Live Worms For Fishing In River This Time Of Year?

[FiletAndRelease]

So, I'm new to smallmouth fishing during this time of year.  During the summer I reel them in non-stop on a live worm.  I've seen a lot of plastic worms being used during winter, but will a live worm work? 

[Oregon Native]

Of coarse...but why. Messy, cold, expensive, dirt gets undernails, hassel to get sometimes! Dropshot with four incher in appropiate color is just fine.

[FiletAndRelease]

You do have a really good point!  I didn't really think of that.  I really need to try drop shotting, have never tried it yet.  Seems pretty effective, and definitely popular!  Thanks for the response!

[KyakR]

Welcome to the forum! Like your name

[pbizzle]

Senkos work really well, but will be just as exspensive as live worms. I like the yum dingers really well, but I find that the big bite baits trick sticks are just as good. 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

Depends on how you fish the live night crawler. If you fish it mojo-style and let it sit there doing its thing on the bottom, it can be a seriously tasty snack for a fish.

 

Look up Fish Chris on this forum, and Google his site, you'll find some excellent information on fishing night crawlers. And he catches absolute monsters, FWIW.

 

EDIT: I take that back, I just googled his site to post it for you, but is seems to be a place holder and out of commission. Maybe he's got a new one. Anyhow, had some great articles on using live bait. Maybe he'll chime in here if he's around.

 

Personally I do not fish them much anymore -- but will occasionally. I prefer to rig a Senko, Stik-O (BPS brand), or Zoom Trick and Finesse worms wacky style.

 

Worms can indeed be messy, but sometimes they out fish soft plastics like nothing out there. I would never rule them out, they're not just for kids

[basscatcher8]

I like fishing night crawlers in the summer here on the river. Those days when you just want action and dont care what ya catch. Works awesome for finding the bass holes and then finding a few of the catfish holes laying down there as well. I usually fish the crawler on a drop shot with the big tail hanging off and let the current and the cralwer do its thing.