Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Worm Farm for Fishing
Ready to stop spending money on bait and start raising your own? Building a worm farm for fishing is easier than you think, and it guarantees fresh, lively worms for every trip to the lake.
Plus, you’ll save money, reduce waste, and even get free garden compost as a bonus. Let’s jump into the 6 easy steps to building a worm farm for bait fishing that’ll keep your tackle box stocked year-round
Why Start a Worm Farm for Fishing?
Did you know a container of bait worms can cost up to $5 at the bait shop, and they don’t always stay fresh? By building your own worm farm, you’ll have an endless supply of live, wriggly worms ready for action.
Plus, home-raised worms stay healthier and last longer on the hook—perfect for those long fishing days!
Now that we’re on the same page let’s get down to business.
Step 1: Choose the Perfect Location (Where Worms Feel Like VIPs)
Worms, like the rest of us, prefer the good life. That means avoiding places where the sun turns their humble abode into a sauna or where rain turns it into an Olympic swimming pool. Find a spot that’s shaded, protected from wind and rain, and not too hot. Remember: worms are sensitive creatures—they want to thrive, not just survive.
Here’s where your worms will thrive:
- Shade: Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
- Cool Temps: Aim for 55°F–77°F for optimal comfort.
- Dry Spot: Protect the bin from rain to avoid flooding their home.
Step 2: Build Your Worm Bin (A Cozy Worm Mansion)
You don’t need a fancy mansion for your worms; any old plastic tote with a lid will do. If you’ve got a couple of spare containers lying around, you’re already halfway there! One container will serve as the worm bin, and the other can catch drainage (aka worm tea—trust me, your plants will love it).
What You’ll Need:
- A large plastic tote with a lid (20–30 gallons works great)
- Drill with a 1/8-inch bit
- Mesh or cardboard for the bottom layer
- Optional: A second tote to catch worm tea
- Pro Tip: Drill some holes in the sides and bottom of the bin for airflow and drainage. Worms love fresh air but hate a soggy mess. If you’re worried about worms escaping, add a layer of mesh or cardboard at the bottom. After all, we’re building a home, not a jail.
Step 3: Add Bedding and Soil (Think of It Like Worm Furniture)
Now it’s time to set up the interior design of your worm mansion. I recommend using peat moss, coconut coir, or a cheap seed-starter mix for bedding. Pro tip: these materials are dry, so add water to moisten things up before introducing your worms. Nobody likes moving into a dry house.
For an extra cozy touch, throw in some shredded newspaper or non-waxy cardboard. Worms love to snuggle in there (trust me, they’ve told me). Then, lay a sheet of moist cardboard on top to keep everything dark and damp—just the way they like it!
Step 4: Introduce Your Worms (Welcome to Your New Home!)
Now for the fun part—adding the worms! I personally prefer European nightcrawlers or red wigglers—they’re tough, prolific, and make excellent fishing bait. You can grab them from your local bait shop or order them online from Meme’s Worms (where you can often snag some sweet deals).
Start with around 1 pound of worms (approximately 1,000 wrigglers) to get things moving.
After a long trip through the mail, your worms will be thirsty (who wouldn’t be?), so give them a little water to hydrate. Then, just pour them on top of the soil and leave the lid off for about an hour. They’ll squirm their way down into their new home, and before you know it, they’ll be living their best worm lives.
Step 5: Feeding Your Worms (They’re Not Picky Eaters, I Promise)
You don’t need to cook a five-course meal, but you do need to feed your worms to keep them happy and multiplying. Here’s the lowdown on worm cuisine:
Worm Feeding Dos and Don’ts:
- ✅ Fruits, veggies, coffee grounds, eggshells, shredded paper
- ❌ Meat, dairy, oils, citrus peels, greasy food
Read our post on feeding a worm bin here!
- Balanced Diet: Think of your worms as little compost machines. Feed them fruits, veggie scraps, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, and shredded newspaper. Avoid meat, dairy, and anything greasy—that’ll just stink up the place.
- Chop & Bury: Chop food into small pieces and bury it in the bedding. This speeds up decomposition and helps prevent pests (nobody invited them to the worm party).
- Moderation is Key: Overfeeding can lead to a stinky, rotting mess, and trust me, your worms won’t appreciate it. Start small, then increase as they chow down on what you’re giving them.
Feed your worms once or twice a week in small portions, and remember—chop or blend the food small and bury it to prevent pests.
Step 6: Harvesting Worms for Fishing (Get Those Bait Worms Ready)
Once your worm population is booming, it’s time to harvest your bait. Gently remove the top layers of bedding to find your prize-winning worms. If you’re not fishing right away, store the harvested worms in a cool, moist container—your fridge will do the trick. Just don’t confuse the worm bin with your snack drawer (lesson learned!).
Harvesting Made Easy:
- Use a worm sifter for quick separation.
7 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Worm Farm
Keeping your worm farm healthy ensures happy worms and endless bait. Here’s how:
- Moisture Control: Keep bedding damp but not soggy. Dry bedding? Add water. Too wet? Toss in some shredded paper.
- Temperature: Worms are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Keep their home between 55°F and 77°F.
- Ventilation: Make sure those air holes stay open—good airflow keeps the worm house fresh.
- Feeding Schedule: Don’t overdo it. Feed them small amounts regularly and check how quickly they’re eating.
- Harvest & Refresh Bedding: Every couple of months, harvest your worms and add fresh bedding.
- Avoid Harmful Substances: No chemicals, oils, or meat products—keep it clean and organic.
- Regular Check-ups: Check for pests and other issues. Worms are generally low-maintenance, but it never hurts to keep an eye out.
The Best Worms for Fishing Bait: European vs. Canadian Nightcrawlers
Let’s talk about the real stars of the show—your future bait worms. When it comes to fishing, not all worms are created equal, and you want the best wriggly companions to catch those fish. The top contenders for the job? European nightcrawlers and Canadian nightcrawlers. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each so you can choose your bait wisely!
Read our post on best worms to grow for fishing here!
Quick Comparison Table:
| Worm Type | Size | Breeding Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Nightcrawlers | Medium | Fast | Composting & Fishing |
| Canadian Nightcrawlers | Large | Slow | Big Game Fishing |
Fun Fact: European nightcrawlers can live up to 4 years with proper care!
European Nightcrawlers (Eisenia hortensis)
If worms had resumes, the European nightcrawler would definitely list “multi-talented” at the top. These worms are a favorite among both composters and fishermen, which makes them the Swiss Army knife of worms.
- Pros:
- Perfect Size: They’re smaller than their Canadian cousins but still big enough to catch plenty of fish.
- Hardy and Resilient: These little guys are tough! They can handle a wide range of temperatures and aren’t picky eaters.
- Great for Composting Too: If you’re a dual-purpose worm farmer (compost by day, fish by night), European nightcrawlers are the ultimate choice. They break down organic matter like pros.
- Cons:
- Smaller Than Canadians: If you’re after big fish, you might need to load a couple of these guys onto your hook to get the same effect as one Canadian nightcrawler.
- Escape Artists: Be warned, they tend to be little Houdinis. Make sure your bin has a tight-fitting lid because they’ll wriggle right out if given the chance.
- Care Guide:
- Environment: Keep them in a cool, moist environment. They’re happiest between 55°F and 70°F.
- Bedding: They love a comfy bed of moist peat moss, coir, or compost.
- Food: European nightcrawlers aren’t picky. Fruit, veggie scraps, and coffee grounds are on their menu. Just keep it organic and avoid meat or dairy.
- Breeding: These worms breed faster than you can say “fishing trip.” In no time, you’ll have a whole army of nightcrawlers ready to fish and compost.
Canadian Nightcrawlers (Lumbricus terrestris)
The Canadian nightcrawler is like the Arnold Schwarzenegger of worms. These big guys are robust, muscular (for worms, anyway), and perfect for catching larger fish. If you’re after the big catch, this is the worm for you.
- Pros:
- Big and Meaty: These worms are practically the size of small snakes, making them irresistible to big fish. You won’t need to double up on bait with these giants!
- Long-Lasting: They’re the marathon runners of the worm world. Canadian nightcrawlers stay lively on the hook for a long time, which means you won’t have to replace your bait constantly.
- Cons:
- Picky Little Divas: They may be tough, but they’re also a bit high-maintenance. They prefer cooler temperatures and tend to shrivel up in the heat.
- Slower Breeders: Unlike their European cousins, Canadian nightcrawlers don’t reproduce as quickly, so you’ll need to be patient if you’re looking to grow your bait supply.
- Care Guide:
- Environment: Canadian nightcrawlers need to chill—literally. They thrive in cooler temperatures, between 45°F and 65°F. If it’s too warm, they’ll start getting sluggish or worse, they’ll make an early exit to the worm afterlife.
- Bedding: Like their European counterparts, they enjoy peat moss or coir, but since they prefer cooler conditions, keep their environment moist and well-ventilated.
- Food: These worms enjoy a nice, simple diet. Stick to organic material like fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and eggshells. Just remember, no greasy pizza leftovers—this isn’t a college dorm.
- Breeding: They take their sweet time when it comes to reproduction, so don’t expect a massive worm family overnight. But, if you’re patient, you’ll have a steady supply for fishing trips.
For the Non-DIYers: Here Is A Worm Bin List!
Let’s be honest, not everyone wants to get their hands dirty building a worm bin from scratch—and that’s totally okay! Maybe you’d rather spend your time fishing instead of wrestling with power tools and drill bits (I get it!). If you’d rather skip the DIY part and just buy a worm bin and worms, I’ve got you covered. There are plenty of great options out there that will get you farming worms faster than you can say, “Fish on!”
Best Ready-Made Worm Bins for Fishing Bait
- The Urban Worm Bag – Check Price Here
- Why It’s Awesome: This is the Rolls-Royce of worm bins. It’s breathable, easy to use, and perfect for indoor or outdoor worm farming. It comes with a handy zippered lid, so no Houdini worms escaping in the night!
- Best For: Anglers who want a low-maintenance, high-quality worm farm that will last for years.
- Bonus: It even comes with a spout to collect worm tea (liquid gold for your garden).
- Meme’s Worm Farm Starter Kit #1 Pick – Check Price Here
- Why It’s Awesome: If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, Meme’s worm kit comes with everything you need—worms, bedding, a bin, food and instructions. It’s basically the worm farm equivalent of a “set-it-and-forget-it” rotisserie oven.
- Best For: Beginners who want a no-hassle, ready-to-go worm farm. Just add food, and your worms will be ready to roll!
- Bonus:Meme’s worms are becoming famous in the worm world (yes, that’s a thing). You’ll be getting top-quality, hungry worms ready to munch on your food scraps and prep for fishing trips.
- The Worm Factory 360 – Check Price Here
- Why It’s Awesome: This stacking worm bin is like a high-rise apartment for your worms. Each tray gives them more room to work their magic, and you can add more trays as your worm population grows.
- Best For: Anyone who likes to keep things tidy and compact. It’s perfect for small spaces and works indoors or outdoors.
- Bonus: It’s super easy to harvest both worms and worm castings, so you’ll have fresh bait and fertilizer at your fingertips.
Where to Buy the Best Fishing Worms (No Digging Required)
So you’ve got your worm bin, but what about the star of the show—your worms? Lucky for you, there are a few great places to buy high-quality fishing worms without ever leaving your couch. Here are my top picks:
- Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm – Shop Worms Here
- Why They’re Awesome: Uncle Jim’s has been in the worm business for over 40 years, so they know a thing or two about worms. Whether you need European nightcrawlers or red wigglers, they’ve got you covered.
- Best For: Anyone who wants hardy, healthy worms delivered right to their door. Plus, they often run bundle deals that’ll save you a few bucks!
- Our #1 Pick Meme’s Worms – Check Price Here
- Why They’re Awesome: Meme’s offers a wide selection of worms with great customer service and a focus on eco-friendly farming. They’re my go-to for getting good deals on bulk orders.
- Best For: Serious worm farmers and fishers who need a large supply of worms without breaking the bank.
- The Urban Worm Company – Check Price Here
- Why They’re Awesome: If you want premium European nightcrawlers, the Urban Worm Company delivers some of the best worms in the business. Plus, they often offer discounts when buying worms in bulk.
- Best For: Anyone looking for high-quality European nightcrawlers that are perfect for both composting and fishing.
Ready to Skip the DIY? Here’s How to Get Started!
If you’d rather save time and buy your worm farm ready-made, here’s how to get started in three easy steps:
- Pick Your Bin: Choose from one of the worm bins listed above (or find your own) and set it up in a shaded, cool spot.
- Order Your Worms: Head to one of the recommended sellers and order your worms—European nightcrawlers or Canadian nightcrawlers are perfect for fishing.
- Start Feeding: Once your worms arrive, follow the care guide (don’t worry, it’s easy), and in no time, you’ll have happy worms ready for their big fishing debut!
Remember, whether you build your own worm farm or buy one ready-made, the most important thing is to keep your worms happy, healthy, and well-fed. They’ll reward you with endless bait for fishing and some pretty stellar compost for your garden.
Read our post on best worm bins here!
Conclusion: Start Your Worm Farm Today!
Ready to stop buying bait and start farming your own worms? Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer a ready-made setup, starting your worm farm is a game-changer for fishing trips.
Grab your bin, order some worms, and let the bait-growing fun begin!
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