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Fishing with worms made simple: nightcrawlers vs red wigglers, how to hook a worm, bobber, Carolina, drop shot and bottom rigs, and the best times to fish them.
Fishing with worms is the oldest and most reliable way to catch freshwater fish in America. A live nightcrawler wiggling on a hook catches bluegill, bass, catfish, trout, perch, walleye and carp, from farm ponds in Georgia to trout streams in Pennsylvania. It's cheap, it works in almost any water, and it's how most of us caught our first fish.
This guide covers which worms to buy, how to hook them, the four rigs worth knowing and when to fish them. If you're just starting out, our how to fish guide covers gear, knots and the basics first.
Not all worms are the same. The two you'll find at most bait shops and gas stations:
| Worm | Size | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nightcrawler | 4–8 in, thick | Bass, catfish, walleye, trout, carp | Strong scent, lots of action. Use whole or cut in pieces. |
| Red wiggler | 1–3 in, thin | Bluegill, sunfish, perch, trout in small streams | Very lively; fits small hooks; great for kids. |
| Garden / leaf worm | 2–4 in | Panfish, creek fish | Free if you dig them; check local rules on transporting bait. |
| Plastic worm | 4–10 in | Bass | Not live bait, but rigged the same way on Texas and Carolina rigs. |
Keep live worms cool (around 40–50°F / 4–10°C), out of the sun, in damp bedding. A cooler in the truck beats the dashboard every time. Dead, mushy worms catch far fewer fish.
How you hook the worm depends on the fish and the hook size.
Two tips: leave the hook point exposed (or barely covered) so it can set, and use a hook that matches the fish's mouth, not the worm.
The classic. A float, a split shot 6–12 in above the hook, and a piece of worm set 1–4 ft deep. Perfect for bluegill and crappie near weeds and docks. When the bobber dives, reel up slack and lift. Our bluegill fishing tips go deeper on depth and spots.
A sliding egg or walking sinker on the main line, a bead and a swivel, then 12–24 in of leader to the hook. The fish can pick up the bait without feeling the weight. This is the go-to for catfish and carp off a bank. For other catfish options, see best catfish bait.
Similar to the bottom rig but with a heavier sinker and a longer leader (2–4 ft), dragged slowly across flats and points. Works with a live crawler for walleye and bass in summer.
The hook is tied above the weight, with 6–18 in of line below it. The worm floats off the bottom where fish see it. Excellent for finicky fish in clear lakes, for perch, and for smallmouth on rocky bottoms.
For trout and river smallmouth, cast upstream with a light split shot and let a nose-hooked worm tumble naturally with the current. Many trout waters restrict live bait, so check rules before you go. More in best bait for trout.
Some states restrict live bait, ban moving bait between waters, or require it be bought locally. Check your state's fishing regulations before using worms.
Worms work all day, but fish feed harder at certain times:
If you fish with kids, plan the trip around one of these windows. A busy bobber keeps them interested.
Solunar: Hunt & Fish calculates the day's major and minor periods, sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset and moon phase from your location, all offline. Everything sits on a 24-hour dial with a 1–4 star day rating, so you can see at a glance whether this evening's window lines up with dusk at your pond.
Nightcrawlers are better for bigger fish like bass, catfish and walleye. Red wigglers are smaller and very lively, ideal for bluegill, perch and small-stream trout.
Start 2–3 ft deep for bluegill and adjust until you get bites. Near weeds or docks, set it just above the cover.
Yes, where live bait is legal. Drift a small piece naturally in the current. Many trout streams are artificial-only, so check your state regulations.
Early morning and evening, especially when a solunar period lines up with them. After a rain is another prime time.