Threading live bullheads, mudsuckers, bluegill, et al
Nov 16, 2023 19:10:09 #
First, you'll need a good threading needle. I haven't been able to find one in the tackle shop for years. The only ones I've seen are flared out where you hook on the line and they do too much damage when pulled through. What I've been using is a 7" Morticians Needle that Bass Pro carries. I cut a small slit in the side of the eye the edge of a jeweler's file (I tried a lot of fine blades but none worked as well). See 1st picture.
For bullheads (I also use mine for cut anchovies on 8" leaders) you can skip the slit but you will need to cut off then retie the loop knot each time you rethread. You could also use an upholstery needle if you can find a straight one that's at least 7".
I use 20# fluorocarbon tied to a #4 short-shank treble/duplex for both stripers and halibut. I also insert a 1" piece of 50# line under the knot. See 2nd picture. You can use a little bigger hook but using heavier leader will make it harder to thread.
To thread the bait fish, you insert the needle right behind the gill, push it just under the skin and back out about a 1/2" in front of the tail. See 3rd picture. You'll probably want to wear gloves for this.
Pinch the line where it will go through the eye, hook/thread it through the eye and then pull the needle through. Keep some tension on the line to keep it from flairing out at the eye.
When the bullhead is out of the water it might slide up the leader but once it hits the water they swim down to the hook. Some guys put a half hitch around the tail -- I don't because it swims more naturally without it and the tail gets cut when you hook up.
This technique works well on mudsuckers and OK on bluegill. I couldn't make it work on anchovies or minnows (too fragile).
Hope this helps -- let me know how it works out for you.
For bullheads (I also use mine for cut anchovies on 8" leaders) you can skip the slit but you will need to cut off then retie the loop knot each time you rethread. You could also use an upholstery needle if you can find a straight one that's at least 7".
I use 20# fluorocarbon tied to a #4 short-shank treble/duplex for both stripers and halibut. I also insert a 1" piece of 50# line under the knot. See 2nd picture. You can use a little bigger hook but using heavier leader will make it harder to thread.
To thread the bait fish, you insert the needle right behind the gill, push it just under the skin and back out about a 1/2" in front of the tail. See 3rd picture. You'll probably want to wear gloves for this.
Pinch the line where it will go through the eye, hook/thread it through the eye and then pull the needle through. Keep some tension on the line to keep it from flairing out at the eye.
When the bullhead is out of the water it might slide up the leader but once it hits the water they swim down to the hook. Some guys put a half hitch around the tail -- I don't because it swims more naturally without it and the tail gets cut when you hook up.
This technique works well on mudsuckers and OK on bluegill. I couldn't make it work on anchovies or minnows (too fragile).
Hope this helps -- let me know how it works out for you.
6" notched Morticians Needle
#4 duplex with 50# crossbar
Needle inserted
Finished Mudsucker
Nov 17, 2023 00:51:32 #
Nov 17, 2023 13:00:17 #
Papa D wrote:
First, you'll need a good threading needle. I have... (show quote)
Awsome! Thank you. Can't wait to try it for California Halibut next year! Tight lines. Went out crabbing in Trinidad CA bay yesterday. Biggest crab was 7" across!
Nov 17, 2023 20:58:48 #
smells fishy
Loc: central wisconsin
If you're interested in buying bait needles, check out---www.muskieshop.com
They have a pack of 2 5" needles for $5. I use these for quick strike rigging suckers for muskies.
They have a pack of 2 5" needles for $5. I use these for quick strike rigging suckers for muskies.
Nov 17, 2023 21:36:21 #
These are the ones I buy...
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/offshore-angler-rigging-needles
Here's another site -- they're an inch shorter but it's got the eye notch. (I think that the "24 per bag" is a misprint)
https://www.franksgreatoutdoors.com/dutys-baiting-needles-24-per-bag-dutys-4?product=015081004007
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/offshore-angler-rigging-needles
Here's another site -- they're an inch shorter but it's got the eye notch. (I think that the "24 per bag" is a misprint)
https://www.franksgreatoutdoors.com/dutys-baiting-needles-24-per-bag-dutys-4?product=015081004007
Nov 25, 2023 02:10:55 #
Nov 25, 2023 11:56:07 #
707Butch wrote:
Thank you so much for your wisdom along with the pictures....
Your welcome.
Let us know how it works for you and post pictures.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.