Worms As Bait

Worms as bait
Red wigglers/red worms are not just good composters, they are used in feeding small aquariums and small pond fish. In fact, many bird and reptile owners have chosen red worms to supplement their diets too.
In the world of fish bait European nightcrawlers (Eisenia hortensis) are favorites next to Canadian nightcrawlers (Lumbricus terristris). With the average adult measuring 4.0 inches in length, Eisenia hortensis are ordinarily used as bait for bass and large fish, but many fishermen use them as salt-water bait too. The fact is, Eisenia hortensis “may be kept in the fridge or in cups at room temperature for several weeks” is also to their credit. Eisenia fetida are less popular as fish bait than Eisenia hortensis due to their more slender girth and shorter length of 1.5-2.5 inches, but they are “ideal for trout, panfish and crappie. Adult worms can be threaded on two #6 or smaller hooks tied in tandem (gang hooks) and will tolerate temps of 38-40°F, which makes them reliable in all weather without refrigeration. “Those who swear by Eisenia fetida as fish bait do so because it survives longer in water” and “will remain wiggling and triggering the eating response from your fish longer than other species of worms.” No matter what worm species you choose for fishing, please check your local state regulations on limits and tackle use. When finished fishing, dump your extra worms in the water and not on the ground or bring them home and place them back in the worm composting bin for later use. Please do not dump extra worms on the ground. Some worm species are problematic in the forest lands or eco-system of our Mother Earth