How to question: Needlefish Plugs?

[BobFate]

Ok, the first time I threw one of these was twenty years ago. Walt at the old Forked River B&T tied one on my line and told me to just throw it out and retrieve it slowly back.
Fast forward to today. I still haven't caught a fish on one of these. Of course, I don't throw them much anymore, since I haven't much confidence in them. But I keep hearing what a great bait they are, so here are my questions.

1. Are these supposed to be fished on the surface, bottom, or middle of the water column?

2. Are some made to sink and others float? And if so, which are which?

3. What is the proper retrieve? And more importantly, other than getting a bite, how do you know you are retrieving it correctly?

4. Are these good only when sandeels are around?

Thanks,
Bob

[egghead]

The beauty of the needle fish is that you can fish it on the surface or deep.

I had alot of difficulty getting the feel for the right action on the surface. How to describe it?........

The plug will 'slide' backward and down...sort of looks like it is on a playground swing.

I have never caught a fish in SJ on one. Only in New England.

[Bobes]

I have only used the needle fish once or twice and have not caught anything either....but....

1. Its a very versatile lure and can be fished at any depth depending on retrieve and type of needlefish. I have a short stubby one in black that sits on the surface and make a nice v wake. I have a little bigger one in pink that swims just below the surface with a nice little wiggle.

2. Some makers make theirs to float or sink. It might say on the package or you might have to experiment.

3. I've only fished mine with a constant retrieve, somewhat slow.

4. i would think they mimic sand eels, eels, squid (my pink one) and maybe other bait like spearing. So I would say you could use it at anytime

You may want to post this in the surf forum....you might get more responses.

[Mike]

I use them all the time and have good success with them. The other night they accounted for about 10 bass. There are two types of needlefish: floaters and sinkers. They come in various sizes from around 6" to 12" with slim and fatter profiles. My partner and I have good success with a slim floater around 6-7 inches about twice as fat as a writing pencil. Works well on calm nights fished slowly on top with an occasional twitch and stop and go action (does not need a lot of action). They can be fished in four different presentations. Floaters can be fished slow on top and fast on top and worked like a pencil popper if you don't have one. Sinkers can be used with a count down to cover different depths and can also be used off the bottom like a sandeel emerging from the bottom (let sink then lift and drop as you reel in). Excellent lure during the Fall when sandeels are more abundant. Teasers are welcomed.

Slow is better and they catch fish year-round in our area. Blues also love them!!!

[BobFate]

Thanks for your responses. Very informative. I'll take Bobes advice and post this over on the surf forum.

-Bob