When we started fishing as kids the night before was set aside for catching nightcrawlers which would be the bait used for trout or bass and the bigger and juicier the nightcrawler was the better chance we had the next morning of landing the monster we dreamed of as long as we could keep the nightcrawler on the hook which was a problem. What is the best hook for Nightcrawlers?
The best hook to use for a nightcrawler is an Aberdeen hook or bait holder hook in sizes 4 through 8, thread on a nightcrawler or worm using different methods like the Standard or Sock baiting method depending on the size of the worm
The Aberdeen hook is a type of fishing hook that is designed for use with baitfish It has a long shank and a small barb, which makes it ideal for holding onto baitfish without harming them too much The hook is named after the Scottish city of Aberdeen, where it was first used.
What is the Best Hook for Nightcrawlers
To rig, simply tie on an Aberdeen or bait holder hook in size 4 through 8, thread on a nightcrawler, and then pinch a BB-sized split shot onto the line. Cast it out, and slowly wind it back. The combo is surprisingly weedless and is a great tool to locate fish when you haven’t been on the water for a while.
Bait fishing is one of the most common fishing methods and live bait is the most successful way of fishing among all. Nothing attracts the fish like the wiggly worms such as the nightcrawler.
Parallelly, no baits get stolen like the live worms. The main reason is the worm wasn’t hooked properly. So, how do you hook a nightcrawler properly? There are several popular methods of attaching the worm to the hook. Some are more realistic than others, but at the same time, are riskier.
Standard method
In this method, your goal is to attach the worm to the hook as securely as you can while keeping it realistic.
- Take an ideal-sized nightcrawler. The ideal size will vary depending on the type of fish you are after, as well as the size of fish available in the vicinity. For example, a 6-8-inch worm is best for bass, but for perch, 1-3-inch is ideal.
- Take the Aberdeen hook and pierce it through the worm close to its head. Pierce the worm at about half an inch behind its mouth. Pierce all the way so that the hook comes out on the other side.
- The worm is hooked and connected to the hook but for strength, we will pierce it on 2-3 other spots, with about an inch interval. Watch out though and don’t pierce your finger in the process.
Work your way up to the middle point of the worm. Let the other half dangle freely. This free-dangling part is the part that does the wormly wiggly movement to attract fish. That’s basically it. This is the standard way of hooking a nightcrawler to a fishing hook. Then again, there is no saying what you’ll catch with a nightcrawler. It is a high-demand item.
What are the Differences Between Nightcrawlers Vs Earthworms?
Nightcrawlers:
Are Nocturnal
Have a fatter segmented body
Color- brownish/grey
Up to 14 inches long
Nightcrawler prefers rotting or decomposed animal matter
Earthworms:
Are Diurnal
Have an unsegmented thinner Body ..………………………………………………………………………………. Read more
What is the best way to Catch Nightcrawlers for fishing?
- Catch at night in cool temp.
- During a rain shower or try to simulate a rain shower
- Avoid high grass
- Use a flashlight with a red lens at the nightcrawler’s hole
- Keep them cool-store in the fridge
- Don’t overfill the container
Best Method to Use:
- Dish Detergent Method
- Worm Grunt Method
- Worm Tazer Method
- Walnut Tea Method .…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Read more
Sock baiting method
is another baiting method for worms in general. Nightcrawlers are one of the best choices for this method because girth is important for this. Basically, you are wearing the worm on the hook, like wearing a sock. Hence, the name.
Take a Thick worm from your worm pile. Usually, a healthy worm works best. The thicker, the safer. But too thick a worm might intimidate the fish, and the hook might pierce out through too thin a worm and poke your finger. So, a healthy worm.
- Take your Aberdeen hook and pierce the worm right behind its mouth, about half an inch back from the end. Just insert the hook and don’t bring it out on the other side.
- After that, slide the hook through the worm. Push the inserted part backward, covering the hook. Be careful so that the hook stays inside the worm and doesn’t pierce out.
- When nearly the whole hook is covered by the worm, you are done. It should take about a third, or half of the worm to cover the hook completely. Leave the rest of the worm free and let it move on its own.
This method of baiting the hook with worms is slightly different from the standard method. This method is more of a high-risk, high-reward technique. It will get you more bites than the standard method when you are going after fish that are very careful and easily spooked.
Since the metal part of the hook is not visible, it is more convincing for the fish. But at the same time, the dangling part of the worm is less secure than the other method. Fish can easily slurp the loose part without biting the hooked part.
What are Circle Hooks
If you’re a fan of nightcrawler fishing, circle hooks should be your new best friend. Circle hooks are renowned in the world of anglers for their unique design. Unlike the straightforward point of an EWG worm hook or the Aberdeen hook, a circle hook’s point bends back towards the shank.
This clever construction ensures up-front hooking, increasing the chances of successfully landing your catch. Whether you’re fishing for cobia using jigs or baiting red worms, a circle hook has a high hook-up rate that sets it apart from other hooks. Anglers also appreciate that circle hooks cause less harm to the fish, promoting ethical catch and release practices.
In addition to being a nightcrawler’s ally, a circle hook has garnered rave reviews from fishing enthusiasts across the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or embarking on your first fishing trip, Circle Hook’s ingenious design is a game changer.
Also, let’s not forget the offset circle hooks like the Octopus circle hooks, which feature a wider gap for improved hooking potential. They’re worth considering, especially when dealing with tricky species.
Expert anglers and guides outdoors are quick to point out that circle hooks are a safer option. There’s less risk of deep hooking, and they’re easier to remove. They do need a specific hook-set technique, but once mastered, you’ll see your catch rates increase.
Plus, with brands like X-Star offering durable and reliable circle hooks, it’s easy to see why they’re a popular choice. So, however many ‘points’ you give to other hooks, it is clear that when it comes to worm and nightcrawler fishing, nothing beats a well-used circle hook.
The Advantages of Using Circle Hooks for Nightcrawlers
For many anglers, fishing on a tranquil lake, under a blanket of stars, with nothing but the sounds of the water for company makes for an experience like no other. One crucial part of this picture is the humble night crawler – a favored bait for both recreational and professional anglers.
The trick to a successful fishing session with night crawlers often lies in the choice of hook. Among these, circle hooks have emerged as a popular choice and it’s easy to see why.
Circle hooks, available at reasonable prices on channels like USD Amazon, are an excellent tool in any angler’s arsenal for a range of fish, including bass and walleye. They have an extra wide gap (EWG), which makes them ideal for use with nightcrawlers.
This EWG design ensures that the hook sets in the jaw corner of the fish rather than in its gut, reducing the mortality rate of catch-and-release bass fishing.
Compared to other hook types like cobia jigs, circle hooks are a more humane choice. It’s just one way an angler can make his sport more ethical. Another advantage of circle hooks is they are a naturally effective way to prevent gut hooking. Whether fishing in a lake or sea, using these hooks increases your chances of a successful catch and makes for a hassle-free experience of unhooking the fish.
Using circle hooks for walleye fishing has proven especially effective. Despite their sharp teeth, which can cut through most lines, walleye anglers have found success with circle hooks. It’s not restricted to walleye or bass fishing.
Many guides good for fishing recommend circle hooks with a night crawler for multiple species, further enhancing their appeal.So, next time you find yourself preparing for a night of fishing with your dependable worms, keep in mind the insider’s guide to the good practice of fishing: equip yourself with circle hooks. Your catch, and the fish, might thank you for it.
Mastering Nightcrawler Fishing: Essential Tips for Anglers
Stepping into the world of nightcrawler fishing can be a bit intimidating. With a bit of guidance and the right fishing tips, however, anyone can become an expert. One critical fishing tip that all anglers, novice or experienced, need to know is that the hook plays a significant role.
A straight shank, for instance, is perfect for worm and nightcrawler fishing as it provides these live baits with enough room to wiggle and attract fish.
Bass fishing, in particular, leans heavily on the use of nightcrawlers. Times may vary, but as anglers would attest, the peak periods to catch bass are usually at dawn and dusk. Bass fishing offers a great way for anglers to engage with nature while honing their tact and patience.
Part of the thrill that comes with bass fishing is figuring out the best way to present your bait. For fishing, a straight shank often does the trick, but at other times, a fishing line coupled with a float can suffice.
Way too often, anglers overlook the basics. While straight shanks and fishing lines are essential, the quality and vibrancy of the nightcrawlers used play a crucial role too. Mastering nightcrawler fishing, after all, is not just about the hooks and lines used but also about understanding their behaviors and perfecting the ways of luring them in. Fishing is, at its core, a game of strategy and patience.
For nightcrawler fishing, it is essential to keep in mind that sometimes less is more. The simpler and more natural the presentation, the better. Consequently, fishing tips often encourage anglers to keep their setups minimalistic and efficient. With the right tool, an understanding of the best times, and a healthy batch of nightcrawlers, any angler can master the art of fishing in no time.
Choosing the Right Baits: Worms Vs Nightcrawlers
Stepping into the world of nightcrawler fishing can be a bit intimidating. With a bit of guidance and the right fishing tips, however, anyone can become an expert. One critical fishing tip that all anglers, novice or experienced, need to know is that the hook plays a significant role. A straight shank, for instance, is perfect for worm and nightcrawler fishing as it provides these live baits with enough room to wiggle and attract fish.
Bass fishing, in particular, leans heavily on the use of nightcrawlers. Times may vary, but as anglers would attest, the peak periods to catch bass are usually at dawn and dusk. Bass fishing offers a great way for anglers to engage with nature while honing their tact and patience.
Part of the thrill that comes with bass fishing is figuring out the best way to present your bait. For fishing, a straight shank often does the trick, but at other times, a fishing line coupled with a float can suffice.
Way too often, anglers overlook the basics. While straight shanks and fishing lines are essential, the quality and vibrancy of the nightcrawlers used play a crucial role too. Mastering nightcrawler fishing, after all, is not just about the hooks and lines used but also about understanding their behaviors and perfecting the ways of luring them in.
Fishing is, at its core, a game of strategy and patience. For nightcrawler fishing, it is essential to keep in mind that sometimes less is more. The simpler and more natural the presentation, the better. Consequently, fishing tips often encourage anglers to keep their setups minimalistic and efficient. With the right tool, an understanding of the best times, and a healthy batch of nightcrawlers, any angler can master the art of fishing in no time.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, nightcrawler fishing is exceptional when equipped with the right hook. Recognizing the best hook for nightcrawlers increases not just productivity, but also guarantees the integrity of your essential bait. It all comes down to choices that resonate with your fishing style and the environment. On one end, circle hooks excel in catch and release due to their design while long shank hooks are suitable for beginner anglers. In all, having the right hook in your tackle box will undoubtedly make your nightcrawler fishing endeavor a successful and exhilarating one.
Yes! In some parts of the world, like Europe & Asia, Nightcrawlers and earthworms are consumed as a delicacy, nightcrawlers are eaten raw, or cooked, & according to some adventurous outdoorsmen who also eat them, they’re nutritious but taste like dirt when raw, but when fried, resemble fried bacon .……………………………………………………………. Read more
JimGalloway Author/Editor
References- Sportsman Guide –Choosing Hooks
