Attaching Bait

I was wondering if there is a technique to putting rag work on a hook, or is it just me as when i cast long distance, i sometimes loose bait midstream. Does anybody else have this problem.

Johnnyf

Two things come to mind.
1. Put a baitstop above the hook.
2. Use a clipdown rig.

If the rag are decent size I just thread it up the hook with nothing dangling off. If they are small and I want a big bait I thread on a couple just catching the first inch or so and bind them with thread. If you are just lobbing it out then you can leave bits hanging.

if you thread them up the hook and tip it off with either a strip of mackerel or squid it can help.

like pat says and impact shield would keep the bait safe from impact, if you thread the hook down the worm, thro the mouth, then have the hook point come out 3/4 length way down the worm, if its a big king rag use a pennel..

Its always handy to carry a bait needle, especially good if you use the thin wire Kamasan hooks.

Tom.

have heard that dipping them in sea water before you cast helps.

Hi,

I'd use a baiting needle for all worm baits. That should help. The "dipping in sea water" trick is for the smaller harbour ragworm.
Typically a bunch of 6 - 8 of these smaller worms are head hooked with the tails left wriggling for attraction. However all the tails just fly off with a powerful cast. By dipping them in water beforer casting it seals/holds all the tails together and goes some way to protect these delicate baits when power casting

Liam

Thanks for all your tips & help lads, will put them to good use this weekend

May actually catch fish rather than feeding them :roll:

Johnnyf

a king rag head hooked and fished off the bottom is a magic bait , if the worms are head hooked they tend not to lose their tail just dip them before u cast and watch them wriggle lunatic action (not advisable for flats as they just leave the head)

oh yeah forgot to tell you about my top tip. when tying the hook on leave a little bit of excess line on the trim. when putting a worm on use the excess line as a barb of sorts. hope the helps.

1. Put a baitstop above the hook.

I also find bait stops handy for baits like crab and sandeel. You can wrap a little bit of elastic above the baitstop tostop the bait sliding down the hook.