If taking the belly hook off leave the eye-screw in the plug of the belly. This way no sealing is required.

When wrapping with a Sardine you must cut the Sardine like a pair of pants so the "legs" slide through the middle of the eye.

If you look in the tips and techniques section of this forum Bob does an excellent job showing how to cut the Sardines.
_________________________
A.K.A
Lead Thrower