Best Needlefish Lure?

[IronNoggin]

... As you can see in DogBreath's video, the Needlefish has a more "wiggly", "snakey" swim than a Herring. Which would be hard to duplicate in a spoon IMO.

And that, exactly, is why so many needlefish imitations that look good to US fail to produce outstanding results when in the water. Ever watch needlefish under attack from springs? Even the wounded ones do not roll. The snakey action becomes more erratic alright, but having witnessed salmon feeding on them a considerable number of times, I can honestly say I've never seen one roll...

Hard to duplicate in a spoon if only considering conventional patterns. Think outside of the conventional box for a moment, and producing a somewhat slow wobble that imitates the needlefish's swimming action is really not all that difficult IMO.

I'm am quite happy that I posted regarding the spoon ideas I have in hand. One of our members has graciously stepped up to bat, and hopefully, together, we will have a working prototype on the water for testing by this spring. If that comes to pass, we should soon have an answer regarding effectiveness once I get back to this spring's commercial troll activities. And, should they produce as well as I believe they might, the next step will be getting a good handful out there into some of YOUR hands for further testing over the season.

Long ways to go to Make It So. But methinks we are finally headed in the right direction with this long overdue project...

Letcha know as it goes...

Cheers,
Nog

 

[DHA]

And that, exactly, is why so many needlefish imitations that look good to US fail to produce outstanding results when in the water. Ever watch needlefish under attack from springs? Even the wounded ones do not roll. The snakey action becomes more erratic alright, but having witnessed salmon feeding on them a considerable number of times, I can honestly say I've never seen one roll...

Hard to duplicate in a spoon if only considering conventional patterns. Think outside of the conventional box for a moment, and producing a somewhat slow wobble that imitates the needlefish's swimming action is really not all that difficult IMO.

I'm am quite happy that I posted regarding the spoon ideas I have in hand. One of our members has graciously stepped up to bat, and hopefully, together, we will have a working prototype on the water for testing by this spring. If that comes to pass, we should soon have an answer regarding effectiveness once I get back to this spring's commercial troll activities. And, should they produce as well as I believe they might, the next step will be getting a good handful out there into some of YOUR hands for further testing over the season.

Long ways to go to Make It So. But methinks we are finally headed in the right direction with this long overdue project...

Letcha know as it goes...

Cheers,
Nog

I would have to say that the needlefish is better represented using a dodger rather than a flasher. Most anglers today only roll flashers...most older techniques are rarely used any more, other than by the anglers who have had the technique passed down to them by their fishing guru's or other kind old school fisherman. The fish has not changed, there are just far fewer to find.

DHA.

 

[IronNoggin]

I would have to say that the needlefish is better represented using a dodger rather than a flasher.

True that. The dodger DOES impart an action more resembling the swimming of a needlefish. The dodger swings from side to side, whereas the flasher imparts a roll. Again, never seen a needlefish roll...

In my case I am trying to find something that precludes the use of either, as I FAR prefer to have neither between me and the fish in battle. The right spoon, run close to a dummy, should do the job methinks...

Most anglers today only roll flashers...most older techniques are rarely used any more, other than by the anglers who have had the technique passed down to them by their fishing guru's or other kind old school fisherman.

And yes, the Old School ways caught a LOT of fish, and many still do today.
That said, from direct observations of what happens within the troll fleet, I'd suggest a mix of the older techniques coupled with the latest advances produces more in the way of catch. Often substantially more.
A few of those who refuse to change their techniques/presentations come close to keeping up. Today's "Highliners" appear to be those who pay serious attention to the ever evolving advances, are not afraid to experiment (some quite a lot actually) and mix some of the old with a fair bit of the new. Just saying...

Cheers,
Nog

 

[DHA]

@IronNoggin

Absolutely 100% agreed - I was simply pointing out that many anglers are not diversifying enough by using old tech...same as you said, but in reverse. LOL

DHA.

 

[Slabby20]

has anyone ever tried joining 2 spoons together?, say a 5 inch with no hook, then say a 3 or 4 inch at the back with the hook, or say two of the same size together?, i have and i can say its worked......holmes*

Yes - I've run two Coho Killers together. Great looking action and it works.

 

[Seafever]

I was thinking of trying a Crazy8 head with a 4" squirt needlefish hoochy in it.

But I am also working on this other thing.

I took a WiggleFin clear head (which is totally round) and cut a "U" about 3/8" out of one side.
Then put it snug ahead of the 4" squirt and put a piece of toothpick in the collar of the head so it doesn't rotate on the line.

This gives it a sort of "plug face"....the eliptical "U" should make it swim..
Probably have to go with a bit lighter test line though. The exposed face would have more area than the Crazy8.
So it should work good at slow speed.

Haven't had a chance to test the action yet.