Lately I've become frustrated using seaworms to tip my hooks when tubing primarily because they don't keep well (and have gotten expensive). When I find that the fish are hitting jigs better, I might not tube 'n worm at all, and the bait just goes bad.

So I've been keeping Berkley Powerbait Sandworms on board for that purpose and have had some moderate success (and they keep forever). Anyone use these?

Also any suggestions about other ways to sent/tip a tube that is as effective as live seaworms/sandworms? Looking for something that I don't have to hit the bait shop every morning before I head out.

There is that sandworm potion that they sell. I'm not much of a tube and worm guy though. I have used the potion but don't know if it really makes a differance.

Was in the tackle store the other day and saw some Uncle Josh pork rinds that were designed for tube and worm. They're not straight like most of their stuff, but have a bunch of curls built in, looks like they'd have nice action. Almost bought some, but I was on a strict budget, and I don't really do a lot of tube and wormin', mostly because of the hassles that you've stated. Might have to pick some up and give it more of a try.

if you put a small piece of sponge on the shank of the hook , cram it up in the tube a little not to far and soak it with blood worm potion i find that works rather well , the sent will float over the worm for little more attraction.

I bought a jar of the uncle josh pork rinds, might work. I use long slim strips of squid, works well . If you use the big diameter tubes you can slide a plastic ball down the wire inside the tube then punch a hole in the tube near the front and put some herring oil or other sent oil in and it will bleed out slow. Or just slop the whole tube with oil, you will be suprised what you can do without seaworms. Also if you keep your worm dry and cool they will last a lot longer. Ice in ziplock a couple layers of paper towels then seaweed with worms in small lunch cooler will last quite a few days. good luck

I used the Power Worms last year and had no success UNTIL I started spraying them with clamworm scent. Then they were moderately successful.
I still think the real thing works best but I agree, they are expensive, break easily, especially on the big tubes, and are generally a pain in the a$$ to deal with.

Small strips of cloth/rags soaked in the sandworm spray/juice work pretty well.

...you do what I've seen-

when you make the tube you thread bulk thread with the thru-wire...store the tube in a ziplock with bunker oil....

tip with worms or squid strip or eel pieces or artificial....


but the pros swear that worms-real ones- have no equal....

and by pros I'm talking about the consistent 50 lb producers....

What about a live eel at the end of the tube?heh

I have put a slice of eel on the hook, It will last all day.

I've had good luck with power worms, Motor oil color.

are you using tubes with weighted heads?

I've used slices of eel as well, seems to work well. And yes, weighted tube heads.

Worms are the way to go if i have my preference but don't over look strips of mack and sand eels either, at least in CC Bay. I have used the power worms too and they caught but I usually save them for emergences. Unfortunately I head for the bait shop every morning but I like worms.

Listen to the professor saved me from a poor outing to a great one in the bay last summer.

Quality of the worms makes a big difference too. The little ratty ones the shops give the bottomfisherman stink.
Get to know you local shop, if you're there enough, they might put aside a few choice boxes for you. Bigger fatter and juicier the better.
(they also stay on the hook better).

Try night crawlers. :kewl: The Bass don't seem care.

I have used numerous stinky add on's to a Tube.

Leftover clam, seaworms, strips of mackerel belly, bluefish belly strips. Sea robin belly strips etc.

Use seabait juice i caary them in the shop or order online at www.santinitube.com they work well and come in 12 different formulas

Nothing works like the real thing.

Try night crawlers. :kewl: The Bass don't seem care.
Ditto! :kewl: