Question for the Needlefish Guru's

[Zeal]

I treat needles like bucktails when working them. (Using SS Needles, sinkers. Turning my own floaters once my machine is fixed).

Slowly swim them just over the structure, never bounce the bottom, and give an occasional lift (yes, a lift, not a twitch) which the speed depends on the current. If the fish already took an interest, that little surge forward tends to get me the strike I need to hook up.

The twitch just looks unnatural where I fish and I favor the lift because it gives it a nice glide. Or, instead of the lift, I'll give it a fast crank.

Basically I'll reel slow (not Danny plug slow), lift *without reeling*, then resume reeling a second or two after . The lift looks like the baitfish is wounded/struggling and trying to surf the waves but also IT STAYS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE WAVE WHERE THE FISH CAN HIT IT. Also, it looks like the fish is struggling and tires out. Usually I can get a very nice distance with the needle so I do multiple lifts.

I'm no pro, but that's worked for me even when the bluefish are picky eaters.