Mealworms Make Excellent Trout Bait

Nightcrawlers (also called earthworms) are a favorite choice of bait for many trout anglers. But did you know trout also love mealworms?

Mealworms are much smaller than nightcrawlers. They also have a hard outer shell, segmented body, and lot of legs. These worms are the larval form of the darkling beetle - so in reality, they're more of an immature insect as opposed to a worm. This is probably why fly fishers tend to be more familiar with their value in trout fishing.

Mealworms are often found under rocks, tree logs, and in grain storage areas. They feed on animal and plant leftovers. The good news is that you don't have to go out and find your own mealworms. Many sporting goods stores (including Wal-mart) sell them for fishing purposes.

You can put them on your hook, just like a nightcrawler and fish them using a spinning rod and reel combo. Mealworms can be used in lakes, rivers and streams to catch trout. When fishing in lakes, you can bottom fish mealworms or use a bobber to keep them near the surface where trout are feeding.

Next time you go fishing, give them a try! And remember, other fish besides trout like them too!