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Step 1
Use a rag or bunched-up paper towels to pull a leech from your bait container. If neither is handy, just rub some dirt or sand on your hands for more traction. Then dig into your bait bucket.
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Step 2
Use younger leeches as bait, as they are firmer and livelier. Older leeches are easy to spot because they have rings around their noses.
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Step 3
Use a lighter hook, such as a number 6, when fishing with leeches. If the fish aren't biting, use a number 8 or number 10 hook to drag your bait to the bottom of the water.
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Step 4
Hook the leech through the nose. Don't be upset if it latches on to your finger. It won't hurt you. Just pull it off and try again. If the leech curls up on the hook, discard it and use a different one.
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Step 5
Be patient and let the fish run a bit once you get a bite.
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Step 6
Store leeches in a covered, aerated container in a cool spring or in mineral water. Make sure the holes in the lid aren't too big, or the leeches will escape.
