Worm fishing is among the oldest forms of fishing, but not all fishermen have access to worms. For those worried about catching their own, there are many other options available to solve this problem.
Fly Fishing
It is possible to fish for a variety of games without using worms bait at all. One good example of this is the fly fishing technique. Essentially, fly fishing is where a fly is tied onto a hook and then used to catch fish in the water.
Because of the size of flies, this technique is limited in terms of what kind of fish you can catch. Unfortunately, the limitation on size when using flies also means that most freshwater fish won’t take the flies onboard, so you’ll have to drag them into deep water or shallow areas where you can catch them.
What can be Used as Bait for Fishing?
Fish Baits
There are a variety of fish baits that are non-living that can be used for fishing. Often these baits will be shaped like worms or have worm-like textures. These worms are less likely to leech or break apart when they get wet than real worms, so they will usually last longer for the fisherman to use.
Some fish bait manufacturers will create their baits using dead worms. These are often ideal for fishing because the worms are out of their natural environment and caused no damage to other creatures in the water.
Stinger Baits
Stinger baits are often made from various materials, but one of the most common is plastic. That is because plastic is lighter than metal, so we can use larger hooks to catch larger fish. However, there are disadvantages to using plastic as well. Unlike baits made from worms, plastic baits will not decompose as fast when they get wet, and they may have a different scent that can scare away certain fish.
Metal Lures
For anglers who are looking to catch larger fish, metal lures are an excellent choice. However, these lures often have a slight scent so that they will scare away some fish. Nevertheless, a veteran angler can learn which types of fish are attracted to certain types of metal lures and can use that knowledge to his advantage by using the right lure for the correct type of water.
Flat Baits
Flat baits are a type of lure that is often shaped like a worm body. However, instead of having teeth, this lure will have one or two large barbs like the actual worm. And instead of hair, this bait will have a flat texture to help it hang onto the hook.
These lures are often used by fishermen who know which types of fish are attracted to specific types of worms and want to use that knowledge to their advantage. However, the flat bait is a type of lure that comes apart, and many fish species will not eat them if they can see the meat inside.
Chicken
For many, chicken is excellent food. More importantly, it can be used as bait for fish variety. It has been found that some types of fish are attracted to chicken liver and fat, while others are attracted to canned meat. The best method of use is often to try both and see which type works better in your particular area.
Soap
Soap is an excellent alternative to worms for fishers. However, it is essential to know that the kind of soap you use does make a difference. Some regular soaps can scare away the fish you are trying to catch.
Instead, look for liquid detergents that can be dissolved in water easily but are thick enough that they won’t fall off too quickly. It will ensure that your bait stays on the hook long enough for you to cast it out into the water without fear of losing it.
Tomato Worms
Another non-living alternative to worms is the tomato worm. This type of worm is a mutated version of the red wigglers used commonly by gardeners. The texture is much like a cucumber. It has been found that tomatoes taste better when eaten with some of these worms mixed in.
Live Bait
Another alternative to worm fishing is live bait. That means you will catch or purchase fish and then put them on your hook as bait. Compared with other methods of fishing, it has two significant advantages:
- The fish will be on their schedule.
They will bite the bait as they are ready, not when you think they should bite. It means that the fish will usually be on your hook when you arrive at the spot. More importantly, you can catch some big fish using this method.
Since the fish are eating live bait, you must use it correctly to ensure you catch as many fish as possible.
- The live bait method allows you to catch a wide variety of fish.
The fish available for bait is often the same fish used for bait in other types of fishing. However, some fish can be difficult to catch using live bait.
To ensure you catch fish, do a spot check of the water. By doing so, you can get an idea of where the fish are and their size.
You should also know where not to go and what not to use as bait for fishing. For instance, in some areas, the water is so cold that only dead bait will attract fish.
Advantages
There are many advantages to using live bait as opposed to artificial or dead baits.
Quality of the Catch
The quality of fish caught will be much better when using live bait. The fish will likely be more extensive and fatter since they have been eating natural food for days. You will also catch more fish using live bait because it is often more active and makes the fish behave more naturally than if you just threw dead bait out there into the water.
More Spots Available
There are fewer restrictions on using live bait, especially if you catch your own. It means that more fishing areas like tip down or tip-up fishing spot can catch fish than if you use dead bait.
Easier to Lift
It is much easier to lift heavier fish with live bait than dead bait. It means that overall, the amount of effort you put into catching the fish will be less.
Cost
Since you are catching the fish and not buying them pre-cooked, it will cost about the same whether you catch and eat them or buy them pre-cooked. The advantage is that you get to eat the fish instead of throwing it out.
Disadvantages
Some disadvantages of using live bait are:
Risky
If you lose interest during the fishing session, the fish will die in your boat. That means you may not be able to use it anymore as bait, and you will have to purchase a new one.
Not Available
It may be challenging to find a place that sells live bait. Especially if you live in an area with many fish species, it may be hard to find the bait. In addition, an inexperienced person will most likely catch the wrong type of fish. That could result in a more inadequate catch overall.
Fish may not eat it.
If the fish you are trying to catch don’t like your bait, that means they are likely to ignore it. Unfortunately, that means you will have to use a new one to get them biting.
Fish may escape
If your fish is not prepared correctly, there is a chance that the fish could escape out of the bag and swim away. That wastes time and money you spent setting up for fishing.
Fish Quality
Since you are catching your bait, you don’t have the advantage of a professional angler to make sure the fish is healthy. That means that sometimes their quality is not as good as that of a professional angler. That can hurt the quality of your catch overall.
The live bait method will give you more fishing line options regarding locations and types of fish available for purchase or capture in your area. Although this method does not come without some disadvantages, there are also risks to consider before using this method.
How to Make Homemade Fishing Bait?
We’ve gone over some of the best store-bought baits and live bait alternatives. But what about making your own?
Doing it takes a long time to do, but it is a great way to get involved with the process if you like to be creative. Here’s a quick how-to for fishing bait:
- You must gather all the ingredients first. That will include chopped meat, blood worms, and liver powder. If you are making blood worm bait, you will also need a supply of blood worms.
- Next, you will need to prepare the mixture on your own. It consists of cutting up the meat and liver to a paste. You can add any seasonings or spices that you would like, but they have no chemical toxins in them. You want the final product to taste good as well as be safe for your fish bait.
- Once the mixture is prepared, please place it in a plastic sandwich bag. Close the bag, and then take some of your chopped blood worms and add them to it. Remix the ingredients, and you are ready for fishing.
There are many different things that people will put in their homemade fishing baits. You will have to be careful with what you use, though, so that you don’t kill your fish because of toxins or an overdose of chemicals.
Conclusion
There are many different options for fishing without worms available. However, some fishermen prefer using these alternatives because of how invasive some fishermen view real worms to catch fish.
Catching your worms is a great way to get involved in fishing and learn more about how it all works. However, the biggest issue with worms is that it is difficult to catch them.
If you are going to go this route, make sure that you have experience and know what type of worm would suit your area’s conditions. You can also buy prepared baits from bait shops or online if you want something ready to go.
Fishing is a popular activity for people of all ages and all over the world. If you are going to go fishing, make sure you have the right supplies to catch your worm. That will result in a better overall experience for you and your family.