Live Baits :

Worms: These small wriggly things live in abundance in the soils throughout Nova Scotia.

They come in a number of different colours, sizes and even shapes but all make for a great natural and abundant live bait. Worms are readily bought throughout Nova Scotia or can easily be found with a shovel and a patch of dirt.

Gathering worms
Worms typically live in rich, moist soils. They like lots of dead and decaying vegetable matter (this is what they eat).

The most basic method of worm gathering is to simply dig in your garden and gather the worms however there are a couple of other methods commonly used throughout the world.

Worms in the rain is exactly as it sounds - we have all noticed the worms crawling around on roads and in puddles during rain storms during the summer. Simply gather them up and store them for future use.

Jumping on nightcrawlers is a bit more lovely activity as it requires a moderate amount of physical activity.

Night crawlers (dew worms) typically come to the surface on cool summer evenings - they come seeking that worm love and can usually be spotted entangled in their passion.

Steps for night-crawlers:

1. About 1-3 hours before sunset soak an area of your lawn where the grass is shortest. Soak it well as the moisture will trigger the worms to head to the surface.
2. After dark (1-2 hours) go out with a narrow beam flashlight (any flashlight will really work). Shine the light on the ground and look for outstretched worms.
3. Quickly attempt to grab the worm. It takes practice but once you get the hang of it its a great method for gathering bait.

Tips:
Worms usually stretch out 1/2 to 2/4 of their body out of their hole. Worms are VERY fast at returning to their hole and will do so at the slightest noise/disturbance.

If you can discern the location of the hole the worm is outstretched form - target that end - not the head.

Worms can be very strong but they have no staying power. Dont immediately yank the worm out as it will just break off - instead just pull/hold at a steady pressure and the worm will lose its grip and let go of the hole.

Vic Dunaway's
Complete Book of Baits...

Hook, Line, and Sinker
The Complete Anglers guide
to terminal Tackle