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Sports and Fitness
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Fishing
Fishing Tackle
How to Bait a Hook with a Worm Download Article Co-authored by Michael Reynolds
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked
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Standard Baiting
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"Sock" Baiting
|
Video
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Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Michael Reynolds. Michael Reynolds is a Professional Fishing Instructor and the Owner of Long Beach, California Fishing Lessons by Michael Reynolds. In his over 40 years of fishing experience, Michael has become very knowledgeable about the variety of fishing methods and techniques. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with beginners to experienced anglers. Michael has been guiding and teaching fishing for over ten years and is licensed and bonded with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 352,151 times.
A worm on your hook isn't any good to you if it wiggles off with every cast. Get the most out of your worms with this how-to guide. You'll learn how to hook a worm quickly and easily so that it stays on the hook until you get the that bite!
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Standard Baiting
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1 Grab a worm and a hook. Before you go fishing, you should buy a container of worms or dig some up from your garden. Keep them in a small container full of cool dirt - Tupperware works well. Only bring your worms out when you're ready to use them. Make sure your hook is well-secured to your fishing line.[1]XResearch source
For tips and tricks on finding your own worms, see our How to Gather Earthworms guide. For help tying your hook to a fishing line, see How to Tie a Fishing Knot.
2 Stick the barbed end of the hook into the end of the worm so that it passes all the way through. Pick a spot about half a centimeter from one end of the worm. Too close to the worm's head, and he might be able to wiggle away from the hook. Take care not to hook your hand as the hook passes through the worm's body - don't press directly down onto the hook's point through the worm.
No need to be squeamish! Though the worm may squirm and thrash when you hook it, scientists believe that worms can't feel pain.
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3 Push the worm to the top of the hook. Slide the worm up the hook in the same way you would slide a bracelet up your arm. Position the speared worm so that it's just below the hook's knot.[2]XResearch source
To further secure the worm, some fishermen tie the short end of the speared worm to the fishing line with a simple knot called a half hitch . To perform a half hitch knot, loop the fishing line around your worm, passing the line through the loop. Tighten to secure the worm to the line.
4 Grab the long end of the speared worm and push the hook through it again. Choose a spot a little further down the length of the worm - your best bet is to leave a little slack so that the "loop" of the worm's body between the two speared spots is slack enough to move a little. Repeat this step going down the length of the worm. When baited, the worm should have an accordion-like appearance.[3]XResearch source
The precise number of times you'll need to spear the worm varies based on its length. Generally 3-5 times is plenty.
Don't spear the very end of the worm. By leaving a little of the worm's length a little "limp," you allow it to wiggle, which catches fish' attention better than a tightly speared worm.
5 Pull the worm down onto the hook. If your worm is bunched up near the hook's knot, move it down to the "curve" of the hook. You want the fish to bite the hook's barb - if the worm isn't anywhere near the barb, a fish might be able to get a free meal!
6 Cast away! Repeat this process as needed when you lose a worm or catch a fish. Practice makes perfect - it can be tough to spear squirmy, slimy worms at first, but within no time you'll be baiting worms like a pro angler. Happy fishing!
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
"Sock" Baiting
Download Article
1 Pierce a worm with the hook just behind its head. Don't push the hook all the way through - the hook should be inside the worm's body but not coming the other side. This method of baiting is a little more difficult and increases the chance that a fish will take your worm without biting the hook, but it's much more attractive to fish. You'll go through more worms this way, but you'll also get more bites.[4]XResearch source
2 Slowly and carefully push the hook through the worm's body lengthwise. Work the worm around the hook's curve like you'd push a sock up your leg. This step is difficult - be careful not to split the worm in half by pulling the hook's barb through the worm's body again.[5]XResearch source
3 When the worm's head is all the way up the length of the hook, stop. Pierce the point of the hook through the worm so that it's sticking out of its side. Allow the rest of the worm's body to dangle limply below the hook. Because so much of the worm is allowed to hang free of the hook, the worm's wiggling will be much more visible to fish in the water than in the standard method. It's also easier for fish to take the "free" portion of the worm without biting the hook. This method is high-risk, high reward.[6]XResearch source
4 Cast! If you're using this method, make sure you have plenty of worms handy - you'll go through them quickly. If you can't seem to get the hang of it and keep splitting your worms in half, you can still use the torn segments of worm as bait by simply by spearing them on the hook just under the barb.
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Community Q&A
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Question How do I kill the worm before I start to torture it? Community Answer You can't do this without butchering the worm to the point that it's unusable for fishing - defeating the purpose of killing it in the first place. Also, the movement of a live worm on the hook helps attract fish. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 22 Helpful 50
Question Where are good places to find worms in the garden? Community Answer Look for them under rocks and garden pots, or just start digging! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 24
Question How do I tell which end is the head? Community Answer It's the pointier, darker end. The back is lighter in color and more blunt. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 30
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Leave dirt on your hands when you hook your worm. The grit of the dirt makes it easier to grip a slimy worm as you slide it up the hook. Plus, it may mask your human scent, making your worm seem like a more natural meal to the fish. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
Instead of spearing the worm multiple times as in the method above, some fishermen spear the worm only once, then carefully "thread" the hook down the length of the worm's body (like putting a sock on your foot.) The fisherman then pushes the hook's barb out of the worm, leaving some of the worm's length to dangle. This method works equally well but requires a little more practice for a beginner to become proficient. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 15
Since hooks are barbed, it's almost impossible to remove a worm from a hook without tearing it once it's been baited. If your worm gets torn, don't worry - though a live, wriggling worm is more attractive to fish, a limp worm piece still works as bait. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 26
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
If you accidentally cut yourself on the hook while baiting a worm, keep the wound clean and rinse with soap and water as soon as possible.
If the hook is stuck in your skin and you can't get it out, don't panic - consult our how-to guide on removing fishing hooks.
Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Michael Reynolds Professional Fishing Instructor This article was co-authored by Michael Reynolds. Michael Reynolds is a Professional Fishing Instructor and the Owner of Long Beach, California Fishing Lessons by Michael Reynolds. In his over 40 years of fishing experience, Michael has become very knowledgeable about the variety of fishing methods and techniques. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with beginners to experienced anglers. Michael has been guiding and teaching fishing for over ten years and is licensed and bonded with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). This article has been viewed 352,151 times. 76 votes - 87% Co-authors: 17Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 352,151 Categories: Fishing Tackle | Fishing BaitArticle SummaryX
To bait a hook with a worm, take the worm and push its body through the hook about a centimeter from one end. Then slide to worm up the hook, grab the worm’s body and push through the hook again, making sure to leave a little slack so the worm can wiggle. Spear the worm 3-5 more times so it’s secure but leave the tail dangling so the worm looks like it is wriggling through the water. Additionally, make sure the worm is near the end of the hook, so the fish will bite the hook while trying to get the worm. Read the article to learn about sock baiting and why you might want to try it.Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
George R.
Aug 10, 2018
"I never fished with plastic worm lures. This article was amazing, I am hooked (no pun intended)! Taught me how to fish, tie Texas rig, the right knot and right lures for the conditions."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Michael Reynolds Professional Fishing Instructor Co-authors: 17Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 352,15187% of readers found this article helpful. 76 votes - 87% Click a star to add your vote
George R.
Aug 10, 2018
"I never fished with plastic worm lures. This article was amazing, I am hooked (no pun intended)! Taught me how to fish, tie Texas rig, the right knot and right lures for the conditions."..." more
Anonymous
Oct 25, 2016
"Thanks for the tip about having dirt on your fingers to help hold onto the worm! I have a terrible time holding onto the squirmy little rascals!"..." more
Richard Bensen
Jan 5, 2017
"Proper hook application solved my major hangup. Realized just knot tying needed improvement. Thank you guys."
Anonymous
May 4, 2017
"I learned where the worm's head was." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Co-authored by Michael Reynolds 
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Co-authored by: Michael Reynolds Professional Fishing Instructor This article was co-authored by Michael Reynolds. Michael Reynolds is a Professional Fishing Instructor and the Owner of Long Beach, California Fishing Lessons by Michael Reynolds. In his over 40 years of fishing experience, Michael has become very knowledgeable about the variety of fishing methods and techniques. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with beginners to experienced anglers. Michael has been guiding and teaching fishing for over ten years and is licensed and bonded with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). This article has been viewed 352,151 times. 76 votes - 87% Co-authors: 17 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 352,151 Categories: Fishing Tackle | Fishing Bait Article SummaryX
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1 Grab a worm and a hook. Before you go fishing, you should buy a container of worms or dig some up from your garden. Keep them in a small container full of cool dirt - Tupperware works well. Only bring your worms out when you're ready to use them. Make sure your hook is well-secured to your fishing line.[1] 
2 Stick the barbed end of the hook into the end of the worm so that it passes all the way through. Pick a spot about half a centimeter from one end of the worm. Too close to the worm's head, and he might be able to wiggle away from the hook. Take care not to hook your hand as the hook passes through the worm's body - don't press directly down onto the hook's point through the worm. 
3 Push the worm to the top of the hook. Slide the worm up the hook in the same way you would slide a bracelet up your arm. Position the speared worm so that it's just below the hook's knot.[2] 
4 Grab the long end of the speared worm and push the hook through it again. Choose a spot a little further down the length of the worm - your best bet is to leave a little slack so that the "loop" of the worm's body between the two speared spots is slack enough to move a little. Repeat this step going down the length of the worm. When baited, the worm should have an accordion-like appearance.[3] 
5 Pull the worm down onto the hook. If your worm is bunched up near the hook's knot, move it down to the "curve" of the hook. You want the fish to bite the hook's barb - if the worm isn't anywhere near the barb, a fish might be able to get a free meal! 
6 Cast away! Repeat this process as needed when you lose a worm or catch a fish. Practice makes perfect - it can be tough to spear squirmy, slimy worms at first, but within no time you'll be baiting worms like a pro angler. Happy fishing! Advertisement 
1 Pierce a worm with the hook just behind its head. Don't push the hook all the way through - the hook should be inside the worm's body but not coming the other side. This method of baiting is a little more difficult and increases the chance that a fish will take your worm without biting the hook, but it's much more attractive to fish. You'll go through more worms this way, but you'll also get more bites.[4] 
2 Slowly and carefully push the hook through the worm's body lengthwise. Work the worm around the hook's curve like you'd push a sock up your leg. This step is difficult - be careful not to split the worm in half by pulling the hook's barb through the worm's body again.[5] 
3 When the worm's head is all the way up the length of the hook, stop. Pierce the point of the hook through the worm so that it's sticking out of its side. Allow the rest of the worm's body to dangle limply below the hook. Because so much of the worm is allowed to hang free of the hook, the worm's wiggling will be much more visible to fish in the water than in the standard method. It's also easier for fish to take the "free" portion of the worm without biting the hook. This method is high-risk, high reward.[6] 
4 Cast! If you're using this method, make sure you have plenty of worms handy - you'll go through them quickly. If you can't seem to get the hang of it and keep splitting your worms in half, you can still use the torn segments of worm as bait by simply by spearing them on the hook just under the barb. Advertisement 
Community Answer You can't do this without butchering the worm to the point that it's unusable for fishing - defeating the purpose of killing it in the first place. Also, the movement of a live worm on the hook helps attract fish. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 22 Helpful 50 
Community Answer Look for them under rocks and garden pots, or just start digging! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 24 
Community Answer It's the pointier, darker end. The back is lighter in color and more blunt. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 30 
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