Live bait is one of the most effective methods for catching fish offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. Importantly, as the name implies, live bait must remain live to maximize the effectiveness of attracting gamefish. I frequently fish offshore with live bait and will share my experiences and knowledge of using live bait rigging needles. Live bait rigging needles are excellent for presenting the most natural swimming baits to saltwater sportfish. 

What Is A Baiting Needle

A bait rigging needle is exactly as it sounds. The rigging needle is a large needle with a hook on the end designed to hold rigging rubberbands. 

Baitfish are rigged so that they have a natural appearance as they swim through the water with a hook in tow. Notably, the hook does not penetrate the fish’s body but instead is connected via a rubber band. 

The bait needle minimizes injury to the valuable baitfish so that it can remain alive and highly active to attract strikes from gamefish. 

How Do You Rig Live Bait

The process of rigging live bait with a bait needle is simple; however, it requires practice. Most often, pilchards, goggle eyes, and mullet are rigged with bait needles. 

First, to rig live bait you will need a hook. I highly recommend using circle hooks when live bait fishing to help prevent gamefish from swallowing the hook. 

Secondly, you will need live bait rubber bands. The rubber bands serve the purpose of connecting the fish to the hook instead of placing a hook directly into the fish. 

Lastly, and most importantly, is the bait rigging need. The bait rigging needle pulls the rubber band through the fish so it protrudes from both sides of the fish’s body. 

Live bait can be rigged in a multitude of locations, including forward of the dorsal fin, the nostrils, and the area just ahead of the tail.

With the hook connected to the rod, choose the location where you would like to connect the bait to the hook. I recommend rigging the hook through the back of the fish with kite fishing and through the tail or nostrils when freelining or bump trolling. 

Next, run the rigging needle through the body of the fish. However, be sure to leave enough meat above the needle so that it does not pull free through the skin when rigged. 

After the needle passes through attach the rubber band to the hook. Pull the needle so the rubber band extends outside of the bait on both sides. Remove the rigging needle from the rubber band carefully. 

Lastly, put the hook’s point through both sides of the rubber band. Spin the hook 3 to 4 times so that it forms wraps in the rubber band. Put the tip of the hook down beneath the spun rubber band but do not penetrate the fish. The rubber band should hold the hook firmly against the bait’s body. 

Why You Should Carry Extra Live Bait Rigging Needles

Take it from me, I have lost many rigging needles while attempting to remain balanced in the rough seas and high winds. In combination with the elements, your hands remain wet at all times. Juggling a rubber band, rigging needle, and live bait fish with wet hands is challenging to say the least. Undoubtedly, I have lost dozens of needles for these two reasons. 

In the grand scheme of things rigging needles are cheap when compared to rods, reels, fuel, and other boat and fishing related expenses. A five pack of needles costs as low as seven dollars. Going cheap on needles won’t pay off in the end when you have live bait and rubber bands but no way to rig the fish.

Personally, I utilize a clear bin with a lid to store my live bait rigging gear. Inside the bin I store spare hooks, leader line, rubber bands,  and ample live bait rigging needles. Remember, keep the bin in a safe place. I highly recommend opening the storage container in a protected area that it won’t spill from rough seas or become soaked with sea water.  

Rigging Needles Help You Catch A Wide Range Of Fish

As an avid offshore angler, I have caught a multitude of fish. Live bait rigged with a needle attracts blackfin tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, king mackerel, sailfish, and even red snapper, believe it or not. 

Catching offshore gamefish with live bait is as exciting as it gets. Without question witnessing the strike at the surface is one of the most electrifying experiences. 

Live Bait Rigging Needles Are Easy To Use

Don’t be concerned about using a live bait rigging needle for offshore gamefish. Connecting rubber bands to a hook with a rigging needle is simple but requires practice. I highly recommend catching live bait compared to buying live bait. Baitfish are extremely expensive, but the cost is worth the reward.