Question for the Needlefish Guru's

[DZ]

Mike, Thanks for the book compliment. Needles are the hardest plug to gain confidence in. Let me start by saying there are times when a needlefish will not catch anything. Here in my home waters of Newport I've gone weeks without catching on them while other plugs produce. You can't make them eat it.
It could be the bass just don't relate to them well where you're fishing. Similar to Clogston's results most of the bass I take on needles are within a foot of the surface in fairly shallow water (under 15 feet). All needles work but not all are created equal. My suggestion might be to always start casting a needlefish first before you try other plugs as the first few casts in any location generally get the most attention from aggressive bass. Of course you can also take a confidence gaining trip to Block where needlefish always (almost) seem to produce.

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by DZ

Of course you can also take a confidence gaining trip to Block where needlefish always (almost) seem to produce.

Thats good advice.

[numbskull]

I am not a big fan of needles in "ripping current" unless it is a very shallow outflow. It can be done with heavy needles that you barely retrieve while they swing, but I generally do much better with a darter in that situation. Likewise, I've read about swimming big needles backwards in deep current, but my attempts to do so have been fruitless.

The best guy with a needlefish I knew was Flap, and he liked them right on top......indeed his favorite needles floated.......but either way retrieving your needle so that it leaves a slight wake is usually a good bet.

As for pork rind, it might work or it might not.......the off center appearance might be detrimental. Another simple and good trick is to take off the tail hook and tie an eelskin over the plug.