The "problem" with Needlefish is that to some extent, they are a sharps' plug. Because there's no "no- brainer" action to it, as there is with say a Storm Shad or YoZuri minnow plug, the average caster generally finds it a non- productive choice. This is why it seems the majority of everyday-casters are in love w/ the Storms... & almost no sharps' throw them (Ultimate Jigheads & bodies anyone?)
Because it "does nothing," it is paramount and imperative for the Caster to have the ability to "feel" the Needle through the water-- under ANY & all water/ conditions-- on the retrieve. To some extent "become one" with that plug through line/ rod/ reel! For a caster lacking this ability, the Needle will not work ("present") properly... & just as importantly any bumps & takes (more subtle than with most plugs on the whole) will not be felt or successfully set upon. Takes lots of exp. to develop this "feel"... under all conditions, & mostly at night! And: it's easier to get this touch in areas featuring "sameness" of water generally-- say like the great Back-beach, its' corners excepted. But in locales featuring very variable water/ conditions/ currents/ depths like Rhody, Block & Montauk to name a few, you must be quite a good student to know how to successfully "work" Needles through alll of this varied water...
One attraction to the Surf plug-casting devotee of this art, is certainly that there is a heavily intellectual element to this form of fishing: SO many decisions that have to be made correctly, depending upon location & conditions present on that particular outing. Not to mention the Winter bench prep. necessary to be ready for all of the different situations in- season. Fact is, there are very many (good) brands of Needles out there... and almost all have a semi- unique niche/ proper use. S.S., Habs, BM, Gibbs, Lex, Saltys & others/ customs are all must- haves!-- but really most need to be used in their "best"/ proper conditions... & size! (& color? Debate there rages!)... WHEN to throw the S.S. stubby?-- vs. the Habs 2 oz.?-- vs. the Habs "N- n- Gale"?... vs. the Gibbs large?... vs. the Lex 3.5 oz. "Montauk"?... vs. the 2 or 3 oz. BM?... etc.
DZ compiled the best concise summary of the different Needle brands, & their chief differences/ best uses, etc., that I've seen (searchable here?). But, really in the year 2007, this is now enough material for a full book! (And lucky anglers we are, to have this many quality choices! Just ask the '80s Block guys that had to meet the Jumbos head- on with non-through wired plugs featuring Mustad 3/0's... & bodies that were brittle in comparison to today's bullet- proof versions!) DZ?-- a possible "Modern Needles" companion piece to "Snowstorm Blitz?"
You'd better make sound "game- night" decisions about which Needle to throw, & why... & have them all handy, & ready/ featuring sticky- sharp & sound hooks!... IF Needles will be a stand- out & consistent plug (& produce Large) for you!
