Weightless Tubes and Nymphs

[Happyfisherman]

I've been messing around with weightless lures to get a slow enticing fall, and may have found an effective way to use them. This would not work with wind, but with low wind I can cast these 15' to 20', or use vertical. I took a powerbait tube and a couple of crappie nibbles, and moulded them in the shape of a bullet weight to mimic a minnow. I also took a power nymph and hooked it so that it would fall level, but the hook is to the side instead of down to avoid tongue hooking. Im going to play around with this at the pond and Ill let you guys know if I have any success. Ive also figured out how to rig a Gulp minnow 2.5 with a #4 hook so that it falls straight down shimmying on the way

[Happyfisherman]

This is how Im rigging the power nymph, take a #6 hook and thread down the side, come out of the eye, then flip the hook under the body. This thing falls level straight down at an agonizing 1 foot every 5 seconds, so would take 30 seconds to fall 5' to 6'. Im hoping this slow, tantalizing fall will trigger strikes from larger crappies. Then if you swim it back up the little tails dance. Im using 6 lb Stren so lighter line could affect how fast it falls

[Happyfisherman]

After further testing, its better to just come straight down the body of the nymph, with the hook on the bottom. This may result in more tongue hooks, im not sure, Ive read tongue hooked fish are usually goners. So if youre going to keep fish this technique is good, its just a plastic fly instead of feathers. It falls straight down level slowly, and also floats on the surface. I will report back soon with the results