Large Needles
 

Curious when you guys have had success fishing larger (9"-11" / 3oz range) needles. I don't throw them often, but have a couple of the habs 3.5oz.

Most of my fish on needles come on the Habs 2oz or SS 1.75/1.5oz models.

Would love to know when you guys switch to the bigger needles and when you've found they work best.

Here are some I've tried.

Top is my standard needle 8.5" 3 oz. I fish it all the time and do well.

Next a copy of the big Habs. I used to use an original in big rough water where it was hard to stay in touch and caught several substantial fish with it.........but it really shines when you put a big long skin on it (think 18"). Even with just the belly hook large fish will inhale it.

Third is Tagger's Big Blue Thunder stick. About 3 oz. Great plug and I have taken loads of fish with it, usually in quiet water.

Fourth is MMullen's big floater. I've only tried it once or twice but reportedly he does very well with them.

Bottom is a beast that Flap built me. Floats high, pretty light. I've not fished it because I like it looking at too much. Probably I should copy it, sink it, and try it but it likely would weigh 6oz weighted enough.

If you really want to see big needles check out this thread http://striped-bass.com/Stripertalk/...ighlight=cutty

Put it on a scale and you may be surprised. It likely weighs 2.5oz and it actually outcasts his larger needle.

Thanks Numbskull. I'm looking forward to fishing them more, but it's very hard to not take the Habs 2oz out of the bag. I agree they are a bit heavier than 2oz, but they catch and they cast and to me thats a great combo. I've also built up a ton of confidence in them, so it's hard for me to turn away from them.

I was on Cutty right before that needle was found. Very cool plug!

I don't use a Habs style needle very much. Primarily only when rough, windy, or lots of current. They tend to require a faster retrieve or get deeper than I want. Likewise the plastic superstrikes have never fished well for me. I'm not sure why.

I think Afterhours makes a great needle. It can be fished very level and slow. Surf asylum also has a glide needle that people do well with. Salty has a good shallow running needle. I like the big BM wadd (both the fat original version and thinner Musso version.....they run shallow and slow), and have done OK on their 2.5oz needle. Tagger made great needles, and Flap loved Bassmaster and eelpunt needles that tended to float. Ryan Smith also makes a floater that people do well with.

A few people have mentioned BM wads to me recently, but I can't get into them. I have a bunch, have thrown them a few times, but never really done anything on them.

How do you guys rig yours?

I have done very well with gag's 9" needle (now 24-7)

nothing huge, but a very consistent producer

same here

All needles are good (thanks for props) it's just where and when your fishing them . Generally I throw a 6" early spring to summer then add in a 9" summer through the fall . Mixing that up a little too .

Use heavy needles in deep or rough water that's sweeping your plug and you need something that will stick .

Floaters , good in vast, shallow water, boulder fields with pockets . a lot of places around the Islands comes to mind.

Slow sink .. Most versatile , will come to the surface or go to the bottom depending on the speed retrieve or pause . This type of needle is probably the best for most of our coast line and conditions . Works on Cutty,,Block,, Montauk ..

HABS ONE FOOTER
 

I was lucky enough to score a habs one foot needle before Johnny stopped making them. I haven't fished it much its pretty heavy and I hate to loose such a rare and hard to replace plug. Would be interested in the experience with that needles. Additionally does a big needle do a better job of finding big fish than a smaller needle? thanks Charlie

I guess part of my issue is that when there is a real heave on, I tend to fish other plugs. And if I am going to fish a needle I usually reach for a bullet/stubby needle. I'll have to give some of these bigger needles I have more of a chance.

Slow sink needles - I just ordered some afterhours : )

The habs 9' 3.5oz swims along the surface once you get it up. I do notice it sits at an 45 degree angle with head popping out with a steady slow retreive making a nice wake.

I tell people that don't fish or have any confidence in needles to just bring one with you and fish it when you need a break . They cast a mile and retrieve so slowly it takes forever to get them in giving you a nice break . Don't worry about setting the hook ,, The fish will do that in time .