Gerry Bowles Freshwater Fishing

Suspending Rattlin

I love tube fishing. The simple tube jig has delivered more fish for me over the years than any other technique. The reason for that is the incredible versatility in presentations that you can do with a tube. They can be fished horizontally and vertically in the water column; on the bottom, on the surface, and everywhere in-between.

I first discovered tube fishing in 1986. Back then, the only tube out there was the old Garland's Gitzit. I can remember buying a sampler pack of Gitzits with a bunch of funny looking jigheads in a Plano storage box... I think I got it from Bass Pro Shop, but not sure of that anymore.

Anyway... the first attempt at tube fishing was on a favorite farm pond back then, and in the first hour of tossing a tube, I had caught 16 fish, and missed a handful more, mostly because I was screwing up my hooksets. After making a few adjustments to the hookset process, my hook-up ratio increased dramatically from that point forward. I had a tendency to set the hook like a plastic worm... lots of shoulder action, and trying to "cross the eyes" ...it took a few (missed) fish to teach me to set the hook with a quick wrist snap.

A few years after that, I moved to Florida for a brief year, and took my tube fishing to the Harris Chain, Kissimmee river, and a few other great bodies of water. Most guys were worming down there, ( and still are, I suspect) ...my tubes caught a lot of fish around boat docks, etc... and also caught a lot of slack from the locals. J

I spent a few years refining my tube fishing methods in local creeks, ponds and lakes here in my native West Michigan. I learned a few tricks along the way, and want to share them with you. I know that there are plenty of guys out there who are better tube fishermen than myself... but I will share my knowledge in spite of that.

Lets go through a few presentations that will catch fish for you with this awesome lure.

DANCING

This is the original method that I learned how to fish tubes... back in the early days, this was the only presentation I used, and although there are a ton of different ways to fish a tube, this remains my "go-to"

Dancing is exactly that... dancing your tube both vertically and horizontally in the water column. This is best done on spinning tackle, and a 6 ½ to 7 foot medium to medium light action rod, spooled with 8-10 lb test.

For this approach, I use an exposed hook... in fact, most of my tube fishing, with the exception of flipping, is done with the hook exposed. You will get some hang-ups now and again, but your hookup percentage will be MUCH higher... so gain some confidence in your ability to work a tube through grass and timber... the results are worth the effort.

Simply toss the tube to cover, and allow it to sink a bit... use lighter heads in calmer water....the idea is to use the lightest head you can in the conditions you are fishing. LIGHTER IS BETTER, at least in my experience. As the tube is descending, simply lift the rod tip up to about 10 o'clock, and let the jig drop back down.. As with any jig... 99% of your strikes come on the fall... so let it fall as much as you can. Lift and drop... do not do it in a rhythm... do it erratically... you will trigger more strikes that way. Jig it quick, and jig it slow... let the fish tell you what they want. Dancin a tube is a productive way to cover a lot of water, and catch some good numbers of fish.

Try stuffing a cottonball loaded with scent into the nose of your tube prior to rigging. Also, an old trick of mine... a chunk of Alka-Seltzer. (No kidding)

BOTTOM DRAGGING.

This technique is another effective way to catch deeper fish. Smallmouth are susceptible to getting caught using this method. Simply let the tube drop to the bottom, and drag it along, similar to fishing a skirted jig. I have found that a rattling tube head is very effective for getting some additional strikes using this presentation. Best if fished around rip-rap and other rocky cover. You are working to mimic a craw in this method... work the tube in an erratic starts and stop motion.

FLIPPING

This is a relatively new twist on tubing... done with flipping sticks, 3/8 to ½ oz bullet weights, rigged Texas style, and flipped to heavy cover, in the same manner as a flipping jig. I have seen this technique produce when jigs and other lures flipped to the same cover produce nothing.

TUBES ARE VERSATILE

They can be fished fast, slow and any speed in-between... top, bottom, and any depth in the water column. Color is always a consideration for anglers... although I think that it concerns the fishermen more than the fish. I will probably catch some slack here, but I would venture to say that color is secondary in importance to presentation. That said, my most productive color in any water is smoke/black/red flake. Why is unknown... I just know it works.

Get some tubes, and give them a try... we offer a wide variety of tube jighead styles to match any conditions. http://www.daimonlures.com

Happy tubin'!!!!!

Author is the owner of Daimon Lures, a manufacturer of custom jigs and jigheads for bass fishing.

http://www.daimonlures.com

Rattlin Bones $10 Rattlin Bones - Kasey Chambers

Rattlin' Bones $10 Rattlin' Bones - Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson

Rattlin the Reefer $3.99 "Rattlin the Reefer" by Captain Frederick Marryat is a classic work of literature that can be enjoyed by all. Download "Rattlin the Reefer" and enjoy another quality Digireads.com publication.

Rattlin, the Reefer $30.19 If you like the novels of Frederick Marryat youll love Edward Howards Rattlin, the Reefer. Rattlin, the Reefer was edited by Frederick Marryat for his friend and fellow captain Edward Howard. For several generations, however, people thought it was actually written by Marryat because it was that good. Like many of Marryats books, this book is thought to be autobiographical; although this was never specifically confirmed by Captain Howard himself. However, from the main characters early schooling, to his life as a midshipman, to his experiences aboard ship, there is nothing in this book that could not have happened to a young man in the early 1800s. As such it gives us a wonderful insight into that period. Ralph Rattlin tells his life story with a kind of offhand humor that is truly engaging. The storys accuracy to nautical detail is totalit could hardly be otherwise with someone like Frederick Marryat as the editorand the scenes are crisp and vivid. While almost unknown to modern audiences, Edward Howards writing has been favorably compared to that of Tobias Smollett and Herman Melville. If you enjoy those writersand especially if you love the works of Frederick Marryatyoull love Edward Howards Rattlin, the Reefer Author: Howard, Edward/ Marryat, Frederick Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 388 Publication Date: 2008/05/01 Language: English Dimensions: 9.00 x 6.00 x 0.86 inches

China, Sichuan Province, Xiaojin, Suspending Bridge on the River $24.99 Keren Su China, Sichuan Province, Xiaojin, Suspending Bridge on the River - Photographic Print

Primos Hunting Calls 710 Primos Rattlin Antlers $34.42 These Rattlin Antlers are the finest rattling horns available. A patent pending design gives hunters room to rattle without injury to the hands. They produce dominant and sparring fights. With 14 perfect tine meshing points they produce a consistent sound that won t vary with time or humidity.

China, Sichuan Province, Danba, Suspending Bridge over the River $24.99 Keren Su China, Sichuan Province, Danba, Suspending Bridge over the River - Photographic Print

Hi Ho! The Rattlin' Bog $1.95 By Linda Spevacek. For 2-part choir and descant (2-part/SSA). Octavo. Published by Heritage Music Press

What's Rattlin' on the Moon?: A... [Digipak] $15.99 Track Listing: 1. Tarabos, 2. Chloe and the Pirates, 3. All White, 4. Man Who Waved at Trains, The, 5. As If, 6. Hibou, Anemone and Bear, 7. Out-Bloody-Rageous, 8. Pig, 9. Esther's Nose Job, 10. Slightly All The Time, 11. Leonardo's E-Mail, 12. Moonvision, 13. Many Moons, Many Junes, 14. Luna Impression, 15. Circular Lines in the Air, 16. Moon Geezers

Rattlin, the Reefer V3 (1836) $47.02 Author: Howard, Edward Binding Type: Hardcover Number of Pages: 362 Publication Date: 2010/02/17 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.93 inches

Rattlin, the Reefer V2 (1836) $34.85 Author: Howard, Edward Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 318 Publication Date: 2010/09/10 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.67 inches

Rattlin, the Reefer V1 (1836) $48.63 Author: Howard, Edward Binding Type: Hardcover Number of Pages: 322 Publication Date: 2010/09/10 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.00 x 0.88 inches

Rattlin the Reefer (Dodo Press) $37.43 I begin a life without a similitude with a simileStart off with four horsesAnd, finally, I make my first appearance on any stage, under the protection of the Crown. In the volume I am going to write, it is my intention to adhere rigidly to the truththis will be bon fide an autobiographyand, as the public like novelty, an autobiography without an iota of fiction in the whole of it, will be the greatest novelty yet offered to its fastidiousness. As many of the events which will be my province to record, are singular and even startling, I may be permitted to sport a little moral philosophy, drawn from the kennel in Lower Thames Street, which may teach my readers to hesitate ere they condemn as invention mere matters of absolute, though uncommon fact. Author: Howard, Edward/ Marryat, Frederick Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 448 Publication Date: 2008/05/01 Language: English Dimensions: 9.00 x 6.00 x 1.00 inches

Playskool® Poppin' Park? Rattlin? Jungle Keys $5.99 Baby shakes, rattles and squeaks the keys to hear delightful animal sounds! Watch him discover cause and effect as he moves the keys to make different sounds. The Rattlin? Jungle Keys toy delights your baby with different animal sounds. Rattles, squeaks and three animal friends surprise and delight her! Ages over 6 months and up.

Kasey Chambers/Shane Nicholson - Rattlin` Bones $23.73 Disc 1:Rattlin` BonesOnce In a WhileSweetest Waste of TimeMonkey On a WireOne More YearHouse That Never Was, TheWildflowerNo One Hurts Up HereDevil`s Inside My Head, TheSleeping ColdAdelineJackson HoleYour Day Will ComeWoe is Mine

Magnetic In-Air Suspending and Hovering Gyro $19.76 - Perfect tech gift for birthdays and special occassions - Based on magnetic fields, hovers in the air while spinning - Built by permanent magnets and therefore will last indefinitely - All necessary parts and accessories are included - Some practicing and tweaking (via the included parts) required to achieve long suspension time - Comes with instructions in complete English

The Suspending Power and the Writ of Habeas Corpus $12.91 No Synopsis Available

Rattlin the Reefer by Marryat, Frederick [Hardcover] $49.47 I soon entered into conversation with one of the young gentlemen who was destined to be, for so long, my messmate. I told him that the air below would kill me. He acknowledged that it was bad enough to kill a dog, but that a reefer could stand it. He also advised me not to have my uniforms altered by the ships tailors, as it would be done in a bungling manner; but to get leave to go on shore, and that he would introduce me to a very honest tradesman, who would do me justice. Author: Marryat, Frederick Binding Type: Hardcover Number of Pages: 358 Publication Date: 2010/09/10 Language: English Dimensions: 7.01 x 10.00 x 0.81 inches

RATTLIN BONES BY CHAMBERS,KASEY (CD) $25.23 Artist: CHAMBERS,KASEY Genre: Country Western Release Date: 16SEP2008

Rattlin the Reefer by Howard, Edward [Paperback] $28.94 Author: Howard, Edward Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 356 Publication Date: 2010/01/29 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.73 inches

Rattlin, the Reefer by Marryat, Frederick [Paperback] $38.29 This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCRd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. Author: Marryat, Frederick Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 426 Publication Date: 2010/03/08 Language: English Dimensions: 7.44 x 9.68 x 0.86 inches

Rattlin, the Reefer by Marryat, Captain [Paperback] $36.73 This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCRd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. Author: Marryat, Captain Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 390 Publication Date: 2010/03/09 Language: English Dimensions: 7.44 x 9.68 x 0.80 inches

Playskool Poppin Park Rattlin Aligator Jungle Keys $6.99 The Rattling Jungle Keys toy delights your baby with different animal sounds. Rattles, squeaks and three animal friends surprise and delight her! Ages over 6 months and up. Not for children with gator-related phobias.

QSC Suspension Kit for KW 122 $47.5 Designed for suspending the KW122 horizontally. Includes eyebolts and pullback bar for safely suspending your active loudspeakers. Shackles not included.

Qsc Suspension Kit For Kw 122 $47.5 Designed for suspending the KW122 horizontally. Includes eyebolts and pullback bar for safely suspending your active loudspeakers. Shackles not included.

States of Emergency in Liberal Democracies $67 This book shows how emergency powers can be justifiable in liberal democracies without suspending liberal norms.

Shopzeus USA zeusd1CASC1277919 Hook Collar 971813 $40.79 Nickel plated collar with thumbscrew and hook. is useful for attaching or suspending apparatus. from support rods. Available in two sizes.

Lifesize Skeleton Prisoner $39.99 Oh dem bones be rattlin! Beware - a skeleton in tattered prison garb has escaped from the grave to haunt your house and he's taking no prisoners. Escape the ordinary when you hang a lifesized

Kids EVA Scary Skeleton Costume - Skeleton Costumes $19.76 Kids Halloween Costumes - The scary Child EVA Skeleton Costume includes the EVA mask & jumpsuit with EVA bones and EVA gloves. A whole lot of shakin' & rattlin' goin' on! Scary & Fun! EVA: Ethelyne Vinyl Acetate

RAPRGWBULKKEYRINGS Rapala Key Chain $173.73 Rapala Rattlin Rap lure design. Packed in a counter top bulk bucket. Real Rapala Lure Finish. Perfect Key Chain for any angler. Dimension: 5 W x 5 L x 3.5 H.

Semi-Precious Green Stone Purse Hanger $10.99 Keep your purse where you can see it. This suspending hook unfolds to attach to any counter or tabletop. Closed 2? come with a pouch. Imported.

Boxus Semi-Flush Wall Sconce $405 This one-of-a-kind wall sconce features a simple backplate with prong arms suspending at tall White String shade. Shown in Black Brass with White String shade.

Onyx pendant necklace, 'Enigma' (India) $57.95 Sterling tendrils reach downward, suspending the enigma of sleek black onyx. The mysterious gem is the centerpiece of a necklace by Mahavir. .925 Sterling silver