Hi All

I'm getting into this fly fishing thing and have even managed to catch a few fish. All in all very enjoyable and much more demanding and skilful than simply watching a float or dropping a ledger.

But . . . I have, in the past, had a lot of success fishing with a simple earthworm (used as bait on a hook, freelined with a little split shot on a light spinning rod and reel. And, yes, trout love 'em.)

This set me thinking: is there an artificial earthworm lure that could be fished as a "wet fly"? After all we try to copy, match and otherwise re-create all sorts of creepy crawlies (not just "flies" in spite of the term "fly fishing").

I've had a look around but can't seem to find anyone who make or sells an imitation earthworm; anyone think this might work? Anyone used one? Anyone know where to get one?

Thanks.

Have a look at a tandem or triple ki hi wet fly.
Is dressed to look like a long wriggler!

regards
bert

I'll get this in quick, before we get branded as heretics.

But I've been thinking the same thing, not made any yet. I've been toying with the idea of clear silicone from a tube. Squirted onto a sheet of glass, allowed to dry. Then coloured in with markers. Or running a bead of silicon over some wool.

When I get round to making some, I'll let you know how they go. Then I'll send you a couple if you wish.

Sean

Use chenille instead of wool, and rib with similar coloured flexi plas to imitate segments!
regards
bert

Cheers Bert.

I just had a google, apparently rubber worms are popular in the US for Bass fishers.

Maybe Fred, Famous Grouse, Darwin, Silver Creek or one of the other American/Canadian fellas could shed some light on it.

Sean

Rubber worms american bass style are just a tad large for fly fishing, unless of course you are using 11 weight double hander!
Use them occasionally when worming for salmon, live worm up line, followed by rubber worm on hook, works a treat!
But they are big brutes!
6 or 7 inches long.
the chenille and flexi plas combination comes from a rag worm pattern used by swff for flounders!
regards
bert

Your turning out to be a bit of a star Bert, once again thanks.

Sean

Google "San Juan Worm," just change colours.

Fred

Edit: Bass worms are FAR TOO LARGE! A non-starter. Do have a packet of very small (actually kids toys worms from Evil Tevo) to try. If you want to try a 'plastic Bass worm' you'll need what's called a 'worm threader' on a blank hook. Threader puts the 'worm' up on your leader with the hook at the very bottom.

Anything less (especially if you're using a 2-hander) will rip the thing off in a few casts.
fae

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What you can't imitate is the SMELL. I'm sure this is a trigger factor.

You could use brown silicone?

Smear the glass first with a layer of Vaseline, the silcone won't stick