How To Hook A Nightcrawler
Fishing can be a slow yet rewarding process which allows you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors while learning more about different underwater creatures.
And while fishing has been described as a relaxing pastime, this does not mean that the sport does not come with its setbacks.
For example, one of the most important components of fishing is the bait, with worms and nightcrawlers being considered the most effective.
And while the notion of putting a nightcrawler on a hook may not sound complicated, there are other factors that need to be considered first.
So if you want to know how to hook a nightcrawler, then you have come to the right place. In the following article, we have gathered some useful information concerning how to hook bait and the procedures that need to be followed to ensure a successful catch.
Just take a look down below and you will find everything you need to get started.
Overview
If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read the entire article, then we have provided a condensed version of the hooking process in the section below:
- Select the correct hook
- Tie the hook to your line and make sure it is secure
- Grab a healthy and active nightcrawler
- Run the hook into the insect’s midsection
- Pull the hook through the nightcrawler
- Repeat this process until the bait has been hooked 2-3 times
- Leave the head or tail loose to dangle
- Attach the lead split shots and bobber strike indicator as needed
- Cast the bait into the water
- Repeat this process with each nightcrawler
If you want to learn more about this process, then you will find a detailed explanation in the following section…
What You Will Need
Before you can start fishing, you must first make sure that you have everything you need to hook your bait. Down below we have compiled an extensive list of the supplies and equipment needed to attract your catch:
- Container of fresh nightcrawlers
- Fishing rod with reel and appropriate fishing line
- Appropriate hook for target species
- 2 – 4 oz lead for catfish and striped bass
- Lead worm head for larger species
- Bobber float and split shot weights (optional)
How To Select A Fish Hook
While choosing a fish hook can be a somewhat complicated process, we have decided to keep things simple by starting with the basics.
In most cases, the fish you seek will only need a simple bait or J-hook, which can be purchased from most common fishing equipment stores.
However, this does not mean that these hooks are universal for all species, as catfish and largemouth bass can be more effectively caught with the use of a circle or worm hook respectively.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the different fish hook sizes and how they correspond to different species:
| Species | Hook Size |
| Common carp | Size 3 – 1 |
| Catfish | Size 2 – 6.0 |
| Bullheads | Size 7 – 1 |
| Striped Bass | Size 1.0 – 4.0 |
| Largemouth Bass | Size 5 – 4.0 |
| Crappie | Size 5 – 4 |
| Bluegills | Size 8 – 5 |
| Sunfish | Size 6 – 4 |
| Freshwater Drum | Size 2 – 1.0 |
| Rainbow Trout | Size 6 – 1 |
| Brown Trout | Size 4 – 1 |
| Brook Trout | Size 8 – 4 |
| Suckers | Size 8 – 6 |
| Walleye | Size 3 – 2.0 |
Now that you understand the size of hook, you will need to catch your desired fish. Let’s take a look at how to hook the bait.
How To Hook A Nightcrawler
It is important to note that the following instructions are only suitable for catching trout or panfish, as larger species will require more bait than a single nightcrawler.
You will also need to attract your catch with more than one kind of bait, as a mixture of different insects has been known to attract more fish.
For the best results, we recommend baiting your hooks with half a nightcrawler and a full redworm, as this combination promises to yield a more successful scratch:
Step One: Use Proper Hook
Before you can bait your fishing line, you will need to make sure that you have the right hook for your desired species. This can be accomplished by following the section above for guidance.
Once you have selected the correct hook, tie it to your fishing line using a knot of your own choosing. We would recommend using a clinch knot, however, it is also possible to catch fish using a simple quadruple overhand.
Make sure the knot is secure by pulling on the hook. Once you have done this, cut the tag line using a pair of scissors.
Step Two: Grab The Bait
When the hook is ready, take a fresh nightcrawler from the container and break it in half in the middle.
If you are fishing for panfish, you will need to break the nightcrawler again until you have a quarter piece that can go on the hook.
Step Three: Bait The Line
Using the point of the hook, pierce the middle of the nightcrawler’s body several times. With each new hole you make, more scents will be produced, which will help to attract a more bountiful catch.
However, we do not recommend piercing the nightcrawler’s head or tail, as this could damage the bait and stop it from moving in the water. By avoiding these areas, the free section will continue to wriggle freely and attract more fish.
For the best results, it is advisable to leave the point of the hook exposed, as this will help to get a good grip on the fish before you reel it in.
Step Four: Rig The Proper Weights
Before casting your line, you need to make sure that you have the correct weights for this kind of fishing.
While it is possible to rig your line in a variety of different ways, the most common include the Texas rig and the Carolina rig, which are both popular and effective.
Step Five: Cast The Fishing Line
Before you can finally cast your fishing line, you will need to find the right waters for your target species, which can include anything from warm shallows to weedy depths.
Of course, selecting the correct gear and bait is also essential, but when you have everything together you will be able to cast your line and wait for the fish to come in.
Final Thoughts
While hooking a nightcrawler is not a complicated task, it does require a certain level of care and experience.
Beyond this, you have to make sure that nightcrawlers are the correct bait for your desired catch, otherwise, you may not achieve the results you want.
Only by using the correct bait, equipment, and water conditions can you catch your target fish, which is why you need to do your research before setting out.
