Large Needles

[numbskull]

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

[Surf Caster]

Originally Posted by numbskull

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

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

[numbskull]

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.

[Surf Caster]

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?