SHORT BUS TIP#7 Center Console Pitch Bait Tube

[BTH284]

I got this idea several years ago after fishing with Bite Me Lou on his boat the weekend before the Barta. He had a PVC pitch bait tube with suction cups that allowed the tube to be mounted just under the gunnel on the gel coat so that the pitch rod could be stowed in the rod holder at the bottom of the tower leg and the bait could be kept in the tube directly below it.

It thought a bit about how to make it work for a small boat. In my case a center console with a leaning post and rocket launchers. I have since seen something like this on alot of different boats that I have been able to fish on.

Here is a description with pictures on how to make you own pitch tube on your boat. You can modify how you want as this design is very user friendly on different makes and models of boats out there.

First, get a length of PVC tube and cut to size. Length and inside diameter may vary depending the size of bait you like to use for pitching) Keep the length longer than the bait to allow it to be to be immersed in ice for the days fishing. (Disclaimer the bait you see here is just for demo purposes only so no rigging wise cracks please)

Glue on a clean out threaded fitting on the bottom of the tube. The threaded cleanout makes cleanup alot easier than a plug in the regular stub cap for PVC tubes. Also it does not leak like the stub cap that slips off for cleaning.

Drill two holes close together on one side of the tube to allow for tight mounting with a cable tie at the top of the tube. (keep the holes close together so the hook will not foul under the tie upon deployment of the bait)Thread the cable tie through the holes on the top and then another tie on the outside of the tube. Then attach around a rod holder on the back of the leaning post.

I like to mount the tube on the same side as the teaser/dredge that I am running out off the back corner of the boat.This allows for quick deployment of the pitch bait hopefully without any tangles with the rest of the rods. Also, by doing this I can keep it out of the way of my shotgun rod that I run out the opposite side of my leaning post. Each rod and boat will be different but this allows me to crank/drop and feed the shotgun rod without the handle being cutoff from reeling by hitting the top of the backrest. Sorry to digress here...............

Screw on the cleanout attachment


Slide the bait in the tube and cover with ice throughout the day.

Then I take a loop of monel and attach to the foregrip of the pitch rod and close over the slack line of the pitch rod which keeps the leader tight to the rod and out of the way until ready for use.

When ready for use take the rod out of the rod holder and the bait out of the tube and tug on the leader slighty, the monel loop will open up releasing the leader and you are ready for action to pick off the fish on the teaser/dredge.

[Anders]

that looks like a great idea, only I like jigging more and I think i could use that store jigs in inbetween drifts

[clt_capt]

Nice tip.

One thing I have been playing with is a way to keep the pitchbait cool during the day. I was able to pick up a section of stainless tubing that just fits inside the cleanout cap...
silicone that in place. Once dry, screw the cap in place. fill the gap between the PVC shell with water and put the whole thing in the freezer...

[Going Deep]

Hell of a good tip right there BTH!

World class write up and pics!

[DoubleA_FL]

great idea! i havnt quite mastered what to do with my jigs while im runnin. This would work out great if i had a rocket launcher like yours - its pretty impossible on mine.

[N2theBlue]

Nice tip.

One thing I have been playing with is a way to keep the pitchbait cool during the day. I was able to pick up a section of stainless tubing that just fits inside the cleanout cap...
silicone that in place. Once dry, screw the cap in place. fill the gap between the PVC shell with water and put the whole thing in the freezer...

dude, you should patent that. thats one of the best ideas i've heard in a long time.

[gotnoboat]

That looked like a well rigged bait too!

[bisquit]

Great idea--thanks!

[HOLWACHAGOT]

Good tip...but that bait looks a little washed out...
Thanks for the writeup.
Holwachagot

[BTH284]

Good eye Geoff your right the flip side of that bait had better color in the form of the Dunkin Donuts logo. Watched the Barta video at the library today Jackson is growing like a weed. Hope all is well up your way.