I'm very keen on anglers. I don't fish very often myself, but I'm terribly attracted to men who do. Don't worry chaps. Actually I'm only interested in those of you who like a good baitworm and are willing to pay dearly to get your hands on their lithe, sinuous little bodies. I admire all you lady anglers out there too. Mostly because it's so hard to get any cash out of you. You're all far too well prepared when you set out for the day.
I used to breed brandlings, also known as tiger worms, for selling to anglers, but fashions change and now I produce Dendra worms instead. These seem to be preferred now, as there is a huge choice of sizes and they last longer on the hook. Apparently you like to do unspeakable things to them, after which they make an excellent ground bait.
I supply a private fishing club. The members have access to three lakes and a couple of farm ponds. Carp and Perch are the fish most regularly caught. I also sell to two local tackle shops. Club members are charged £2.00 for twenty worms, £6.00 for one hundred and £50.00 for a thousand. Shops obviously pay a little less. I can never understand why people are willing to pay so much when it's so easy to breed them at home.
Here's how it's done.
You will need a container. I started with a dustbin. Drainage holes are drilled into the base and 4-5 inches up the sides. Make sure the lid is a tight fit. Worms are experts at escaping, especially while they are settling in.
Bedding. I use 50/50 horse or sheep manure and cardboard, but a mixture of shredded newspaper, cardboard, leafmould or coir can be used. Whatever you choose the bedding must never be allowed to get very dry or very wet. A good test is to squeeze a handful. You should only be able to get a drop or two out. Too dry; add a little water. Too wet; add more dry stuff. Once you feel it's good enough put at least six inches of bedding into the bin. Some people like to put a layer of gravel in first, for extra drainage, but I've never had to.
Worms. You can dig up some brandlings from a dung heap, but to breed proper Dendras you're going to have to buy them. Try e-bay. They'll be cheaper then the tackle shop and they travel well. Place the worms in a heap on the bedding. Don't try to mix them in. they'll soon wriggle down out of sight. Once this has happened cut a circle of black polythene or old carpet. This needs to be an inch smaller then the surface area. This gap round the edge lets in air, while the worm's get a cool, dark area to live and breed in. Place this on top of the bedding. Put on the lid. Make sure it's on properly.
Food. If you used manure in the bedding mix you needn't feed anything for a couple of weeks. Other wise feed a SMALL handful from the list at the end of these instructions. Check every few days to see when it's almost gone and feed a little more when it is. Make sure the food is moist, not dripping!
Heat / cold. Worms dislike extremes of both. Keep their bin in a shed or garage in winter and in shade in summer. They may survive if they're uncomfortable, but they certainly won't breed.
Be patient. For a long time it seems you're getting nowhere, but one day you'll realise it's working and there you go! Now you've got as many worms as you want and can use the money you're saving to splash out on sweetcorn, cat food, luncheon meat or whatever else you feel the need to throw to the fish.
GOOD FOOD Cooked and uncooked food and vegetable waste, bread, tea bags, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, torn up egg boxes, small amounts of grass cuttings and garden weeds.
BAD FOOD Meat, fish, onions, garlic, citrus peel, dog or cat droppings, poultry or cage bird droppings.
And one last reminder. Put the food UNDER the polythene / carpet cover when you feed, not on top as one of my friends did. It isn't going to work that way! Happy fishing.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) Cheap to do when done correctly, good results. (-) FEAR FACTOR - You will look silly if you do it without results. Difficult to carry a large amount.
Great reviewing, I didn't know fishermen had fashions. ;>
hlmccarron 31.08.2006 23:32
Interesting review - I hate worms though feel a little squeamish now
COOOEEE 31.07.2006 11:06
My husband has taken up fishing last year and is convinced garden worms are declining so he will be really interested in this review. Going to print it out for him now. Fionaxx
Advantages: Can be used to catch virtually any freshwater fish, cheap to obtain Disadvantages: Sticky fingers after handling them, can be awkward to get on the hook when they start wriggling.
duck1979 05.02.2005 ·
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Review of Worms
Advantages: A economical bait that WILL catch you fish whatever the season and weather. Disadvantages: Lugworms are hard to come buy, try digging where you find 'casts' at low-water. And mind the PINCERS!
WallyD321 08.05.2001 ·
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Review of Worms
Advantages: Cheap (From fishmongers) Useful ingredient in bait 'cocktails' Disadvantages: Expensive (From Fishmongers and supermarkets) no real use as a stand-alone bait.
WallyD321 10.05.2001 ·
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Review of Squid
Advantages: cheaper and more effective than commercial groundbaits. Disadvantages: The only disadvantage I find, is that you have to make it your self.
casterman 10.03.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Groundbaits
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