Fishing enthusiasts often find success in using live bait, and one of the most effective and readily available options is worms. Raising your own worms for fishing bait not only saves money but also ensures a constant supply of high-quality bait.
In this guide, we’ll explore the world of worm farming, discussing the best types of worms for fishing, how to set up a worm farm, and the most effective ways to use worms for fishing.
Nightcrawlers and red wigglers are among the best worms to use as fish bait. For the best results, change your retrieval speed as this draws the attention of fish.
Top 5 Best Worms for Fishing
Not all worms are created equal when it comes to fishing bait. Anglers have their preferences, but certain types of worms are universally recognized for their effectiveness.
Nightcrawlers: Nightcrawlers are perhaps the most widely used worms in fishing. These large, terrestrial worms are known for their durability and attractive scent that fish find irresistible. They can be easily sourced from bait shops or you can gather them yourself from your backyard after a rainy day. Nightcrawlers are particularly effective when targeting larger freshwater fish like bass, catfish, and carp.
Red Wigglers: Red wigglers, also known as red worms or brandling worms, are smaller in size compared to nightcrawlers but are equally effective. worms have a reddish-brown coloration and are typically found in compost bins or organic matter-rich environments. They are highly active and emit a strong scent that attracts fish. Red wigglers are popular choices for catching trout, bluegill, and other panfish.
Mealworms: Although not technically worms, mealworms are the larvae of the darkling beetle and are an excellent bait option for fishing. These tiny, golden-brown larvae are incredibly versatile and can be used successfully in both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
They are particularly attractive to fish like trout, perch, flounder, and even larger species such as bass. Mealworms are readily available in bait shops or can be bred at home with relative ease.
Waxworms: Similar to mealworms, waxworms are not worms themselves but the larvae of the wax moth. They are soft, plump, and often come in shades of yellow or off-white. These worms emit a sweet, honey-like scent that fish find irresistible.
Waxworms are particularly successful for attracting sunfish, crappie, and trout. They are less commonly used but can be obtained from specialty bait shops.
Bloodworms: Bloodworms are another popular choice for saltwater fishing as they are known to entice a wide variety of marine species. These segmented worms have a vibrant red color and emit a strong smell due to their high hemoglobin content.
Bloodworms and earthworms too are especially favored by anglers targeting species like striped bass, weakfish, and flounder. They can be purchased frozen or preserved in a gel-like substance from bait and tackle shops.
Setting Up Your Worm Farm
Now that you’ve selected the ideal worms for fishing, it’s time to set up a suitable environment for them to thrive.
Select a Container: Choose a container for your worm farm, such as a plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the container is well-ventilated to maintain the necessary airflow.
Create a Bedding: Worms need bedding material to live and reproduce. Use a mixture of shredded newspaper, cardboard, and coconut coir to create a moist and fluffy bedding. Sprinkle water on the bedding until it reaches the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.
Add Worms: Introduce your chosen fishing worms to the bedding. Start with a small number and gradually increase as the population grows.
Provide Food: Worms require a diet rich in organic matter. Kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells are excellent choices. Avoid adding citrus, onions, and heavily seasoned foods.
Maintain Moisture: Keep the bedding consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Regularly spray the bedding with water to ensure a suitable environment for your worms.
Harvesting and Storing Worms
As your worm farm matures, you’ll need to periodically harvest worms for fishing bait.
One common method involves pushing the worms to one side of the container and scooping out the opposite side, leaving the worms undisturbed. Alternatively, you can use a process called “migrating,” where worms are encouraged to move to a specific area with fresh bedding, allowing for easy harvesting.
Store harvested worms in a breathable container with ventilation holes. Keep them in the refrigerator to slow down their metabolism and extend their lifespan.
Using Worms for Fishing
With a thriving worm farm at your disposal, it’s time to explore the best ways to use worms for fishing.
Worms must be kept alive and fresh for optimal effectiveness. Store them in a cool, moist environment, such as a bait box or a container filled with moist soil or natural bedding like leaf litter, peat moss, or shredded paper. Keep the container in a refrigerator or a cool place until you are ready to use them.
Using worms for fishing is a tried and true method that has consistently proven effective in catching a variety of fish species. This is mainly due to worms being natural prey for many fish, making them irresistible bait. To ensure a successful fishing trip, follow these steps:
Hooking the worm: Take a single, healthy worm and thread it onto your fishing hook. Start at the worm’s head and slide it up the hook until the entire worm is securely in place, leaving some of the body hanging free. Ensure the hook is fully covered to make it more enticing for fish while still leaving some of the worm exposed to attract attention.
Add weight if necessary: Depending on the fishing conditions, such as the water current or depth, you may need to add weight to your setup to ensure your bait stays near the targeted fish. Attach a split-shot sinker or a small fishing weight a few inches above the hook. This will help to keep your bait at the desired depth in the water.
Cast your line and reel it in: Once your bait is prepared, cast your line into the water and allow it to sink to the desired depth. It’s recommended to vary the speed of your retrieve, as a slow or erratic movement can be more alluring to fish. Monitor your line for any signs of a bite, such as a sudden movement or tightening, and swiftly and confidently set the hook when you feel a tug.
Handling bait efficiently: To maximize the effectiveness of your worms, change them regularly to keep the bait fresh and lively. If the worms become less active or die, fish may be less inclined to strike. Carry spare worms and be prepared to re-bait whenever necessary.
Remember to familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations and follow them accordingly, including any restrictions on the use of live worms. Also, consider using barbless hooks to minimize harm to the fish and increase the likelihood of a safe catch-and-release.
By following these steps, you can confidently use worms as bait for fishing and increase your chances of a successful angling expedition.
Conclusion
Raising worms for fishing bait is a rewarding endeavor that not only saves money but also provides a steady supply of high-quality live bait. By choosing the right worms, creating an optimal environment, and employing effective fishing techniques, you can enhance your angling experience and increase your chances of a successful catch.
With a little patience and dedication, you’ll soon find yourself reaping the benefits of your own worm farm every time you cast your line. Happy fishing!
