The worm on your hook won't do you any good if it keeps rattling around every time you plug it in. Get the most out of your worm bait by following these steps. You'll learn how to quickly and easily mount your worm so that it stays on the hook until you get the long-awaited "bite"!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Baiting the Ordinary Way
Step 1. Take your worm and hook
Before you go fishing, you should buy a can of worms or dig them out of your home garden. Store in a small container and fill completely with cool soil, can use Tupperware. Remember to bring worms only when you are ready to use them. Make sure the hook is secured to your fishing line.
For tips and tricks on finding worms yourself, see our guide on how to collect earthworms. For help with tying a hook to your fishing line, see how to make a "fishing knot" tie
Step 2. Thread the pointed end of the hook into the end of the worm's body until it penetrates
Select a section about half an inch from one end of the worm's body. If you get too close to the worm's head, it may squirm and move away from the hook instead. Be careful not to prick your own hand when hooking the worm. and do not press directly on the part of the hook that penetrates the worm.
No need to feel nauseous or shy! Although worms may squirm and flounder when you hook them onto a hook, scientists believe that worms cannot feel pain
Step 3. Push the worm onto the top of the hook
Slide the worm in the same way you slide the bracelet from the wrist up. Position the worm so that it is under the hook that attaches the hook to the handle.
To further secure the worm's position, some fishermen tie the short end of the pierced part of the worm with a simple knot called a half hitch. To do this knot, twist the fishing line around your worm, then pass the line through the loop. Tighten to secure the worm to the knot
Step 4. Take the long end of the worm and poke it again with the hook
Choose a position slightly lower along the worm's body. It's best to let it loosen a bit so that the body part of the worm between the two punctures is loose enough and can move around a bit. Repeat this step along the length of the worm's body. When fishing later, this worm will look like an accordion.
- A good number for how many times you have to stick the worm into the hook varies based on the length of the worm. Generally 3-5 times is enough.
- Don't stick it all the way to the end of the worm's body. By leaving the ends a little long and "limp". This will allow it to shake slightly which will attract the attention of the fish. Of course this is much better than a fully pierced worm.
Step 5. Pull the worm down onto the hook
If your worm collects near the knot of the hook, move it to the "curl" of the hook. Of course you want the fish to bite on the sharp hook, if the worms are far from it, then the fish may get free food!
Step 6. Keep practicing
Repeat this process as needed, when you have lost worms or have caught fish. "A lot of practice makes you better." At first it can be difficult to stick your hook into the slimy worm that keeps on wriggling, but then, in no time, you'll be hooking the worm like a pro. Happy fishing!
Method 2 of 2: Feeding the "Socks" Style
Step 1. Prick the worm with the hook just behind its head
Do not pierce it through, the hook should be inside the worm's body but not through the other side. This method is a bit more difficult and increases the likelihood that the fish will bite the worm without biting the hook, but it is much more attractive to the fish. You'll eat more worms this way, but you'll also get more bites.
Step 2. Slowly and carefully poke the hook through the body of the worm lengthwise
Push the worm along the arch of the hook as you would your sock. This step is a bit tricky, be careful not to split or cut the worm in half by pulling the hook through the worm's body repeatedly.
Step 3. When the worm's head reaches the length of the hook, stop
Pierce through and over the top so it sticks out the side. Allow the rest of the worm's body to hang limply under the hook. Since the worm's body is long enough to allow it to hang freely from the hook and squirm, this will be much more "visible" and attractive to fish in the water when compared to the previous standard method. It's also easier for the fish to grab the "free" portion of these worms without biting the hook. This method has a high risk with a high chance of success as well.
Step 4. Practice
If you use this method, make sure you have plenty of worms in stock, as you will use them all quickly. If you don't get the hang of it and continue to cut your worm in half, you can still use the severed piece as bait by sticking it in the bottom just before the hook.
Tips
- Leave some soil on hand when you install your worm. The fine sand from the soil will make it easier to grip the slippery worm while setting it up. Plus, it can mask your scent, making these worms seem like a more natural food for fish.
- Instead of stabbing the worm several times as in the above method, some fishermen poke the worm only once, then carefully "carry" the hook along the worm's body (like putting your socks on.) The fisherman then sticks the hook "out" of the worm. worm body, leaving several long dangling worms. This method works and is just as good but requires a little more practice for beginners to become proficient.
- Cool your worms. The colder it is, the less it will squirm when you attach it to the hook. Store in a container full of soil in the refrigerator.
- Because the hook is spiked, it is almost impossible to get the worm out of the hook without tearing it off once it has been baited. If your worms are about to tear, don't worry, although live, wriggling worms are more attractive to fish, a piece of mushy leftover worm can still be used as bait.
Warning
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If you accidentally poke yourself with a hook while worming, then keep the wound clean and rinse with soap and water as soon as possible.
If the hook goes in and gets stuck in your skin and can't get out, don't panic. See the guide on how to remove the hook