Want to know the easiest way to catch a big freshwater fish? Put a worm on a hook, attach a few weights, and then bomb that sucker out into the fishiest looking spot you can find. Then, all you need to do is get comfortable and wait.
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Fishing With Live Worms: High Passion, Low Production
In the video above, I take my cousin fishing, and go over 3 of the most straightforward ways you can fish a worm on the bottom. What this video lacks in production quality, it makes up for it with it’s honesty and entry level approach.
So, the next time you’re thinking about wacky rigging a Senko in that same old bass pond for the millionth time – instead, find a shady spot, grab a pack of worms, and do some bottom fishing!
Been In The Game For Years Making Worm Rigs
Since I was a kid, I’ve been fishing this way with my dad and brothers along the banks of rivers and ponds surrounding our house. Over the years, interests have changed, skills developed and now I spend more time flipping jigs, burning crankbaits, or looking for that surface strike from a hungry bass choking topwater frogs deep in the summer weeds.As much as I love all of those things, and boy, do I love them dearly, there is something that always draws me back to what I call ”bottom fishing with crawlers”
For me, this technique is not only nostalgic, it’s an easy way to relax on a lazy afternoon while proving to be an extremely effective way to catch big fish. This is especially true for new anglers or people in areas with a lack of species diversity, fishing opportunities, or places generally considered to be ”good fishing”.
Live Worm Fishing: Minimal Assembly Required
Worms, hooks, and weights. Together, they create the simplest rig in freshwater fishing.
Assuming you have a fishing rod and reel spooled up and ready to go (if not, click here), all you’ll need is hooks, weights, and worms to put together these three simple rigs that will catch you a boatload of fish.
Get a sturdy ”Y” shaped stick or a store-bought rod holder strong enough that it can be jammed in the ground and hold up your rod while you sit and wait for a bite.
Keeping the line between your rod and bait taught helps increase your ability to detect bites, and in return, catch more fish.
Live Worm Bottom Fishing Checklist:
- Fishing Rod + Reel
- Line
- Weights
- Hooks
- Worms
- Chair
- Net
- Shade
- Patience!
Nightcrawler Fishing Pro Tips:
- Ask for a paper bag when buying worms and keep them in the shade. A brown bag keeps your worms cool throughout the day and prevents them from drying out.
- Add a clip-on fishing bell to the tip of your rod to help alert you of any bites when bottom fishing
- Keep a taut line on your bottom rod. This will help you detect bites much easier
- Loosen your drag or secure your rod safely when bottom fishing. This will help prevent your rod from getting pulled in the water by a big fish (it’s happened to me twice)
