The next time you grab a nightcrawler and thread it onto a hook, consider how worms have improved fishermen’s success rates.

Worms can be used geographically in all types of weather and aquatic habitats. Undoubtedly, they are “do it all” baits. But regardless of how valuable worms are to us, we must identify other fishing facts to improve our catch rates.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a curious youngster hand-picking nightcrawlers in your backyard late at night, or you buy worms from a bait store. Experienced fishermen learn that worms attract and catch most fish species.

These “wiggly” live baits are action-oriented and appeal to all fish. We can float them, sink them, troll with threaded on an artificial lure, as well as sink them to the bottom and let fish pick them up. Worms are easy for fish to attack and eat.

At some point, we learn where to find fish, and what they need to survive. And the best method to train novice fishermen is a bobber and worm. Even veteran fishermen often rely on worms to entice fish. Live worms are a staple bait that teaches kids that bait stores aren’t the only means for getting worms.

Also, they are “free” when hand-picked from our backyards. Show kids how to have fun finding nightcrawlers from their grassy yards on warm, damp evenings. Teach them that using a “bright” flashlight will quickly spook worms into their holes. Therefore, explain that they should use a red-lens flashlight, or one with dim light. Walk slowly because earthworms seem to feel vibrations.

Live worms have advantages over artificial worms: They wiggle and squirm. Their lively actions cause fish to investigate and bite. Importantly, earth worms are harmless and safe for children to handle.

Environmental cues

Watch birds and game animals. When they are most active, fish are usually on the prowl, too. If you fish larger bodies of water where fish-eating birds are frequent, watch their activities. Wherever these birds congregate, you will find baitfish. This is a good indicator that prey fish are active and feeding nearby.

Fish change feeding patterns. When we least expect it, they may explode into a feeding frenzy. These periods are typically influenced by the time of year, available food sources, and weather.

Weather has a decisive impact upon fish whose feeding habits often change daily. Experienced fishermen study barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, air and water temperatures, and sky conditions.

As a rule, cloudy days produce better fishing than intense sunny days. And warmer days are more forgiving than colder days. Light-wind days promote more responses from fish than dead-calm days. A basic rule of thumb is that good fishing weather is accompanied by a steady barometer and light winds approaching from the south. Fishing isn’t usually as productive during cold fronts on days when the air temperature drops, and wind intensifies. Better times to fish are warmer days with partly cloudy skies and gentle wind.

All else being equal, target fish during early morning and late afternoon. This is especially important on clear, sunny days, when the sun’s rays are most intense. Also take advantage of the time frames just before fish spawn.

No matter where and when you fish, food is a key motivator for all fish species. Fishermen should learn each species’ food sources and the types of aquatic habitats that attract their foods. It’s important to understand this for the time of year you’re fishing, because food sources can change throughout the year.

Fortunately, regardless of how we learned to fish, or how we fish now, it’s nice to know that no matter what species of fish we pursue, worms will always be a safe bet backup bait.

For more insight and tips for fishing throughout the year, check out the articles in every issue of MidWest Outdoors, available by subscribing on our website.