Bloodworms are a commonly used live bait for fishing: understanding their characteristics and how to use them

Bloodworms are the common name for the larvae of non-biting midges, so called because their bodies contain hemoglobin and are bright red all over. They are widely distributed in the bottom silt of freshwater waters such as ponds and rivers. They are a natural food for many fish in the wild and are also a very frequently used live bait in fishing.

It should be noted that in the market, aquatic earthworms are sometimes also called bloodworms, but the two are not the same organism. Bloodworms have small, soft bodies and move in the water; aquatic earthworms belong to the annelids, and their appearance is closer to that of earthworms. Compared with earthworms on land, bloodworms are smaller and redder, and are mainly used for fishing in waters, with a strong attraction for common freshwater fish such as crucian carp and carp.

In actual fishing, bloodworms can be hooked individually, or multiple worms can be bundled into a worm bunch with rubber bands, a bloodworm clip or adhesive bait to enhance the fish-attracting effect. In winter and early spring, when the water temperature is low and fish bites are light, the palatability of bloodworms is often better than that of commercial bait, so they are often regarded by anglers as one of the preferred baits in the low-temperature season.

Regarding safety, it is generally believed that fresh, clean bloodworms themselves are not toxic, but they grow in bottom silt and may carry bacteria or parasites. After contact, hands should be washed promptly, and direct contact should be avoided even more when there are wounds on the skin. Bloodworms bought should be kept for a short time in a cool, moist environment, and individuals that have turned black and died should be picked out to ensure the bait stays fresh and alive.