Every angler has their own experience and preferences when catching trout. Considering it is the fourth most popular fish that anglers seek in North America. But, the general consensus is: Yes, trout eat earthworms.
Live baits are needed when you go trout fishing. If you wish to fish in high and muddy waters, trout cannot see lures. But they can easily detect live bait because of their odor. It is an excellent choice to go for natural bait. Since trout are very wary, and they tend to closely inspect food. Trout are most likely to determine artificials as fake. Yet properly rigged and presented live lure may bait them in.
Before you gear up, it’s better to educate yourself on what specific types of worms trout usually eat. And if they really are suitable for baiting these very picky fish!
Are worms good for trout fishing?
Yes! Natural baits are the best baits anglers can use to catch trout. Trout that live deep in cold waters during the early season are especially easy to lure in with worms. Some trout prefer more giant worms, but most trout eat worms in smaller bait. Anglers also love using worms as bait on other fish because they are easy to obtain, store, and rig.
Below are some of the worms for trout anglers to use as bait:
Nightcrawlers
Nightcrawlers, commonly referred to as earthworms, are one of the most favorite baits. It comes in the colors grey or brown, and you can easily buy them in stores. These worms are large, and anglers usually split before luring trout with them. If you intend to use the whole nightcrawler as bait, trout may be intimidated by its size.
Red worms for trout
Red worms, also known as red wigglers, serve as excellent bait for catching trout. You can get them in stores, but some anglers farm for them. Vermiculture is what the practice is called, and it provides anglers with a steady flow of bait. As trout eat earthworms in different sizes, so you have to make sure the size is right before luring in some trout.
If you run out of worms, here are some alternatives:
Waxworms
Waxworms are the larvae of bee moths. These critters, albeit unpopular, are one of the best trout baits available in the market. Anglers can buy these at many trout docks or through the internet in bulk. You would need to use three to four waxworms to properly entice a trout.
Grasshoppers and Crickets
These insects are some great alternatives for worms when trying to catch trout. You can quickly get them when you set up traps or buy them in many stores. These are also easily stored and rigged. Making them the best bait for anglers of all experience levels.
But, you should take note that big trouts, especially those over a foot long, do not consume insects. Powerbait, also known as trout marshmallows, also does not work for stocked trout. When you’re planning to fish for this specific type of trout, consider that they are born and bred in hatcheries. Where they are fed pellets. Powerbait might entice them for a nibble, but it won’t be a sure catch.
Will trout bite on worms?
Trout do bite on worms. That is why it’s essential to make sure your worms are securely hooked. No matter how much the trout nibbles on them, you won’t end up without a catch. Worms, especially those that don’t wiggle aggressively, are some of the trout’s favorite meals. These baits exude a fresh, live scent that attracts trout and other species of fish.
It is also why some anglers use artificial bait when fishing for trout. Plastic worms hold onto the hook better. And they don’t easily fall off no matter how hard you cast or if the current is just a tad faster than usual. Artificial worms also come in different colors, which can attract more fish. Some days, pink might be the best color, while it could be red or brown on other days.
How do you fish for trout with a worm?
There are many ways to fish for trout, and one of the most popular is with worms. If you’re using small worms, use several of these to hide the hook. You wouldn’t want the trout to figure out that it’s about to bite into something. More than just a bunch of delicious-looking worms, after all.
If you’re using bigger worms, spear one on the hook and slide it up until it reaches the line. Just don’t forget to leave a small part of the worm dangling to provide movement in the water. It would also fool the trout into thinking it’s a free meal.
How to hook worms for trout?
There are several ways on how to properly hook a worm. Below are some tips that might help you catch more fish. To make each fishing activity more enjoyable and worthwhile.
1. First things first, you have to keep your worms cool. If you leave your worms under the sun, they will turn to mush. The cooler, the less they’ll wiggle while underwater. It would also serve as enticing to the cautious and skeptical trout.
2. You have to get your hands dirty. First, dirty hands keep your scent off the worm. Fish have excellent noses and may not be lured in when your worm smells like a human. Second, the dirt on your fingers will help you have more control over the worm as you spear it and move it up the hook.
3. Split the worm. If trout eat earthworms but violently wiggle, it may intimidate the trout or any fish you’re planning to bait. Trout love smaller and manageable sizes, so try to split or cut your worms in half.
4. Every 15 minutes, reel in your line to make sure your worm is still there. The better you hook your worm, the less of a problem you will have. Thus, you should take your time in prepping the bait.
If you’re looking for hooks to use, try the Tailored Tackle Fishing Hooks Kit. The kit includes 150 pieces of hooks that come in different sizes. You can use both live and artificial baits on these hooks. They are built to catch other species of fish, in addition to trout.
Best rig for trout fishing with worms?
Rigs for trout fishing hugely depend on where you plan to fish. Generally, the best rigs for trout fishing range from size 6 to 14 bait-holder hooks. These hooks feature barbs on their shank, making sure that the worms do not slip and disappear.
You may also use a worm for trout with an inflator or hypodermic needle to give the worms air, making them float. Cast the bait and let it sink with an egg sinker, allowing the worm to stay underwater. Once a trout takes the bait, the link will slide through the sinker.
If you’re just a beginner and want a sure way of catching trout, try out the Leland Lures Trout Magnet Neon Kit. It is Amazon’s choice for trout fishing and comes with split-tail grub bodies. The kits also include eight hooks of 1/64 oz size. The split-tail grub bodies and hooks come in multiple colors, making them very alluring to trout.
Low Streams
In these situations, using small nightcrawlers and garden hackles serve as better bait. You have to pinch a part of the worm that is large enough to cover the hook. Then, tie a #8 or #12 hook to the monofilament. You should make sure that the worm is still fresh, as this part will give off scents that appeal to trout.
High-Water Rivers
When you go trout fishing in these kinds of waters, a 5-inch nightcrawler will do the trick. You have to use a #8 bait-holder hook with a barbed shank so the nightcrawler won’t get washed away by the currents. When trout eat earthworms, better secure via the collar.
Lakes and Ponds
Lakes and ponds are the typical bodies of water where most anglers go trout fishing. Any rig will work; you just have to ensure that the hook is appropriately covered, whether you’re using big worms or smaller bait. However, it’s better to fish in the evening or early morning since trout dislike bright light.
Final Thoughts
Catching trout can be difficult, especially in some seasons or in some specific locations where trout choose to remain in deep waters. If you want to successfully catch trout, using live bait will be helpful. Trout eat earthworms as their favorites, and they are easy to obtain and rig on your hook. You just have to make sure your hook is the right size to secure the bait and ensure the worm won’t die.
