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The lobworm is the largest of the earthworms found in Britain. They grow to 20+cm and can be dug up anytime. The lobworm is responsible for the spiral heaps of soil, left on well tended lawns. The heaps are called 'casts'. It is very effective for catching perch, large roach, tench, bream and carp. It can also be chopped into small pieces and is effective in this form for catching lots of canal perch in the depths of winter. This can be done with any of the earthworms, and is just as effective. Collecting the lobworm is best done at night, when, with a soft-footed approach, they can be found lying on the grass with their tails still in their holes. The faintest vibration will send them shooting back into the earth. A sprinkling of water with a very weak soap solution will bring them up to the surface where they can be gripped until they relax, and gently pulled out of their holes. An over-zealous tug will end up in half a worm. The other half will retreat and grow a new front half. Place them in damp newspaper, on some compost to clean off the soap solution, otherwise you will not catch many fish.
TIP - Wearing washing-up gloves are handy for easing worms from their holes.
TIP - When first collected, lobworms tend to be a bit slimy, placing them in a container of moss or grass-cuttings will leave them clean and lively.
REDWORM
The redworm is one of the smaller species of worm, and is not usually more than four inches long. It is a good bait for roach, dace, bream and perch, although any species of worm may appeal to all freshwater fish. This worm is found in compost heaps, and under large stones or rotting logs. Any sizeable object in the garden could conceal enough worms for a full days fishing.
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