How to Place a Worm on a Hook

fish hook image by Bruce MacQueen from Fotolia.com

Night crawlers, as well as the smaller earthworms and red worms, will prompt a wide selection of fish species such as bass, trout, catfish, perch and crappies into action when you use them as bait. Worms are a viable choice for fishing in farm ponds, brooks, streams, rivers and lakes. The problem for many fishermen, especially novices, is getting the worm to stay on the hook when the line is cast. It's not that hard to do but does require a specific procedure for the hook you're using.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing gear

Step 1

Select a specific type of hook for the target fish. If targeting species such as channel catfish or carp, use a larger bait-holder like a No. 4 or 6 hook. These hooks have small barbs on the shaft that will hold the worm's body and prevent it from slipping down the shaft and around the bend. Use a long-shanked Aberdeen hook when fishing for panfish along the lines of bluegill, pumpkinseeds and crappie. The longer shank makes hook removal quicker and easier.

Step 2

Grip the night crawler firmly at the thickest end, which will be the end that has what appears to be a collar. This is where you will push the hook through initially. If you are right handed, grip the night crawler with your left hand, and vice versa for lefties.

Step 3

Thread the point of the hook through the squirming night crawler, starting 1 inch from the tip of the thick end. Drive the hook through and then proceed to pull the worm's body up so you can pierce the worm an inch further down from the original entry point. Continue pushing the hook through the night crawler every inch or so the length of its body. After you complete this, the night crawler will be in a ball, with its head and tail hanging out.

Step 4

Maneuver the night crawler up the hook shaft so the barbs grab it and hold it there. Leave just enough of the sharp point exposed so you can hook the fish when it bites. Avoid leaving so much exposed that the fish can easily detect it.

Step 5

Break off a small section of night crawler if you're fishing for panfish like bluegill. Thread the hook through the entire length of the worm so you conceal the entire hook shaft, leaving just the tip of the hook's point exposed. Panfish will bite at this small offering and have a much more difficult time stripping it from the hook than if you presented them with a worm in a ball.

Tips & Warnings

Downsize your hooks when fishing with the smaller earthworms and red worms.

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

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...