I've actually tied with and used tube flies for bass for a few years now. I find them VERY useful and strategic. Here's why:Here are some examples. This pattern is one of my favorite sub-surface flies. It's called the Deflectinator because it deflects nicely off of weeds, branches etc. I tie the monster cone in inverted like that as well as normal orientation. Great action in the water too.
- You can throw much bigger flies (profile-wise) with a much lighter load by getting rid of the heavy metal shank and head. This works with both poppers/divers and streamer style flies.
- If there is a need to go weedless, you tie on a weedless hook. Or you can use a normal tube fly style hook. Lot more flexibility, IMO.
- I have found that by using tube flies, they are inherently a little less "weedy" anyway by virtue of the hook orientation with respect to the body of the fly. Depends on the hook style, but I've found my poppers tied on tubes are way less likely to get hung up.
New type of Deflectinator pattern by El Frito, on Flickr
And some diver and popper style tube flies
Torpedo by El Frito, on Flickr
Bass Popper by El Frito, on Flickr
The fish like 'em
Largemouth Bass by El Frito, on Flickr
Large Mouth Bass by El Frito, on Flickr
Bass on frog by El Frito, on Flickr
Hope that gives you some more information... good luck!