PAUL GARNER Get an edge with worms
No fish can refuse a juicy lob or half a wriggling dendra…
IF I HAD to choose just one bait to use for the rest of my angling days, then it would have to be a juicy worm.
Few other baits will catch such a wide range of species. From diminutive dace right through to mighty catfish, worms will catch them all, if used correctly.
There are many types of worm, but we are likely to come across just two in modern fishing, so let’s take a look at these brilliant baits and how to get the best from them.
Lovely lobs
Garden earthworms are the sirloin steak of worms. They are irresistible to all fish, and professional fishing guides used to base their business around prebaiting with vast quantities of lobs. That said, very few anglers these days collect their own lobs, which is a shame because it’s great fun and there is no better free bait available!
Now is the optimal time to be out collecting. A nice dark, damp evening on a grassy field will often see the worms poking their heads above the surface, where they can be carefully removed from their tunnels.
You can also buy lobworms from a tackle shop, but because they are not easy to cultivate they are expensive. Fortunately, you don’t need very many and they can be bulked-out with cheaper dendrobaena worms.
Small lobs can be used whole, simply hooked once through the saddle. Use a large hook – a size 8 is about right. Big lobworms are often best broken in half to cut down on missed bites, or even fished as 3cm chunks on a worm kebab.
Lobworms are delicate and are best stored in a bait fridge as they need to be kept cool. Use a big container partially filled with shredded newspaper and compost and make sure the worms are kept slightly damp.
Supporting cast
If you can’t afford (or find) lobs, then dendrobaena worms are a good alternative. Cheaper and easier to store, they are available in several sizes. I normally opt for the larger worms of around 8cm-9cm, which can be used whole or chopped for a wide range of fish species.
Try a whole dendra on a size 12 hook. I like to thread the worm up the hook so that just the point is exposed. Dendras also make a great feed. I find it better to roughly chop them, so that the pieces are around 1cm-2cm long. These will sink well and hold better fish in the swim.
Dendras can be stored on the garage floor in a large bait tub. Make sure they have plenty of air and keep them slightly damp. I also like to add some compost to spread them out.