Losing the Rag? How Do I Keep It?

[uvox]

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?

[Seancelt]

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.

[sadact]

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.

[Liamo]

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

[uvox]

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