Growing your own worms can be a sustainable and cost-effective way to ensure a steady supply of bait for fishing. This guide will walk you through the process of raising worms, focusing primarily on the common fishing worm, the red wigglers (Eisenia fetida), which are ideal for bait.
1. Choosing the Right Worms
Types of Worms
- Red Wigglers: These are the most popular for fishing due to their active nature and ability to thrive in composting systems.
- Nightcrawlers: Larger and favored for specific types of fishing, but they require more space and different care.
For fishing purposes, red wigglers are generally the best choice due to their size and ease of cultivation.
2. Setting Up Your Worm Bin
Materials Needed
- Container: A plastic or wooden bin with a lid (about 10-18 gallons). It should have drainage holes and air holes for ventilation.
- Bedding: Shredded newspaper, cardboard, peat moss, or coconut coir. This provides a habitat for the worms.
- Worms: Start with about 1 pound of red wigglers.
Steps to Set Up
- Prepare the Bin: Drill holes for aeration and drainage. Place a layer of bedding (about 6 inches) in the bottom of the bin.
- Moisten the Bedding: The bedding should be damp but not soaking wet. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge.
- Add the Worms: Introduce the worms to the bedding, ensuring they have enough space to move around.
- Cover the Bin: Use a lid to maintain moisture and protect the worms from light. A dark environment is ideal for worms.
3. Feeding Your Worms
What to Feed
- Kitchen Scraps: Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells are great options.
- Avoid: Meat, dairy, oily foods, and citrus fruits, as these can attract pests and create odors.
Feeding Tips
- Moderation: Start with small amounts of food to avoid overfeeding. Monitor how quickly the worms consume the food before adding more.
- Regular Feeding: Feed the worms every few days or once a week, depending on their consumption rate.
4. Maintaining the Worm Bin
Environment
- Temperature: Keep the bin in a cool, dark place. Ideal temperatures are between 55°F and 75°F (13°C to 24°C).
- Moisture Levels: Check the bedding regularly to ensure it stays damp. Add water if it feels too dry or add dry bedding if it’s too wet.
Harvesting Worms
- Timing: After about 3-6 months, your worms will have multiplied, and the bin will be rich in castings (worm manure).
- Harvesting Process: To harvest worms, push the contents to one side of the bin and add fresh bedding and food to the empty side. The worms will migrate to the new food, allowing you to collect the castings from the other side.
- Collecting: You can also use light to encourage worms to burrow deeper. Shine a light on the bin, and after a while, collect the castings from the top.
5. Using Worms for Fishing
Preparing Worms
- Before Fishing: Collect the worms you need for your trip. Keep them in a breathable container, like a small cooler with air holes, to keep them cool and moist.
- Baiting Hooks: Thread the worm onto your hook, ensuring it’s securely on to avoid losing it while casting.
Storage for Fishing
- Short-Term Storage: Keep worms in a cool, dark place with some bedding to keep them moist. You can store them in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Long-Term Storage: If you’re raising worms primarily for fishing, maintain a steady supply in your worm bin.