Every year, the last weekend in January marks the end of the predator fishing season. While it's necessary to wait until the beginning of May to be able to re-soak our lures, in some places it's still possible to continue our search for pike-perch and other freshwater predators using earthworms.
Check regulations
First and foremost, fishing with worms is not authorized in all départements, and it's very important to check with your local federation to find out which practices are authorized. Sometimes worm fishing is simply forbidden, in other departments it is authorized subject to conditions, and in others it is even possible to use worm imitations. So if you don't want to fish illegally, be sure to check!
Ethics
Furthermore, the closing of the river corresponds to the pike reproduction period, but also to the start of spawning for other species. As pike are not the main target and do not feed during this period, this practice poses no problem. On the other hand, from April onwards, it's best to really stop your fishing activity with worms, as pike-perch and perch will soon begin their frolics...
For which species?
Fishing with worms is a highly productive technique, particularly for percids. Perch and pike-perch will be your main catches and targets, but it goes without saying that every catch can be the occasion for a surprise, from roach to carp, via bream or barbel... The worm is by no means a selective bait!
The right conditions
Although worm fishing is effective all year round, it is particularly popular during the closed season, for the reasons mentioned above, but also for strategic reasons. From December until spring, rainfall is frequent and sometimes accompanied by flooding. These climatic events have the effect of tinting the water and washing away the banks, dragging along many organisms, including earthworms. This is why the various species are particularly sensitive at this time of year.
Drop Shot
The first rig you can use for worm-handled fishing is the drop shot rig. To target perch, choose small earthworms or manure worms and for pike-perch, opt for nice earthworms.
This set-up is ideal for fishing very precise spots and taking long pauses while letting your glasses wriggle a few centimetres above the bottom.
In Carolina Rig
The Carolina rig can also be a good option, especially for prospecting large areas. However, I reserve this rig for areas without current, as the leader spins quickly.
To be handled on a mount
Finally, the technique I prefer, and which can be used in exactly the same way as with a soft lure, is the use of a large worm solidly mounted on a handling rig. The only difference with a soft lure will then be the weight, and the length of the pauses that you can allow to go on and on.
This technique is ideal for presenting and animating a nice worm in a counter current or in a current vein. In my opinion, the most effective rig for targeting pike-perch. In any case, the one I prefer!
