It has been previously discussed that some bait worm growers are choosing not to breed African Night Crawlers due to a “disease” that is effecting them. Upon further investigation i stumbled across an article by Graeme Fraser from the Depatrtment of Primary industries NSW Government which had a theory on the new “disease”.
www.bio.net/bionet/mm/annelida/2007…/002721.html –
I must reiterate that these are NOT my scientific findings and the responsibility for any decisions and actions taken arising from the use of this material rests with the reader.
Bait Worms – Using Worms for Fishing.
Please DO NOT collect worms from the bush. This places a heavy toll on the environment including your farming and bushland soils. Buy them from a reputable fishing shop!!
Most fisherman have a certain way of thinking: The bigger the bait worm the bigger the fish. This is of course is certainly not true. In fact, The best bait worms are the ones you find in the vicinity of your local fishing site.
There are many different types of worms that can be used as bait worms. Here in Australia the African nightcrawler worm is the most popular bait worm. BUT……
The African nightcrawler worm is extremely hard to raise and requires a lot of effort on behalf of the grower. They are a tropical worm and the worm beds need to be maintained at the correct moisture and temperature levels at all times. These worms can climb brick walls, and worm farms must be designed to prevent an escape!
Some growers are currently converting away from African Night Crawlers to Cod Worms (Coddies), as they believe African Night Crawlers are now too susceptible to a disease and can no longer be economically bred.
Types of fish that can be caught with COD worms.
Freshwater: Australian Bass, Blackfish (Slimeys), Carp, Murray Cod, Sleepy Cod, Mary River Cod, Jade Perch/Barcoo Grunter, Silver, Golden and Jungle Spangled Perch, Trout, Tarpon, Redfin, Catfish/Jewfish, Eels, etc.
COD Worms are different to other bait worms:
1: Cod worms are larger than your everyday compost worms and bigger than the African Night Crawlers. Cod worms can grow to over 200mm in length and can be as thick as your pinkie finger.
2: Cod worms are believed to be a native worm from Australia. This means that all Australian freshwater fish and many saltwater estuary fish have a penchant for Cod Worms. In other words, Cod worms catch Australian fish!
3: The Cod Worms have a tough skin and consequently stay on the hook longer than other types of bait worms.
In Scotland: Dendrobaena worms are being recognised as the worm to use for fishing bait. Fishermen appreciate that they are tougher and hardier than any other worm and can survive longer even in the coldest of Scottish waters.
Soon there will be a release of a new budget bait worm called the Bluey.