How to Catch Leaches for Fish Bait

Hook leeches behind the sucker to make them swim.

Leeches are one of the most effective baits for many freshwater fish. Their swimming action makes them irresistible to everything from bluegill to walleye. Leeches can be hard to find at bait shops, but you can catch your own by using some common household items. Many people recoil at the thought of touching a leech, but the leeches used for bait are not the bloodsucking type. Hook bait leeches behind the sucker for the best action.

Things You'll Need

• Coffee can
• Hammer
• Nail
• Twine or string
• Bait

Instructions

1. Crimp the edges of a metal coffee can together until only a small slit remains.

2. Punch a set of holes in one of the edges of the can with a hammer and nail. Tie a piece of twine through the holes so you can retrieve the can.

3. Bait the leech trap with chicken livers, raw hamburger or fish guts. Sink the can in shallow water, preferably in small pond or marsh with no fish.

4. Leave the trap overnight, then retrieve the can before the sun comes up. After daybreak, the leeches will swim out of the trap.

5. Pour out some of the water, then let the trap sit in a shady area for about an hour. Discard any leeches that don't crawl out of the trap.

References

• Up Fishing: Catch a consistent supply of leeches

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish