How to Raise Red Worms for Fishing

How to Raise Red Worms for Fishing

• 1

  Drill holes around the top perimeter of the storage bin using a 1/16-inch drill bit and drill. Space the holes approximately every two inches. The holes will provide ventilation for the worms once they are placed in the bin. The hole is small enough so that the worms will not be inclined to escape from the bin.

• 2

  Cut an 11-by-11 inch square out of the lid of the storage bin using a utility knife. Use a ruler and a pencil to assist in making an accurately-sized opening. Score the line a couple of times with the utility knife and continue to apply pressure until the plastic is completely cut through. Remove the square from the lid and throw it away.

• 3

  Position the 12-by-12-inch piece of fiberglass screen over the opening in the lid. Center the screen. Rip off duct tape and place it along the edges of the screen to secure it to the lid of the bin. This will provide ventilation to the red worm bin.

• 4

  Spray a large amount of shredded newsprint with a spray bottle filled with water. Continue to spray the newsprint until it reaches the consistency of a damp sponge. Place the newsprint in the bottom of the bin. Fluff up the newsprint with your hands.

• 5

  Spread out the red worms over the newsprint. Place some plant-based food scraps in one corner of the bin under the newsprint. Snap the lid into place on the bin. Place the bin in a cool and dark place in your house or garage. The space needs to be a moderate temperature. It cannot reach temperature extremes or the worms will die.
  Although many worms do require dirt, red worms live in layers of decomposing leaves and other rich organic matter. This is the climate we are trying to simulate with the shredded newspaper and other organic household wastes such as vegetable peelings.

• 6

  Feed the worms plant-based food scraps as they are needed. Typically once per week is sufficient. Check the moisture of the bedding every couple of days. Spray the bedding if it has begun to dry out. Again, the moisture should be that of a damp sponge. You may begin to use your red worms for fishing within a month or so. Use only a few at a time to ensure that you do not use too many before the worms have time to reproduce.