Tube and worm is a tradition as much as a technique. Nobody is quite sure why a bright rubber tube spinning slowly through the water drives striped bass crazy, but it does, and it has been filling coolers and drop-nets in New England for as long as anyone can remember. It is a patient, dialed-in method that accounts for a lot of big midsummer fish.
The rig
A tube and worm is exactly what it sounds like: a length of colored surgical tubing rigged with a hook (or two) at the trailing end and a swivel at the front so it can rotate, tipped with a live sea worm threaded on the hook. Red and amber are the legendary colors; tubes come in different lengths, and different waters have their favorites. The worm adds scent and a wriggling tail; the tube provides the hypnotic roll.
Getting it right
- Speed is everything. Troll slow, slow enough that the tube rotates with a lazy, corkscrewing wobble rather than skipping straight. Check it boatside before you set it back, if it is not spinning, slow down.
- Get it to depth. Add trolling weight, a drail, or run it on wire line to keep the tube down near the bottom and the fish, especially in summer when bass hold deep.
- Hug the structure. Tube and worm shines trolled along rocky bottom, drop-offs and the edges of rips, keep it working just off the bottom where the fish are.
Tip Keep your worms fresh and lively and re-check the bait often. A worm that has been chewed or washed out kills the presentation, part of the tube's magic is that squirming, scented tail behind the spin.
Gear
Tube and worm is conventional-reel fishing. A trolling or wire-line rod and a smooth, durable Daiwa conventional reel handle the slow, steady work and the weight of a good fish in current. For the broader trolling picture, including wire line and umbrella rigs, see striped bass trolling.