James RickardNot all night crawlers are created equal
July 20th 2011 05:14
One way to tell if the guy at the bait shop knows his stuff is to buy a dozen night crawlers and ask, "Are these Canadian night crawlers or African?" If the guy selling the worms has much experience with the public, he can quickly choose one of the two answers and make it sound convincing whether it's right or wrong.
The term "night crawler" is actually a catch-all phrase denoting any large worm no matter where you find it. Since this blog originates in the Eastern United States, we won't try and snow you with regurgitations from science books but rather, tell you what has been learned from experience.
Most anglers in the States are familiar with the Canadian Night Crawler. These are the big suckers almost as big around as a No. 2 pencil and can stretch out to over a foot. Although they're called, "Canadian" and most come form the Ontario area, you can actually find these mammoth worms as far south as North Carolina!
Gone are the days when enterprising youngsters would venture out after a rain storm, gather some night crawlers, set up a stand and sell their wares the next day. At any rate, they were probably selling African Night Crawlers, Eudrilius eugeniae . These are commonly found in most back yards throughout the United States. Africans are smaller than their Canadian counterpart; around 6-8" and about 2/3-1/2 as fat.
A new kid on the black is the European Night Crawler, Eisenia hortensis. You may see these worms under the name Belgian Worm, Super Red, Carolina Crawlers, or even Blue Worms. Scientist were studying this worm in Eastern Europe/Western Asia and brought a few samples to the U.S. Its story is still unfolding but, since the story of angling is full of evasive species, why should the bait be any different?
The term "night crawler" is actually a catch-all phrase denoting any large worm no matter where you find it. Since this blog originates in the Eastern United States, we won't try and snow you with regurgitations from science books but rather, tell you what has been learned from experience.
Most anglers in the States are familiar with the Canadian Night Crawler. These are the big suckers almost as big around as a No. 2 pencil and can stretch out to over a foot. Although they're called, "Canadian" and most come form the Ontario area, you can actually find these mammoth worms as far south as North Carolina!
Gone are the days when enterprising youngsters would venture out after a rain storm, gather some night crawlers, set up a stand and sell their wares the next day. At any rate, they were probably selling African Night Crawlers, Eudrilius eugeniae . These are commonly found in most back yards throughout the United States. Africans are smaller than their Canadian counterpart; around 6-8" and about 2/3-1/2 as fat.
A new kid on the black is the European Night Crawler, Eisenia hortensis. You may see these worms under the name Belgian Worm, Super Red, Carolina Crawlers, or even Blue Worms. Scientist were studying this worm in Eastern Europe/Western Asia and brought a few samples to the U.S. Its story is still unfolding but, since the story of angling is full of evasive species, why should the bait be any different?
There's always a hearty soul out there who wants to raise their own worms. Can it be done? Sure. Easily?? Pretty much so. This is getting pretty long so check in tomorrow. Same bat-time--same bat-channe and find out how to raise your own worms!
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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