp you’re in, tubes are undeniably effective at matching the hatch of long skinny delectables that entice all stripers.

To Offer a Large, Visible Presentation:

One of the key strengths of a tube is its size and visibility.

• Attract Big, Lazy Stripers: Larger striped bass are notoriously energy-conscious predators. They want a meal that’s worth the effort—a lure with a high Return on Energy (ROE). Tubes, with their substantial size and slow wobble, are the perfect offering.
• Visibility from a Distance: The tube’s large profile makes it visible to fish from far away, even in murky water or low-light conditions.
• How Far is Too Far? I’d love to know exactly how far a striper will swim to chase a tube. My hunch? Much farther than we give them credit for.

To Hug the Bottom While Covering Ground:

Tubes excel at staying near the bottom, right in the strike zone, while covering ground efficiently.

• Responsive to Angler Control: As discussed earlier, tubes are incredibly responsive to an angler’s setup and technique. An experienced angler can make a tube “do what it’s told,” whether that’s hugging a drop-off, zigzagging along a contour, or hovering just above structure.
• Maximize Time in the Zone: Unlike other lures that dart or flutter erratically, tubes maintain a consistent presence near the bottom, increasing the chances of triggering strikes from bottom-hugging fish.
• Covering Ground with Purpose: Tubes aren’t just about blindly covering water—they’re about covering the right water with precision and control.

When to Tube?

So far, we’ve focused on the technical precision, big size, and lifelike imitations that make the tube-and-worm rig so effective. But you might be asking yourself, "When is a tube the best bet?" Well, that’s a bit subjective and varies depending on conditions, but here’s my take.

For me, tube-and-worming shines during the summer doldrums. While it’s a highly interactive and tactical method—especially on light tackle—it’s not my first choice when topwater casting is on the table. Let’s face it: few techniques beat the thrill of surface action.

That said, I turn to the tube when casting becomes ineffective due to one or more of the following scenarios:

Key Situations for fishing the “Tube and Worm”

When Fish Are Holding Deep

Stripers often move to deeper water when conditions get warm, especially in the summer. If they’re holding tight to structure or suspended in depths under 60 feet, the tube’s slow, lifelike presentation becomes one of the best ways to draw them out.

Other techniques, like jigging, can work but are less effective when fish are scattered or holding too close to structure to risk a direct drop.

Scattered or Isolated Fish

During summer, I often find stripers scattered across a flat or hanging around isolated rocks and boulders. In these situations, tactical tubing allows you to cover water while maintaining pinpoint accuracy with deliberate boat maneuvers and tube placement.

Daytime Conditions

When the sun is high, stripers become sluggish and less likely to chase fast-moving baits. A big, slow, deep presentation like a tube is one of the few offerings that can coax these fish into feeding.

When Jigging Isn’t Optimal

Jigging is another effective technique for targeting deep fish, but it has limitations. For one, it can be difficult to search and cover ground when fish aren’t tightly grouped. Dropping eel softbaits on individual targets works but lacks the efficiency of a trolling pass with a tube.

The tube’s lifelike wobble, combined with its ability to be fished slowly, makes it an irresistible offering for lethargic fish. It’s less aggressive than fast-moving jigs or plugs and better suited for targeting fish in their comfort zone. In essence, I think of the tube as my “go-to for big stripers during slow periods.” When casting isn’t effective and jigging doesn’t make sense, the tube fills a critical role, allowing you to stay in the game and target trophy fish during tough conditions.

Choosing the Right Tube Size

When it comes to tube-and-worm fishing, size is relative. My rule of thumb? Almost any tube size can work in any scenario, and "the bigger, the better" is a safe default—with a few exceptions. Tube size is primarily about control, outfit limitations, depth, and water clarity. Selecting the correct tube size for your conditions is critical for effectively targeting fish.

When to Use Smaller Tubes (12"-16")

1. Shallow Water: Smaller tubes are ideal for estuaries, flats, and other shallow areas where fish are feeding on smaller prey. They also sink more slowly, making them necessary for skinny water fishing, especially for slower-moving kayaks.
2. Clear Water: In clear water or high-pressure areas, smaller tubes are less intimidating to wary fish. Their subtle profile helps maintain a stealthy approach.
3. Smaller Fish Target Size: While even the smallest schoolies will hit the longest tubes, hookup ratios decrease with smaller fish on longer tubes. Rule of Thumb: Choose a tube that’s roughly half the size of the largest fish you realistically expect to target. For example, a 16" tube works well for stripers around 32". This ensures better hookups without sacrificing the ability to attract big fish.
4. Ultra-Light Tackle: Smaller tubes (12"-16") can easily be trolled with spinning outfits, making them perfect for light-tackle enthusiasts.
5. Compact Fishing: Space Efficiency: In a kayak or skiff, storage space is limited. Smaller tubes are easier to stow and organize, leaving room for other essential gear. Ease of Handling: Shorter tubes are easier to deploy and manage in tight spaces, making them ideal for small boats where line management is critical.

When to Use Larger Tubes (19"-24")

1. Deep Water: Larger tubes excel in offshore areas, deeper channels, and areas where fish are holding below 60 feet. Their size increases visibility in low-light or murky conditions.
2. Targeting Big Fish: Trophy stripers and bluefish are more likely to strike a big, slow-moving tube. Larger tubes also cater to the predator's "return on energy": Visibility: Big tubes are more noticeable from farther distances.
3. Caloric Justification: Large predators expend energy to chase meals that are worth the effort. The size and profile of a big tube are inviting to fish looking for a substantial, satisfying meal.
4. Compromised Water Visibility: Stripers rely on their sense of smell, lateral-line sonar, and visual cues to locate prey. In murky water or at night, larger tubes create vibrations and a larger sensory presence, making them easier for fish to detect.

Key Takeaways for Tube and Worm Size:

• Smaller Tubes are perfect for shallow, clear water and light-tackle setups where subtle presentations are critical.
• Larger Tubes shine in deeper, murky water or when targeting trophy-sized fish that demand a substantial offering.

Always match your tube size to the conditions, target fish, and your tackle setup to maximize hookups and results.

Storing Tubes: Keeping Your Gear Organized and Accessible

Proper storage of your tube-and-worm rigs ensures they’re always ready to fish while keeping your boat or kayak neat and organized. At Hogy, we use mesh storage bags, similar to those designed for spreader bars, for easy rinsing and efficient storage. Here’s how to store your tubes effectively, whether you’re fishing from a kayak, skiff, or larger vessel.

View Mesh Storage Bags

Why Mesh Bags?

• Rinse and Protect: Mesh bags allow you to rinse your tubes directly after use without removing them from storage, preventing salt buildup and prolonging the life of your gear.
• Tangle-Free Organization: They keep tubes neatly separated, preventing tangles while making it easy to grab the size or color you need.
• Space-Saving: Lightweight and flexible, mesh bags are easy to store in tight spaces, making them perfect for center consoles or small boats.

The Ideal Tube-and-Worm Outfit

This playbook offers a highly interactive approach to tube-and-worm trolling, emphasizing advanced techniques that turn traditional trolling into a precision-based art form. At the more advanced levels of this playbook, you’ll be holding the outfit for much of your session, working it directly to fine-tune your presentation. This means you’ll need an outfit that is not only effective but also comfortable to hold and work with for extended periods. Below, we’ll break down the key attributes of the ideal setup, followed by Capt. Mike’s preferred outfit for light-tackle tube fishing.

View Tube and Worm Trolling Rods

Rod:

Soft and Parabolic: The rod should have a soft, parabolic action to cushion the strike. Stripers often hit the tube near the head, frequently after a sea worm “first bite.” A rod that evenly loads and bends slowly absorbs the impact, giving the fish time to commit fully.

Why Avoid Fast/Stiff Rods? A fast or overly stiff rod will load too quickly and could snap the tube out of the fish’s mouth before it’s fully hooked.

Reel:

Lightweight with High Gear Ratio: A lightweight reel with a high gear ratio (5:1 or 6:1) is essential for this technique. A high gear ratio means the spool revolves multiple times with a single crank, making it faster to retrieve.

Why High Gear Ratio?

• • Quickly retrieve the tube to check on the worm (commonly stolen by scup or cunner).
  • Remove weeds that often accumulate in tube zones.
  • Maximize time in the strike zone, especially when making short tactical passes.

Line:

Light, Thin, and Strong: Go with the lightest line you’re comfortable using. For most applications, 30lb braid is ideal.

Why Braid?

• • Thin diameter allows for a faster sink rate, even with trolling sinkers.
  • Flies off the reel in free spool, making it easy to drop on marked fish quickly.
  • Strong enough to handle trophy stripers while remaining sensitive to subtle strikes.
  • Can multi-purpose with other trolling styles, jigging and ground fishing.

Leader:

Durable and Versatile: I start the day with 8’ of leader connected to my braid main line with a uni to uni knot. I like the long length because braid has low abbraision resistance when under tension. I have lost’ some heartbreaking large fish to a big rock and ill timed lobsterpot more than once. I will often ad a second swivel or trolling weight mid way on the leader. Leader strength depends on the fishing environment:

• 60lb Fluorocarbon: Ideal for rocky areas with barnacles and lobster pots, thanks to its abrasion resistance.
• 40lb Fluorocarbon: A good compromise for finicky fish, offering durability while being less visible.
• 25lb Fluorocarbon: Use only in flats or clear water with cautious fish.

Swivels:

Built-In and Added: The Hogy Perfect Tube comes equipped with an offshore-grade swivel, but an additional swivel placed 3-4 feet ahead of the leader adds insurance.

Why Add a Swivel? Prevents line twist caused by weed buildup or extended trolling sessions.

Trolling Sinkers:

Balanced Depth Control: I Carry 3.5oz and 4.5oz sinkers to adjust depth based on conditions.

• Placement: Tie the sinker midway in the leader, allowing the tube to maintain its full action.
• Alternative: Some anglers attach the tube directly to the sinker for simplicity, but this can reduce the tube’s lifelike wobble.

View Hogy In-Line Trolling Weights

Capt. Mike’s Preferred Setup

Here’s Capt. Mike’s go-to tube-and-worm rig, designed for precision, versatility, and efficiency:

Rod: Hogy Hybrid Conventional Rod: Soft, parabolic action to cushion strikes and prevent pulling the tube out of the fish’s mouth. Lightweight enough for long sessions without fatigue, yet strong enough to handle big fish.

Reel: Avet LX 6/3: High gear ratio for quickly retrieving the tube to check for worms or weeds. Lightweight design for all-day use and precise control.

Line: 30lb Power Pro Braid: Thin diameter for fast sink rates and easy free-spooling. Strong enough to handle trophy stripers in rocky terrain. Gets your tube down quickly, even in current, while maintaining sensitivity for subtle strikes.

Leader: 6-8 feet of 60lb Maxima Fluorocarbon: For rocky areas with barnacles and structure. Optional: Drop down to 40lb or 25lb fluorocarbon in flats or clear water when targeting finicky fish.

Swivels: Use the built-in swivel on the Hogy Perfect Tube. Add another swivel 3-4 feet ahead of the leader to prevent line twist during long trolling sessions.

Trolling Sinkers: 3oz and 4oz Hogy Ball Bearing Trolling sinkers for adjusting depth based on current and trolling speed. Capt. Mike ties his sinker midway in the leader to maximize tube action.

Why This Setup Works:

This outfit balances the sensitivity and control needed for light-tackle tube fishing with the strength and durability required to land big stripers in challenging environments.

• The parabolic rod ensures a perfect strike cushion.
• The high gear ratio reel maximizes time in the strike zone.
• The light braid and fluorocarbon leader combine strength, sensitivity, and stealth.

Hogy System Factor: The Hybrid Rod Philosophy

Keeping in tune with my "Fish Smart. Fish Simple" mantra, I design my gear to serve multiple purposes, reducing clutter and maximizing efficiency on every trip. Fishing is about adaptability, and a systematic approach helps me address various environmental and situational factors without overloading the boat with excessive gear. That’s why my striper trolling outfit is more than just a tube-and-worm rod—it’s a multi-functional hybrid rod that excels in a variety of applications.

View Tube and Worm Trolling Rods

The Multi-Duty Hybrid Rod:

Here are the primary functions it covers:

1. Striper Trolling: Designed for precision tube-and-worm trolling, especially with light tackle, this rod handles everything from shallow estuary passes to deeper water trolling for trophy fish.
2. Inshore Vertical Jigging: When the opportunity arises to drop jigs for striped bass or bluefish holding deep, the hybrid rod transitions seamlessly, providing the sensitivity needed for subtle strikes.
3. Deep-Water Fluke Fishing: Perfect for targeting fluke in deeper waters, where its soft, parabolic action shines in detecting bites and maintaining tension during fights.
4. Light Tackle Tuna Trolling and Jigging: This rod can handle school football tuna with ease, doubling as a trolling rod or a vertical jigging setup for light offshore action.
5. Cod and Haddock Fishing: When groundfishing opportunities arise, the hybrid rod is a reliable choice for jigging or bait fishing for cod and haddock.

Approaches and Techniques

Tube-and-worm trolling is far more than a “set it and forget it” fishing method. By using advanced techniques and tailoring your approach to different conditions, you can transform a traditional strategy into a highly tactical and rewarding experience. Whether you’re covering open flats, swinging a rip, or targeting structure in a channel, these approaches will help you get the most out of your tube-and-worm setup.

Trolling Open Water: 

Open water trolling is about covering ground and searching for fish that aren’t concentrated in one spot. This can be in shallow areas like flats, over live bottoms, or in known productive zones.

Tips for Success:

• Electronics Are Critical: Use your fishfinder to locate baitfish or predator marks, and adjust your trolling path accordingly.
• Vary Depths: Adjust your trolling sinker weight or line length to cover a range of depths, as fish in open water often suspend at different levels.
• Prime Times: Sunrise and sunset are ideal for open water trolling, particularly when fish move out of structure to feed.

Trolling Contour Lines: 

Fish often use contour lines, like drop-offs or ledges, as natural highways. This approach involves following these lines to stay in the strike zone where predators are actively hunting.

Tips for Success:

• Follow the Depth: Use your chartplotter with depth shading to stay on the contour line, ensuring your tube is passing through prime areas.
• Adjust for Depth Changes: Free-spool your line when the contour drops suddenly, keeping your tube in the strike zone.
• Directional Experimentation: Fish often prefer a specific trolling direction along contours. Try parallel passes, crisscrossing, or trolling with and against the tide to find what triggers strikes.

Working/Passing Specific Structure: 

When targeting fish holding tight to drop-offs, boulder fields, or mussel beds, the key is precision. This approach is about getting your tube as close as possible to the structure without snagging.

Tips for Success:

• Position Strategically: Set up slightly upcurrent or upwind of the structure to maintain control over your trolling path.
• Try Multiple Angles: Approach the structure from different directions—head-on, parallel, or cross-current—to see what triggers the most strikes.
• Key Structures: Boulder fields shine during the day, while drop-offs are most productive during tide changes.

Swinging a Rip: 

Swinging a rip is a less common but highly effective technique. By using the natural turbulence of the rip, you can present your tube in a way that mimics prey struggling against the current.

Tips for Success:

• S-Turns for Natural Presentation: Approach the rip with an S-turn so your tube enters parallel, simulating an eel or worm trying to swim away while being sucked into the rip.
• Pause to Trigger Strikes: Take the boat out of gear as the tube enters the rip, allowing it to flutter naturally. This can provoke aggressive strikes.
• Prime Conditions: Sunrise or early morning hours with moderate currents are ideal for this technique.

Trolling a Channel: 

Channels often hold great structure and bait, making them excellent fishing zones, especially during low-light periods or slack tide.

Tips for Success:

• Work the Edges: Don’t limit yourself to trolling the center of the channel. Fish often hold on transitions along the edges or near drop-offs.
• Slack Tide Advantage: Channels shine during slack tide when predators move up from the bottom to feed.
• Speed Variance: Adjust trolling speed based on current strength. Slower speeds help keep your tube deeper and mimic prey struggling in the current.

Additional Situational Approaches

Edge Work in Flats:

• Troll along the edges where flats meet deeper water. These transition zones are prime feeding areas, especially during tide changes.
• Use smaller tubes (12”-16”) for shorter sink rates and less drag in shallow water.

Drop-Off Intersections:

• Target areas where multiple drop-offs converge or create points. These are natural ambush spots for predator fish.

Nearshore Channels or Breakwalls:

• Work near channel markers, buoys, or breakwalls where baitfish congregate. These structures often hold feeding predators.

Nighttime Trolling:

• Tubes are especially effective at night when big stripers feed more actively in open water or near structure. Opt for darker tube colors to create silhouette contrast in low light.

By tailoring your approach to match the environment and fish behavior, you can take tube-and-worm trolling to the next level. Whether you’re covering open water, hugging contour lines, or targeting specific structures, these techniques give you the precision and versatility needed to outsmart even the wariest fish.

Tube-and-Worm Technique Cheat Sheet

Light tackle tube-and-worm fishing is all about precision trolling and strategic boat control. Whether targeting stripers on structure, suspended fish, or working drop-offs, mastering these techniques can significantly improve your results.

Taking the Boat Out of Gear to Drop on Fish

• What It Does: When marking fish tight to the bottom, taking the boat out of gear lets the tube sink naturally downward. The evenly distributed weight of the Hogy Perfect tube will sink horizontally like that of a sea worm whereas if it had a heavy weight attached to its nose, it would sink unnaturally.
• Why It Works: This mimics a vulnerable eel or worm dropping into the strike zone, enticing bottom-holding fish to strike.

Pro Tip: Pair this technique with a free spool to reach deeper fish faster.

Troll With the Current

• What It Does: By trolling “with” the current, you’ll get down deeper with less weight resulting in a more natural and effective presentation.
• Why It Works: Prey naturally drifts with the current, so a current-aligned tube keeps your offering in the strike zone longer and looks more realistic to feeding predators. Aligning your trolling path with the current not only creates a more natural presentation of that of bait being swept down tide but there is less water friction and resistance of water moving in the opposite direction.

Pro Tip: Experiment with speed to match the current’s flow and achieve the perfect tube wobble.

Make S-Turns

• What It Does: S-turns alter the speed and depth of your tube during trolling. The inside of the turn slows and drops the tube, while the outside speeds it up and raises it slightly.
• Why It Works: This is a handy technique that “kills two birds with one stone. The inside line will get slack being on the inside of the turn and drop down whereas the outside line will accelerate and rise to th surface. These changes mimic two types of erratic prey behavior: 1. That of a dying bait fish sinking toward the bottom serving as an “easy meal” 2. The other tube’s acceleration can trigger reactive strikes from fish following the tube thinking it’s getting away, effectively creating a FOMO situation…

Pro Tip: Use tighter S-turns when fish are holding to a specific depth or wider S-turns to cover more water.

Free-Spool on Drops

• What It Does: Free-spooling allows the tube to sink into precise depth ranges, ideal for targeting structure or marked fish.
• Why It Works: The tube mimics a baitfish or eel fluttering downward, enticing strikes from fish holding close to the bottom. Also, the extra line with no resistance from trolling will get the tube deeper extremely quickly, putting you in the zone of hungry, but lazy fish!

Pro Tip: Keep your finger on the line to control the drop and feel for any subtle strikes as the tube sinks.

Short Tactical Passes

• What It Does: Instead of covering large areas, this technique focuses on short, deliberate trolling runs over productive zones like drop-offs, boulder fields, or channel edges.
• Why It Works: Precision trolling minimizes wasted time and maximizes your chances of intercepting actively feeding fish.

Pro Tip: Use electronics to mark key areas and work them methodically from multiple angles.

Troll and Scan With the Boat In and Out of Gear

• What It Does: Moving the boat in and out of gear lets you hover over fish and adjust the tube’s position in the water column.
• Why It Works: Keeps the tube in the strike zone longer, increasing your chances of enticing a bite.

Pro Tip: Combine this with a slight turn or free spool to hold your position over specific marks.

Worm Alternatives for Tube-and-Worm Fishing

When I first started tube-and-worm fishing with my dad in our 24’ Grady White back in 1988, I was a firm believer that only sea worms could effectively act as the teaser on a tube. In fact, I used to say that the tube was essentially a “billboard” for the sea worm, and the worm did all the heavy lifting. But after 36+ years of tube-and-worm fishing, my perspective has evolved significantly (as it should!). While I still have the most confidence in the classic sea worm approach, I’ve learned that many other options work just as well. Ultimately, the best teaser is the one you’re most confident in, but these alternatives have proven their effectiveness time and again.

Eel Fillets

• Why It Works: Eel strips offer a natural scent and supple texture that stripers love. They’re incredibly durable, making them ideal for long trolling sessions or areas with lots of smaller bait stealers like scup or cunner.
• How to Use: Slice the eel into strips 4-6" long and wide enough to hook securely onto the tube. The natural oils from the eel attract fish while the strip stays in place through multiple strikes.

Clam Strips

• Why It Works: Clam strips release a strong scent that can draw fish from a distance, particularly in murky water.
• How to Use: Thread a 4-6" piece of clam onto the hook. To make them tougher and longer-lasting, salt the strips before use.
• Downside: Clam strips can fall off more easily, especially during trolling, so securing them tightly is essential.

Fishbites Sea Worm Strips

• Why It Works: These synthetic, scented strips are designed to closely mimic the appearance and smell of real sea worms. Durable and easy to store, they’re a great mess-free alternative to live bait.
• How to Use: Cut the strip to size (4-6") and attach it to the hook. Fishbites "Blood Worm" versions are particularly effective for stripers.

Fleece Fabric

• Why It Works: Red or orange fleece mimics the movement of a worm in the water and can hold additional scent if applied. It’s lightweight, reusable, and customizable.
• How to Use: Cut a strip of fleece up to 8" long and secure it to the hook with a touch of super glue or attach it to a hook keeper. For added scent, soak the fleece in bait oil before fishing.

Step By Step Tube and Worm 101

Letting a Tube Out:

Letting a tube out might seem simple, but doing it correctly is crucial to avoid tangles, detect bites, and ensure your rig performs as intended. When fishing areas with rocks, ledges, or mussel beds, slow and controlled deployment is especially important. Here’s a guide to help you master this critical step:

• Maintain Steady Tension: Keeping steady pressure on the line prevents the tube from falling back over itself and tangling in the line.
• Avoid Letting It Out Too Fast: Let the line out slowly and deliberately, feeling for any changes in tension or bumps that could indicate a bite or contact with structure. Rapid deployment also increases the risk of snagging the bottom, especially in rocky or uneven terrain. If the tube goes out too quickly, you may miss subtle cues, like a nibble on the worm or even a strike.
• Feel Everything: Keep your hand on the line or your fingers on the spool as the tube goes out to detect every movement. This helps ensure you don’t miss a light bite from a cautious fish. You can stop immediately if the tube contacts bottom or structure.
• Steady Pressure for Hook Setting: A tube needs steady pressure to set the hook effectively. Letting it out slowly ensures consistent tension, allowing the hook to find its mark when a fish strikes.

Monitoring the Tube While Trolling:

When trolling with a tube-and-worm rig, keeping an eye on your rod tip or feeling the action through your hand is critical to ensuring your tube is swimming properly. Here’s how to stay in tune with your presentation and maximize your success:

• Reading the Rod Tip: When the tube is swimming correctly, the tip of the rod will bump rhythmically as the tube’s wobble transfers vibrations up the line. If the rod tip slows down or the rhythm changes, it’s a clear sign that something is off—most likely weeds fouling the tube. Check the tube immediately. Clearing the weeds restores its action and keeps you in the game.

• The Benefits of Holding the Rod: Holding the rod allows you to feel the tube’s swimming action directly through the rod. This tactile feedback is more reliable than just watching the tip. Subtle changes in the vibrations can alert you to issues like weeds or a missed strike before it becomes obvious.
• Tactical Adjustments: When holding the rod, you can easily drop back line to let the tube sink deeper or surge it forward with a few reel cranks. These actions can mimic a fleeing or struggling eel, often triggering reaction strikes from following fish.

Hooking Fish While Trolling:

Stripers often grab the tube at the head and slide down before committing fully. Here's the best way to ensure a solid hookup:

• Be Patient: Resist setting the hook immediately after a strike. Let the fish fully commit to the bait.
• Feel the Weight: Wait until you feel consistent pressure on the line.
• Sweep the Rod: Use a controlled side sweep to set the hook. Avoid jerking motions that can dislodge the tube.
• Maintain Tension: Steady pressure prevents slack and ensures the fish stays hooked.

Conservation and Fish Care: Best Practices for Tube-and-Worm Fishing

Tube-and-worm fishing is often synonymous with warm summer days and big fish. However, warm water temperatures, especially when they climb above 72 degrees, can significantly increase stress and mortality rates for striped bass. With the larger fish we’re targeting now being catch-and-release only, it’s our responsibility as anglers to practice best fish care techniques, especially during these warmer months. While we should always strive for careful handling, warm water conditions leave less room for error. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re doing your part to give these incredible fish the best chance at survival:

Fish Care Checklist:

• Support the Belly of the Fish When Landing It: Avoid lifting a large striper by its jaw alone, as this can cause internal damage or unnecessary stress. Use both hands—one under the belly and one supporting the tail or head.
• Keep the Fish in the Water While Unhooking: Whenever possible, unhook the fish without removing it from the water. This minimizes stress and prevents unnecessary handling. Tools like long-nose pliers or hook removers can help you release the fish quickly and safely.
• Revive the Fish Before Release: After unhooking, swim the fish alongside the boat to help it recover. Running water through its gills increases oxygen levels and helps rebuild its strength before it swims off.

Additional Tips for Warm Water Striper Fishing:

• Minimize Fight Time: Use tackle strong enough to land the fish quickly. Prolonged fights in warm water can lead to exhaustion, making recovery more difficult.
• Avoid Extended Handling: Every second out of the water increases stress. Limit photo ops to a quick moment and prioritize the fish’s well-being.
• Monitor Water Temperature: If the water temperature exceeds 72 degrees, be extra vigilant with your handling practices. Consider fishing during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, when water temps are lower.

Why It Matters:

Striped bass populations face significant challenges and catch-and-release anglers play a vital role in their conservation. Proper handling ensures these fish can continue to thrive, reproduce, and fight another day. By practicing responsible fishing and spreading awareness, we’re helping to protect this iconic species for future generations.

Conclusion:

Light tackle tube-and-worm fishing transforms a classic trolling technique into a highly tactical and rewarding approach. By choosing the right tube size, mastering precise boat maneuvers, and outfitting your gear thoughtfully, you can elevate your fishing game to new levels of precision and productivity.

This method isn’t just about covering water—it’s about making every pass count. Whether you’re targeting bottom-hugging stripers tight to structure, coaxing a big fish out of a rip, or working the edges of an open flat, the tube-and-worm rig offers unparalleled versatility and effectiveness. Combined with light tackle, it provides the sensitivity to feel every bump and the strength to land trophy fish.

For anglers willing to embrace its nuances, light tackle tube-and-worm fishing delivers unmatched rewards. It’s a game-changer for those looking to challenge themselves, refine their skills, and target fish in ways few others can.

So, next time conditions call for precision and patience, grab your light tackle outfit, tie on your favorite tube, and put these tactics to work. You’ll not only unlock the full potential of this proven method but also experience the thrill of truly tactical fishing.

Fish Smart. Fish Simple. Tight lines, and see you on the water!