Korda Heavy Latch Stik Needle (12cm) – Red Handle

In the world of specimen carp fishing, the difference between a successful session and a blank often comes down to the details. At Gerry’s Fishing, we believe in using the right tool for the specific job. The Korda Heavy Latch Stik Needle is a specialist piece of kit designed for anglers who demand perfection when constructing PVA sticks and stringers.

While many anglers try to make do with a single multi-purpose needle, the Stik Needle’s 12cm length and robust latch mechanism make it the only choice for modern stick presentations. Korda has finished these needles in a mega-bright, “luminous” red, specifically to solve the age-old problem of losing your tools in the grass after baiting up.

Key Features & Performance

• High Visibility: The vibrant red handle ensures that even if you drop your needle in long grass or during a night session, it is immediately easy to spot, saving you money and frustration.

• 12cm Stem: The extended length is essential for threading long PVA sticks or creating large stringers of boilies. Shorter needles simply cannot reach through a compressed stick to pull the hooklink through.

• Heavy-Duty Latch: The latch mechanism is designed to be ultra-reliable. It securely holds your hooklink or hair as you pull it back through the bait or PVA mesh, then snaps shut to prevent snagging or damaging the delicate PVA.

• Ergonomic Grip: The handle is designed to provide maximum purchase, even with wet or cold hands, allowing for the “heavy” force sometimes required when pulling through high-diameter baits or tight sticks.

Technical Specifications

Examples of Where to Use

• Threading PVA Sticks: This is the primary use for this tool. Once you have compressed your bait into a PVA bag using the Funnel Web system, use this 12cm needle to pierce the center of the stick, hook your hooklink, and pull it through so the hook is tucked neatly against the mesh.

• Creating Boilie Stringers: If you prefer a traditional approach, the 12cm stem allows you to thread 4-6 large boilies onto a length of PVA tape or string in one movement, ensuring your free offerings are perfectly spaced.

• Double-Bait Presentations: For those using “snowman” rigs or double 20mm bottom baits, the extra length and heavy latch provide the necessary strength to slide multiple hard baits onto the hair without the needle flexing or the latch failing.

• Heavy-Duty Particles: Ideal for threading tougher baits like tiger nuts or air-dried boilies that might break the finer, thinner needles in your box.

Gerry’s Pro Tip

Protect Your Mesh: When pulling your hooklink through a PVA stick, always ensure the latch is fully closed before you begin the “pull-back” phase. If the latch is left slightly open, the point of the needle can catch on the Micromesh or Hexmesh, causing a ladder in the PVA and potentially ruining the integrity of your bait presentation. A smooth, closed-latch pull ensures the hooklink seats perfectly every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the handle red?

Korda color-codes their needles so you can identify the tool you need at a glance. Red indicates the Heavy Latch Stik Needle. The bright color also makes it nearly impossible to lose in the grass or mud at your swim.

Will this needle work with thin hair rigs?

While it can be used for standard baiting, the “Heavy” latch is slightly thicker than a standard Fine Needle. It is best suited for pulling hooklinks (braid or mono) through PVA sticks rather than threading delicate, small baits like 10mm pop-ups, which might split.

Is the latch durable?

Yes. Korda needles are known for having high-quality hinges. However, to maximize the life of the tool, avoid forcing it through extremely hard, air-dried baits without first drilling a pilot hole with a bait drill.

Is 12cm long enough for all PVA sticks?

For the vast majority of “funnel web” style sticks, 12cm is the perfect length. It allows you to pass through the stick and still have enough of the stem exposed to comfortably hook your loop.