Nightcrawlers
Also called: earthworms, worms
Big earthworms that nearly every freshwater fish will eat. They are cheap, easy to find, and the best beginner bait there is.
- Type
- Live & Natural Bait
- Target fish
- Panfish, Trout & Salmon, Catfish, Bass
- Skill
- Beginner-friendly
- Depth
- Any, depending on the rig
- Best seasons
- Year-round, except in cold winter weather
Note: Rules on live bait differ by state and water body, and many places limit which baitfish and other bait you can use and move between waters. Never dump leftover bait into a lake or stream, since it can spread invasive species and disease. Check your state's current rules.
When it works best
- For panfish, trout, catfish, and bass.
- When you are new to fishing and want a bait that works.
- Under a bobber, on the bottom, or on a small hook.
How to fish it
- Thread a worm onto the hook, leaving the tail free so it wiggles.
- Use a small piece for small fish and a whole worm for larger ones.
- Fish it under a bobber, or on the bottom with a light sinker.
- Watch the bobber or line, and set the hook when a fish takes it.
Tips
- Keep worms cool and moist in bedding.
- Hook a small piece on a small hook for bluegill.
- Pinch a worm in two if it is too big for the fish.
Common mistakes
- Leaving worms in the sun, where they die fast.
- Using a piece too large for the fish.
- Reeling too fast and pulling the bait away.
Gear
A light spinning rod with 6-pound line, a small hook, and a bobber is a good match.
Often confused with
- Crickets: insect bait often used for panfish.
Fish it catches
Field notes
If you are only going to buy one bait, buy nightcrawlers. They work in almost every kind of water.
Related guides
What works varies by water, season, and the fish that day, so use this as a starting point. Regulations on live bait, hook type and number, lead tackle, and baitfish transport differ by state and water body. Check your state's current fishing rules; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations and license portal.