How to Hook Bloodworms: An Introduction to Several Common Hooking Methods

Bloodworms are the larvae of non-biting midges. Because their bodies contain hemoglobin, they are bright red all over. The worms are small and have a strong fishy smell, making them a commonly used live bait for fishing in winter and early spring. At this time of year, water temperatures are low and fish bite lightly, and bloodworms are often more palatable than ordinary commercial baits, so mastering the correct hooking method becomes very important.

The most basic method is single-worm hooking. Choose a slightly larger male worm with thick skin and a firm body, gently pierce the hook point into the worm at about one third of its length from one end, then pass it out sideways so the worm curls around the hook. This way the worm is not damaged and its liveliness is preserved. If the worms are on the small side, you can also hook two or three at a time, threading them through at different points to make sure they do not fall off easily.

In cold weather, bundled hooking is also commonly used. Use a bloodworm clip to clamp several bloodworms into a bundle, bind them tightly with cotton thread or a rubber band, and then hook the fish hook at the binding point. This method is highly visible and works well for attracting fish, and one baiting can catch several fish. There is also the bloodworm pull-bait approach, in which bloodworms are mixed with commercial bait or bloodworm glue and pulled out as a bait ball onto the hook just like pull bait. Baiting is fast, making it suitable for catching fish quickly and for catching small fish.

When hooking, there are a few points to note: the fish hook should be a thin-wire, small-size hook with a moderate gap, making it easy to pierce the worm's body; the threading motion should be gentle, because once the worm's skin breaks and fluid leaks out, it loses the advantage of being live bait; unused bloodworms should be kept in a cool, damp environment and kept out of direct sunlight. In addition, bloodworms mostly grow in muddy water bodies, so after use it is advisable to wash your hands promptly and pay attention to personal hygiene.