Hookpoints–Berkley Havoc Smash Tube

Story and Photos by Jason Duran

The Berkley Havoc Smash Tube is not your regular tube. This bait was developed by Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year winner and Bassmaster Classic Champion Mike Iaconelli. In this Hookpoints we will be Texas Rigging the Berkley Havoc Smash Tube.

In the photo above is everything you need to setup this rig. Seen is the Wright &McGill Skeet Reese Victory reel paired with a Wright & McGill Skeet Reese Flipping/Pitching. The Hook we have used is the TroKar TK120 Mag Worm Hook. The line used here is Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon in 12# test. The weight is a 3/16 Tungsten weight. Also pictured is the Berkley Havoc Hawk Smash Tube Roulette color.

Securing that hook to a strong line is important. Here we have used Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon and 12 to 15-pound-test based on your application. In the photo above you see we have started the tungsten weight on the line.

You are now read to secure the hook to the line and here we have started a Palomar Knot. It is very important to use a very sharp hook when fishing. Seen above is the TroKar TK 120 Wide Gap Hook in the 5/0 size. TroKar hooks are surgically sharpened and consistent hook sets are achieved with less pressure. Which results in catching more fish.

Here we have completed the Palomar Knot. Do not forget to wet your knot as you synch it up. This helps lubricate the line and prevent damage to the line due to friction. This is very important especially when using Fluorocarbon line.

You can see above where the Berkley Havoc Smash Tube gets its name. Notice how looking at the top of the tube how it is not round like other tubes. It has more of and oval shape. In this photo it looks like we are smashing it down but actually that is the shape of the bait. In the photos below we will show you other angles of how this bait is smashed and had two wide flat sides and two narrow sides.

In this photo notice the two colors this bait has. This is achieved from a double dipping process that provides an internal color and an external color. This helps the bait look more natural in the water.

See above you can see the side facing the camera is narrow. Compare it to the photo below where the side facing the camera is wider and flat.

Seen here is the wide side. When Texas Rigging the Smash Tube this is the side you want you hook in. You want the tube laying flat on the hook.

Start your TroKar hook in the center of the nose of the bait. Continue to thread the bait on the hook.

At the first bend of the hook you will want to expose the hook point. Then you will slide the bait all the way up to the hook until the eye of the hook is inside the tube. Notice in the photo above the hook point came out on the smashed flat/wide side of the bait.

This is how the bait should once the eye of the hook is inside the bait. Notice how the bait rest perfectly in the offset part of the TroKar hook. This helps keep the bait from sliding down the hook.

You are now ready to insert the hook back into the bait. Before you insert the hook take a measurement on how the hook should lie in the bait. Mark that spot with your thumb and insert the hook there. Once again make sure you insert the hook into the smashed flat/wide side of the Tube.

Seen here we have inserted the hook all the way through the tube. We are now ready to Tex-Pose the hook. This will burry the hook point just under the skin of the bait and will provide for a weedless presentation. To do this just pull forward on the bait above the hook point and slide the hook point into the bait just a little and release.

Here is the Texas Rigged Smash Tube. Notice here how flat the Smash Tube is. The tube has long tentacles that provide great action. These tentacles along with the flat body provide greater water displacement.

The Berkley Havoc Smash Tube when Texas Rigged is a great bait to fish in and around deep and shallow cover. The flat side will allow the bait to fall much different than any other tube. It has a gliding and erratic action on the fall. Flip or Pitch the bait around heavy cover. You can also allow it to bounce up and down and off of cover. When a fish hits the bait just a firm hook set is needed and the TroKar hook will do the job.

A 6.2:1 to 6.4:1 retrieve speed reel is perfect for the retrieve Smash Tube and for bringing in those fast moving fish as they attack this bait. This Wright & McGill Co. Victory 621 reel has a 6.2:1 retrieve speed that will allow for a good steady retrieve and power and speed during the fight.

A rod with a strong backbone to set the hook on these fish is a must. The action should be moderate to fast to help make that perfect pitch. A Wright & McGill Co. Skeet Reese Flippin/Pitchin’ rod provides enough action and enough backbone. At 8’ it is the right length for helping you pitch the bait in the tight cover, and provide the leverage you need to pull them out.