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Well in my research for an upcoming piece for the mag I came across a few of these in the possesion of a noted "August" fisherman on the Cape. Seems those needles came from the Staten Island area of NYC. They were home made by a small group of guys who just wanted the advantage of a rigged eel without the fuss, reeled slowly through the water that looked like rigged eels, another very popular bait then, which is actuallly, according to my source, what they were supposed to represent not needlfish per se but they do fit the description.
They were made from 12 inches to 18 inches long. 1950's, early 1950's. Most are solid black or solid green and were hardwood dowels.
Knowing the man as I do, I take his word as gospel.
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