Looking for Tube and Worm tips...

[Hooper]

Hi Guys-

I am hoping that some of you highliners out there would be kind enough to give me a few pointers on using the tube and worm set up. I know how effective they can be when used correctly, but I must be doing something wrong because although I take a few fish, I don't seem to hook up consistently as others around me are doing.

I use a inexpensive, flexible, fiberglass Penn Mariner rod with a Diawa Sealine 50H spooled up with 36lb lead core line. On that I have been running a 50lb mono leader of about 8 - 10 feet tied directly to the tube. The tubes I have been using are 24" with about 2 ounces built into the head and red or orange in color. On the rear end, they have a tandem hook setup, one for the worm and hopefully one for the fish. Of course, this is tipped with a decent sized worm. Some of the rigs I have used have a spinner blade attachement on the front which I have been told can make a huge difference in catching and not catching.

Recently, somone told me that they use about 50 feet of 50lb flurocarbon leader and it works well for him. Does anyone else use a setup like this??? I can't argue with success, I sure will try this in '04, but I am curious as to what you guys do to take fish using tube and worm. What would be the best way to connect 50 feet of leader to the lead core? Maybe a small wind-on swivel, or a knot with a low profile?

Also, I have seen many guys using the "terminator" type rod riggers that lie the rod horizontal to the water and get the lines out and away from the boat. Have you guys found that they improve things for you???

I would be interested to hear what tricks are used to improve your catch.

Many thanks, Hooper