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How to Keep Maggots for Fishing Bait

Maggots are an excellent bait to use for fishing. Fish of all different species will bite at this bait. They have been known to attract anything from a half-pound minnow to 50-pound carp. The best thing about using maggots is that you can raise your own for next to nothing in two weeks.

Things You'll Need

Plastic container
Apples
Paper

Instructions

- 1
  Cut five holes in the lid of a plastic container. The holes must be large enough for a fly to fit through.
- 2
  Cut apples in half and put them in the container. Use just enough apples to fill the container, but leave one corner empty.
- 3
  Wad up paper and put it in the empty corner of the container. Maggots can drown if they do not have a dry spot to sit on.
- 4
  Put the lid on the container and sit it outside in a shaded area.
- 5
  Check the contents of the container regularly. There should be small white maggots visible on the fruit within a few days.
- 6
  Bring the container inside when you see maggots growing. Keep the container in a warm, dark area.
- 7
  Remove the maggots and use them as bait once they reach 1/4-inch long. They usually reach adulthood 10 days after hatching.
- 8
  Keep the maggots in a refrigerator if you plan on saving them for longer than a week. It is best to use them within two weeks.

Insects & Science