Fishing worms, what are fishing worms? Are they the multi colored pieces of plastic formed into the shape of a worm used by Largemouth bass anglers or are they the creatures that live in the ground and eat dirt? When it comes to fishing, a fishing worm has to be the creature that lives in the ground and has been universally known as fishing bait since the dawn of time in my opinion. As a matter of fact when a live worm is fished in the proper manner, their use can be considered every bit the art form that those people who wave feathers back and forth consider their form of fishing to be. In my opinion the flea flickers have cornered the market on the term ‘art’ long enough. If I had my way, I don’t think the guys using the multi colored pieces of plastic attached to 20 pound test should have the market cornered on the term ‘worm fishing’ either.
So what is the proper way to present a fishing worm? The best way to present a live fishing worm as bait is through the use of a set of gang hooks. Size 8 or 10 are usually perfect for live worms. What is a set of gang hooks? A set of gang hooks is simply two hooks tied in tandem. This enables you (the angler) to present the worm outstretched and naturally. When rigged on a set of gang hooks the worm looks as it would without ant hooks in it! This is obviously an incredible advantage to you (the angler). The more natural you bait looks, the more likely a fish is to bite it.
Now that I’ve explained the best way to rig a fishing worm, I’ll also tell you the best way to carry fishing worms with you. For many years I carried my Styrofoam container of worms with my while fishing. I stuffed it in my vest pocket, or whatever and it was really inconvenient. Then I fashioned my own bait bag for carrying my worms. It was great. Then I simply started removing my fishing worms from the Styrofoam container, placing them into my bait bag, and going fishing. It was awesome, and is now the way I carry my live fishing worms. The worms just sit there, in the bait bag that’s hanging on my vest, waiting to be used! This way your fishing worms are literally, “at your fingertips”. Fashion yourself or purchase yourself a bait bag, and you’ll never fish with live worms without one, I promise you that.
Fishing worms have been known to be wonderful fishing bait since man first started fishing, and if you begin employing these techniques, coupled with the use of ultra light fishing gear, fishing with live worms becomes every bit the art form that any other fishing technique claims itself to be. Remember what Steven Wright said of all of us anglers: “There’s a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore looking like an idiot.” This is very true, and one of my goals is simply to avoid being the person standing on the shore looking like an idiot!
By: Trevor Kugler
Posts Tagged ‘Feathers’
Fishing Worms
April 26th, 2010Fly Fishing Basics – Learning to Fish
February 4th, 2010
Are you an avid fisherman who is interested in learning more about fly fishing? Fly fishing looks significantly different from regular bait or lure fishing. However, if you learn a few fly fishing basics you can be on your way toward enjoying your fishing experience even more.
Flies
Fly fishing utilizes artificial flies that are cast with a fly rod and a fly line. Artificial flies come in all different types, nearly any size, weight, color you could want. Many fly fishermen actually tie their own flies. These artificial flies are tied using materials such as fur, hair, feathers, and other materials. The fly is tied onto a hook. The hook will vary in size depending on the type of fish you are trying to catch. The goal is to try and match the fly to those insects that are native to the area that you are fishing.
Fly Line
The fly line is coated in plastic and has enough weight to get the fly to its destination but still gently lay the fly on the water.
Casting Method
One of the key fly fishing basics to know is how to cast. In fly fishing, the goal is to cast the line rather than the lure. Lure and bait fishing methods rely on the weight of the lure or weights on the line to make an effective cast. Artificial flies are too light to be cast. To cast a fly fishing pole, the fisherman holds the rod and sways the rod back and forth, unreeling the line in the process. The proper movements are commonly described as 10 to 2. Think of the fisherman being in the middle of a big clock. 12 would be holding the rod straight up, 9 would be flat backward, and 3 would be flat forward. So 10 and 2 would be approximately 45 degrees in front and back. The casting process should be rhythmic. Improper casting will lead to tangled lines. It can take several hours practicing before one can master flycasting.
Using Waders for Cold Water Fishing
Another one of fly fishing basics is the use of waders. Cold water flyfishers use boots that reach up to the fisher’s chest, these are known as waders. The purpose of waders is to wade into the water so that the fisherman can wade into the water farther and effectively cast their line to where the fish are located.
Types of Fish to Catch When Flyfishing
A wide variety of fish can be caught when flyfishing. Some examples of fish that can be caught with a flyrod are trout, salmon, pike, bass, panfish, and carp.
Get Help
If you want to learn more about fly fishing basics you can get more information at your local fisherman’s shop. Also, you can hire an expert to teach you how to perfect your cast and how to tie your own flies.
By: Wendy Pan
