Tope rig

[bigstyle]

Hey lads,
I wondering if you could help me out. I'm looking for the name of the device pictured below. You take the hook off and feed the pointed part through the mack from mouth to half way down the body and feed it out the back or stomach. Then you clip the hook back on and pull it back a bit through the mack so the bait sits on its stomach on the sea floor.

[Eoin]

i have only seen these hooks (mushroom heads) for conger rigs and there they clip into a half swivel to help against spinning.
rgds
eoin

[bigstyle]

Cheers Eoin,

See i dont like the way i'm set up at the moment. I feed a swivel (attached to line) into the mouth of the mack and then feed it out through the gill. I then clip on my hook and push the hook into the body of the mack. This way the hook shaft in running down the side of the mack. If they take it fron the side i think they feel the hook and let go.
With the above device the fish will have to bit straight through the mack and hopefully the first time they feel the hook is when its stuck in him. :wink:

[dillon_the_rabbit]

Evening

One thing that will achieve the same thing is a long baiting needle. I use one when piking, and have found them to be very useful. All you need do is push the needle through your deadbait, starting at where you want the line to come out, and come out at the mouth. Hook the swivel onto the needle's hook, and pull gently, and you have a deadbait mounted with your hook in a prime position to hook your quarry as soon as they turn the bait for swallowing.

Unfortunately, I am not sure where you would get one, I got mine in the UK, and have not spotted any for sale over here. I suppose you could maybe try a crochet (sp?) hook, but I think the hook end would be too small.

Good luck
Matt

[eric]

could you use a gemini worm baiting needle. i know you can get long versions.

[bigstyle]

Thanks for the advice lads but would a bait needle be strong enough?