Fishing With Worms

[woodman]

This is just my opinion and I really don't have a problem with people fishing with live bait. It's just that I've seen too many irresponsible people rip the hooks out and leave fish floating down the creek.

I always cut the line and release the fish...And proof that the hook doesn't kill the fish is: I used to fish a small pond with yellow Stren well I re-caught a fish that had my line coming out of it's vent...

[RodMcC]

Circle hooks and real up without hook setting, Setting the hook isn't necessary nor advised. The hook is designed to hook on the corner of the mouth without hook setting. It takes getting accustomed to the technique, but you'll release more fish.

[RodMcC]

But using artificial baits is better yet.

[Kayser]

Goggle eye will still hit a worm when the fishing is tough enough to make you give up. Just dip them into the upstream side of deeper rootwads. Mid hook with enough weight to get it to the bottom. If you use a smaller split shot to make it sink slower, the bass will fight over it- I switched to a multiple hook rig to keep two fish from tearing the worm in half and only catching one at a time. You can also sight-fish for redhorse with crawlers, if you're chasing dinner.

I'm thinking about using some 1/0 circle hooks I have laying around for the bass next time in case of smallmouth. Haven't gut hooked any fish recently, but always a chance with live bait.