When it comes to fishing, using the right bait is an absolute must. While there are numerous options available, mealworms have gained popularity as a versatile and effective bait for a wide range of fish species.
Use only fresh mealworms and make sure it is properly hooked. You can use different types of fishing techniques like bottom fishing, fly fishing and others with mealworms.
Mealworms are best known as feed for livestock and exotic pets, but they are also among the most effective fish baits. If you have not tried it before, I highly recommend it. In this article I will show you how to do this step by step.
Why Use Mealworms?
Mealworms are not really worms, they are the larvae of yellow mealworm beetles. But they are just as good as worms for luring fish. You can buy mealworms in pet stores, online or raise them at home. But why use mealworms? There are many reasons.
- Mealworms can be used on a wide variety of fish including panfish, trout, bass, catfish, and more. This makes them a must-have if you’re an angler who likes different types of fish.
- Mealworms are readily available at bait shops and you can easily bred them at home. Unlike minnows, nightcrawlers and other live bait, mealworms are available throughout the year. You can fish any time, any season.
- Mealworms are hardy They can stay alive in difficult, different conditions. This means you can take them for extended periods of fishing and not worry.
- Compared to other live baits, mealworms are cheap. It makes them a good choice for beginners and experienced anglers.
- They are easy to handle and you can use them for various fishing techniques from casting to float fishing. Even if you have never done this before, it is easy.
How to Prepare Mealworms for Fishing
Before you head out to the water, you have to prepare the mealworms first. Here’s how to do it:
Buy mealworms. Decide where you want to buy and how many. The more you buy the more you will save. If you plan to do this often, consider breeding mealworms at home. It is the more cost-effective option if you fish frequently. If you prefer to buy, compare prices and check customer reviews first.
Keep mealworms fresh: If you buy mealworms, make sure to store them properly. Keep them in the refrigerator between 40-50°F (4-10°C) to extend their lifespan. If you are going to fish for an extended period, keep the mealworms in a container with 2-3 inches of wheat bran or oat bedding. Add bits of fruits and vegetables in the container if you will fish for several days.
Hooking to your gear: There are different ways to hook mealworms. You can thread them onto a single hook. You can use one or more mealworms depending on what kind of fish you’re going after. Or you can use a treble hook and set the mealworms through the head or body. This ensures they stay securely in place.
What Mealworm Size is Best for Fishing?
Smaller mealworms are ideal for panfish and trout, while larger ones work well for bass and catfish. For panfish such as bluegill, crappie, or sunfish, small mealworms are the most effective. These fish have smaller mouths, so small or medium-sized mealworms would be more suitable. This allows them to easily fit the bait into their mouths.
When targeting larger fish such as bass, trout, or catfish, I recommend larger mealworms. These fish have bigger mouths and are capable of consuming larger prey. Use only mealworms when they are active and not pupating.
As for other types of fish, just compare their size with the examples I have given here. That should give you an idea of what mealworm size to use. For the best results, I suggest packing mealworms of various sizes so you’ll be ready no matter what fish comes up.
Your fishing technique is also affected by the mealworm size. When fishing with small hooks or using methods like drop-shotting or a light tackle, smaller mealworms are ideal. If you are using larger hooks or fishing with heavier gear, larger mealworms can be more effective. It might take some trial and error to find out what set up suits you, but if you have different mealworm sizes, it won’t be a problem.
These are general guidelines and based on my personal experience fishing with mealworms. Your results may vary depending on the location, fish type, season, etc. Part of the fun though is experimenting with various types of setups until you find the right one.
Techniques for Using Mealworms
Now that your mealworms are ready, we can explore various fishing techniques for using them as bait.
- Bottom fishing: This technique works best for species like catfish, walleye, and carp. Use a weight to sink your bait to the bottom, and let the mealworms sit near the river or lakebed. The scent and movement of the mealworms will attract these bottom-feeding fish.
- Float fishing: Float fishing is perfect for panfish and trout. Attach a small float or bobber a few feet above your mealworm hook. This allows the mealworm to drift naturally in the water, enticing fish near the surface.
- Casting and retrieving: If targeting active predators like bass, cast your mealworm bait and retrieve it slowly. This mimics a struggling prey which should attract bass and other fish.
- Fly fishing: Tie a mealworm imitation fly to your line and use it to lure trout and other fish. This works well with different types of fish so it’s worth a try.
- Ice fishing: Yes, you can use mealworms as fish bait during winter. Use small jigs tipped with mealworms and it will lure panfish and other species.
Tips for Success
While using mealworms as fish bait is straightforward, there are things you can do to increase your chances of success:
- Study the water and the local fish populations. Different fish have different preferences, so you may need to customize and adjust your techniques.
- Experiment. Try different ways of using mealworms. Fish can be picky, so don’t be afraid to experiment with hook placement and bait movement to find what works best.
- Be sure to check local fishing regulations regarding the use of mealworms as bait. Some areas may have restrictions on the type and quantity of bait you can use.
- Keep your mealworms fresh and lively. Fish are more likely to be attracted to wriggling bait.
- Be patient. Fishing requires it. Give your mealworms time to attract fish. This can take time so don’t change baits right away if nothing happens.
- Handle mealworms with care to keep them lively. Use bait containers or small dishes to prevent them from escaping your hook.
- Learn different fishing techniques. You might have to try various methods to get the best results.
There are a few mor things to consider if you are going to use mealworms as fish bait.
If you’re practicing catch and release, use barbless hooks and handle fish gently. This is necessary to avoid harming the fish and stressing them out.
If you have leftover mealworms, do not release them in the wild. This can disrupt local ecosystems and cause problems. Put them back in your container and dispose of them when you get home. Or you can feed the mealworms to birds. If you have to discard the mealworms right away, follow the local regulations for proper disposal.
Conclusion
Using mealworms as fish bait is a good option whether you are a beginner or an expert at fishing. They are affordable, easy to use and works with all kinds of fish. If you have never tried this before, it is simpler than you might think.
By using mealworms as fish bait, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful fishing trip. Just like with any fishing method, it requires patience. But the effort you will put in it can and will make a difference. Good luck!
