Nightcrawler
Nothing beats live worm for numbers.
Technique
Float or bottom rig
Depth
1-20 ft
Water Clarity
Any
Best Conditions
Year-round
About This Lure
The universal live bait, fished on a hook under a float or on a bottom rig for nearly every freshwater species.
How To Fish It
Thread the nightcrawler onto a light wire hook by passing the point through the collar to keep it secure and alive. Fish it beneath a slip bobber to suspend it at the target depth or use a split shot weight to bounce it slowly along the bottom structure.
Retrieve Cadence
Use a slow, steady crawl with occasional five-second pauses to allow the worm to wiggle naturally in the current or water column.
Best Colors
Sizes & When To Use
Commonly Rigged On
Recommended Gear
Pro Tips
- Keep your worms in a cooler or shaded container; heat degrades their activity levels and makes them mushy.
- Inject a small air bubble into the tail of the crawler using a syringe to make it float horizontally off the bottom.
- Change your bait frequently; a fresh, lively worm will out-fish a dull, limp one ten-to-one.
- Leave a small piece of the tail trailing off the hook to create extra movement.
Species This Lure Catches
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
The ultimate panfish prize, famous for its aggressive strikes and incredible pound-for-pound fighting ability.
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Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
The acrobatic jewel of the mountain stream, famous for its blistering runs and spectacular aerial leaps.
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Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
The ultimate opportunistic scavenger, the Channel Catfish offers anglers of all skill levels a powerful fight and a delicious reward.
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Walleye
Sander vitreus
The ultimate ghost of the freshwater depths, walleye are prized for their keen low-light vision and world-class table fare.
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Crappie
Pomoxis annularis (White) and Pomoxis nigromaculatus (Black)
The elusive 'papermouth' is a schooling dynamo that offers some of the most rewarding light-tackle fishing in North America.
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Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
The ultimate elusive predator, the Brown Trout is the crown jewel of stream and lake fishing, prized for its cunning, aggression, and trophy potential.
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Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
The jewel of the wilderness, the Brook Trout is a pristine inhabitant of cold, clear mountain streams and high-elevation lakes.
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Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
The apex predator of the river bottom, capable of reaching massive sizes and punishing even the heaviest tackle.
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