how do you guys figure out weight for your needles? im having a hell of a time getting the action that im looking for. thanks in advance. :confused:

I think most here will tell you its a matter of trial and error. It really depends on the size of the needlefish you have made, the profile, length, type of wood used, many variables. Some have in the past suggested turning your body and then use rubber bands to hold your weights on the exterior of the plug and see how it performs in the water. Find what works and go with it.:D I use a tail weight and depending on the size and style of the needle I want, anywhere between 1-3 slugs of 00 buckshot further forward.;) As I said it depends on exactly what you are looking for your needlefish plug to do, be it float, sink slowly or sink quickly.:) Good luck.

last one i made was maple about 8" long and weighted in at about 1 3/4oz, put 1 oo buck in front of belly hook and 2 oo's behind. slow sink, comes up easily if i want it too. still experimenting with some of those puppies.

There certianly is enough variation between plugs to require tweaking until you get the design down. I've been doing this for a fat needle, giant jointed swimmer and danny. Takes a few tries but eventually a good weighting scheme seems to become clear.

-spence

thanks guys. i have been using mahogany for needles. ive tried 3 different tail weights each time same result, drops fast. im trying to get a slow drop, im thinking the mahogany might be the problem, i feel all the ones ive done will work, its just not what im looking for. i guess ill try some different woods. bf, i like the idea with the elastics, thanks.

bellyweight

tailweight

I like the action....8 inch needle, wood is beech..
got to get 'em thru finish :D
Anyway, that's some of what I was trying to describe in the PM...

nice needles Karl:)

nice needles, thanks for the pm, and the pics.:D

Well thanks, but their still a work in progress. ;)
Hope I was of some help, in answering your question.

Real nice needles ya got there Karl..Thanx for the pics too, I needed that ;)

Hey karl in a 8 inher why not try some wit 2 belly hooks.

Got some like that too NIB ;)

These have the bigger tailweight, and the single belly by the eye.
Different rates of sink that's all, and I think Redneck is looking for something different :huh:... sloooow sinkah

Doh... NIB, I thought you meant 2 belly weights....
that would be for a sinker...

but, you asked....
2 belly hooks on a needle.....

Not for me, even on the looong ones, I like just the one, the one on the arse has that end covered, the one by the eye is the key one, IMHO. ;)