In the strong currents of some Delta channels during an outgoing tide, switching to heavier Tube Crackers allowed me to keep the bait positioned right where the fish were holding. Whether fishing vertically like a jigging spoon on the bottom or horizontally as a jerkbait substitute in the mid-water column, the Tube Cracker adapted well to these ever-changing conditions. The more I fished it, the more the Tube Cracker’s versatility continued to impress me.

Some of the smaller and lightest Tube Crackers are best fished on spinning gear or a BFS setup

RedRum offers the Tube Crackers with jigheads specifically designed for these tubes, ensuring a perfect fit and delivering consistent action when fully inserted. I experimented with various configurations, but it’s clear that Pieter has thoroughly tested and optimized the jigheads for the tube molds. Using jigheads that are too small or from other brands affects the presentation, causing the hook to wiggle inside the tube and lean to the side, which compromises the lifelike darting action that makes this bait so effective. For this reason, I highly recommend sticking with the jigheads designed for the Tube Cracker -they pair perfectly and maintain the intended performance.

RedRum's latest project is developing new finesse options all the way down to 1/32oz.
 

Here are the recommended hook sizes according to Tube Cracker jig sizes:

- 1/8 & 1/4 oz – 1/0 (Best suited for 3" tubes; 1/4 oz also works well in 4" tubes)

- 3/8 oz – 2/0 (Ideal for 3" or 4" tubes)

- 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 & 1 oz – 4/0 (1/2-3/4 oz fits best in 4" tubes, while 1 oz is ideal for 5" tubes)

RedRum also offers Big Game versions of the jigheads for targeting larger species like stripers, halibut, calicos, and other inshore fish. These go up to a hefty 4 oz. head, equipped with Owner 5319 3X 7/0 saltwater hooks, making them perfect for big game applications.

Smaller tubes have also been developed and they can also be easily trimmed down depending on the type of fish you are pursuing

Price and Applications: As I mentioned earlier, tube jigs have never been my go-to bait, but this season the RedRum Tube Cracker completely changed my perspective. In the past, I primarily saw tube fishing as a finesse technique, but I’ve come to realize I was wrong. These jigs can be fished aggressively, much like other bait categories, effectively triggering reaction bites throughout the water column.

The versatility of this bait is pretty incredible. Panfish eat it just as much as stripers

The versatility of the Tube Cracker is what makes this bait so compelling. From panfish and bass to stripers and halibut, a wide range of species will eagerly strike it. RedRum offers a variety of sizes and patterns to suit different fish and applications, making it adaptable to almost any situation.

My favorite sizes are the versatile and easy-to-fish 1/4, 1/2, and 5/8 oz options. These sizes work great with traditional baitcasters, get down quickly, and can be retrieved horizontally at brisk speeds. When the water cools down or fish are holding near the bottom, these same sizes can be fished vertically, much like a traditional jig or spoon. The newest smaller 1/16 and 1/32 oz Tube Crackers have a very finesse-oriented feel, and I found them easiest to fish on spinning gear with 4 lb. line, though they’re also possible to fish with a BFS setup. RedRum has made a few tweaks to these smaller baits since their initial release, including pairing them with jigheads featuring Owner Deep Throat hooks and shorter tubes to improve hookup ratios with smaller fish.

A decent bass caught on a finesse sized Tube Cracker using a Phenix BFS rod

In terms of durability, these jigheads and rattles hold up exceptionally well. The jigs use Owner hooks that are both sharp and durable, and easily outlast the tube bodies. While the tubes themselves are fairly tough, they will show wear from strikes and teeth. Interestingly, I found that even when roughed up, they remain just as effective. As long as the jighead stays intact, the bait can continue to perform.

One of the best things about the Tube Cracker is the effectiveness of the bait throughout the water column. This makes it a good option in both warm and cold conditions, targeting fish wherever they are holding

RedRum infuses a light anise scent into the plastic during the molding process. I tested a few different gel scents on the tubes, and they adhered reasonably well, though I didn’t notice a significant increase in strikes. While adding scent might help when the bite is slow, I’ve grown confident fishing the Tube Cracker jigs straight out of the package.
As for pricing, it depends on the size of the jigs. The 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, and 1 oz packages include two baits and retail for $11.49 to $12.99, while the smaller 1/8, 1/4, and 3/8 oz packages come with three baits and range from $9.99 to $13.25. While these jigs are on the higher end of the price spectrum for tubes, the cost is justified by the complete pre-rigged set, which includes proprietary rattle jigheads, quality Owner hooks, and custom soft plastic tubes, all made in the USA.

Ratings

Pluses and Minuses: