How to Hook a Worm

worm image by Ksenija Djurica from Fotolia.com

Few types of fishing bait are as iconic as worms. Worms are cheap and widely available all across the country. They're successful for catching many different types of fish and are great in waters occupied by multiple species. Worms can be set onto a hook when they're still alive, and how you do it depends on how large the worm is. Their slimy exterior might be uncomfortable to beginning anglers, but it's a texture you'll get used to.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Worms
Hook

Step 1

Choose your worm to set onto the hook. The worm's size will dictate how you have to put it on the hook.

Step 2

Hook a single small worm by skewering it onto the hook. Push the hook into one end of the worm, and slowly slide the worm onto the hook, gradually moving it around the curve of the hook and up the shaft. Stop short of pushing through the tail end of the worm. Allowing the tail to move freely will help entice fish to take a bite.

Step 3

Place a bunch of smaller worms onto the hook by stabbing them once through the middle of their body and putting them on the hook in a clump. The worms should be hooked similar to the way popcorn is put on a string. Make sure there are worms at the sharp end of the hook so that fish are more likely to bite down on the end, making it easier for you to set the hook.

Step 4

Set a large worm onto your hook by looping the hook through the worm's body in several places. The risk with putting a worm through a hook just once is that it makes it easier for you to lose your bait to a fish without getting a bite on the hook. Loop the worm through the hook three or four times to ensure it will stay on the hook and force the fish to get the hook when it tries to get the bait.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...