Line for Tubes

[Pop]

I have gotten into tubes to the point of buying the supplies to start making my own. I really like tubes. The main problem I am having is that the areas I fish have alot of pickerel mixed in with the bass. We usually fish with 10 or 15lb Power pro and use a 30 lb flourocarbon leader 18-24 inches long. This pretty much keeps the pickerel from cutting our line. I don't mind retying jig heads that are inserted into the tube body whenever changing tubes, but: the 30lb flouro knots are too big and tend to tare the tubes and after  retying a few times an entire new leader is required. The only solution I can think of is to use a snap but don't know how that will effect the number of hits. Anyone have a suggestion? Pop

[pawpaw]

Pop, I would like to help but don't have any experience with that situation. Are you talking about putting a snap on the main line where it ties to the leader ? That looks to me like it would work with some spare leaders tied up and ready. I don't think it would cost you many strikes.

[Pop]

That's what I will need to do or just  be willing to sacrafice jig heads and tubes to the pickerel. Since I pour my own jigs, and starting to make my own tubes, it won't be that bad. I can tie 6-8lb test direct to the jig heads as fast as opening and closing snaps. I'll try the snaps with 30lb flouro and direct with 6-8lb test and see if there is a difference in bites. Thanks, Pop 

[paxpress]

I have fished lakes where smallies and toothy critters share the same areas.  I just fish for the bass and retie when needed due to Pike/Pickerel.  If there were too many toothies I just moved to a different local.  I wasn't catching many bass in those areas anyway.

As for line, I use Izorline and go with 8-10lb for most applications.