Losing the Rag? How Do I Keep It?

Is there a "proper" way to put ragworm on the hook? I always insert the hook point just behind the head and kinda thread the worm on as best I can. However, it usually means I can only get about half the worm on and as a result the worm's tail is always breaking off when I cast...

Any tips? Thread more on and use elastic thread?

I was told to dip the rag in the water just before I cast as it causes them to stiffen up and stay on the hook better. Seems to work for me anyway but then I don't cast for the horizon.

I picked up a Gemini Bait Needle, among other things, from Viking in Bray this weekend.
The needle has a rounded point, which threads through the worm without popping out the side. It worked a treat for both rag & lug, allowing you to mount 3 or 4 worms onto a hook in one go, without any problem.
The makers suggest taping the cover for the needel to your tripod, so your needle is to hand when you need it, a good idea as you could loose it easily on a sandy venue.

Uvox,

For big rag i.e. kings then a baiting needle is definitely your best bet. Even so they can still break if you're not very careful, it's a defense mechanism I think? I find laying them out flat and straight on a baiting board first and then threading the needle up through them works very well.

The tip about dipping rag in water is for maddies, dipping a bunch of maddies in the water before you cast binds all the tails together and helps to stop the tails flying off as soon as you cast.

Liam

thanks for all the tips folks. just as an update, the use of bait clips really helped here.