When it comes to using live worms as bait for fishing there are some ways that are much more effective than others. This is what this article is about, the best way to present worms as bait. For the most part I’m referring to live worms, although these bait rigs also work well with synthetic worms such as Berkley Power Worms.
Let’s start by discussing the worm itself. What does a live worm look like? How does it move? What do you suppose it smells like to the fish? All of these questions need to be taken into account, especially when you want to present a worm as bait.
Ever since human beings have been fishing with worms they have been hooking a worm onto a hook and calling it good, and for the most part this method has worked. But what if you want to take your worm fishing to the next level? What if you want to avoid fish “stealing” your bait all the time? And what happens when you’re dealing with larger, more experienced fish? In all of these cases a better way of rigging your bait is called for.
The best way to present a worm as bait, whether that worm is live or manmade, is a set of gang hooks. A set of gang hooks is simply two small hooks, usually size 6 8 or 10, tied in tandem. This enables a worm to be presented in an outstretched and natural manner and helps to hook any ‘short striking’ fish. A set of gang hooks is one of the best bait rigs that can be used for worms.
With any bait rig where live bait is employed it’s also important to think about any scent that might be on the bait itself. You see, any unnatural scents that are on your hands will transfer to your bait. If fish detect these unnatural scents, they are less apt to bite. For this reason you always want to make sure that your hands are free of any unnatural scents. This can be accomplished by using scent sprays to mask any unnatural odors or by simply rubbing your hands in a handful of dirt before baiting up.
The bottom line is that when you’re using a worm as bait it should look and smell like a worm and not some balled up piece of wriggling meat, especially if you want to catch larger fish. Never forget, large fish don’t become large by being stupid.