Fishing bait comes in all shapes and sizes, but nothing compares to natural selections like crickets, minnows, and worms. Among these options is the catalpa worm. These make for a great summertime bait, but if you know how to properly store them, you can enjoy them for longer periods of time and catch even more fish!
What are Catalpa Worms
The catalpa worm is only found on catalpa trees (hence the name). They typically appear during the summertime, anywhere from June to July for around two to three weeks. These “worms” are technically black and yellow caterpillars that come from the sphinx moth, and they make excellent fishing bait! This limited timeframe, however, means that they are not usually available for most of the year unless you properly gather and store them for later use.
Storing Catalpa Worms
Storing catalpa worms involves gathering them up first. This is easily done by finding catalpa trees and pulling them directly from them. You can also shake the branches to get them to fall off. Once you find them, place them in a plastic container with a few of the catalpa leaves and this will allow you to use them for multiple days as fishing bait.
Of course, a few days is not that long of a time but there are ways to store them for longer use. One of the best methods for doing this is to boil the worms as soon as they are caught. A pot of water that is at a light boil is perfect, and the worms only need to be in it for around one minute. After they have stiffened, remove them from the water and place them on a paper towel to dry. After they are completely dry, you can place them in Ziplock bags with a handful of cornmeal, then stick them in the freezer.
This will allow you to use them as you need them, as well as portion them out into separate bags to use over the course of several different fishing trips. By using this method, you can have a supply of catalpa worms that will stay frozen and last up to an entire year if done correctly!
Final Thoughts
Catalpa worms make for some of the best baits for fish like bass, catfish, and panfish. If you can find an active tree with these worms feeding around, don’t be afraid of taking some home with you and storing them for long-term use throughout the year! You never know when you might need them, and they are sure to provide you with some of the best natural bait you can find!
Interested in checking out more information about fishing bait? Look no further than our articles on:
Why Bigger Baits Trigger the Biggest Bass
Top 5 Most Attractive Trout Baits
How to Build Your Own Worm Bait Farm
For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.
