Bloodworms Vs. Liver

[bucktail3]

why do bloodworms seem like the only bait to use this time of year? maybe not the ONLY bait, but the primary bait.

The only reason I ask this is because there is such a high price, and it seems like the shortage has caused panic among us fisherman. Is it because the bloodworms are bloody, and that is what the bass can smell?

Has anybody ever used chicken liver for bait? They are just as bloody as bloodworms, 10x cheaper and I have caught stripers in freshwater on liver in place of bloods.

I was thinking about using the standard set-up for stripers, and rather than threading on a bloodworm, putting on a night crawler and a chunk of liver.
I know crawlers dont last too long in the salt, so rather than a nightcrawler, maybe one of those gulp! worms that are supposed to be so life-like.
This recipe would have to be perfected, but maybe a liver-worm combo would be as well-recognized as the squid-minnow combo for fluke.

anybody have experience with liver in the salt?

[rubrbsct]

I have used nightcrawlers for weakies but like you said they go fast in salt water. Old salts tell me to change my worm (blood) every 15 minutes or so to keep them fresh so with that in mind a nightcrawler would do ok. In early spring when the water is this cold the crawlers last a little longer too. I used gulp baits last spring at graveling point but with no results. I have used liver in the Delaware river to catch striper but it is tough to keep it on the hook when casting. I plan on doing the pepsi challange this spring one rod bloodworms one rod crawlers then I will be able to make a better choice. I do think they would work I just think no one wants to waste time experimenting when catching them is hard enough in early spring using proven methods. let us know how you make out...Jim

[Ken]

I'm making it my mission this spring to try anything else but bloodworms this Spring.

It is possible the stocks are down, but have not heard any evidence that they are, so in my opinion the suppliers (Not the Bait/Tackle shops) are sticking it to us. Perhaps the labor cost to gather them has increased, but I really don't know.

All I know is the cost is way to high for me to use them and I'll look for any and all alternatives because I'm sure that bass eat more than just bloodworms. If I fish the river I plan on using Herring, blood worm imitations, or as posted, the chicken livers.

In my opinion the suppliers (not the bait & tackle shops) need to change the production in order to get the price down to a reasonable level.

Try something else and let us know about your results.

Ken
If your willing to pay $12 or more per dozen expect to pay more or the same next year and in the future. If the demand is still there don't expect a reduction in the price.

[freedom]

i have to agree with rubrbsct,

"I do think they would work I just think no one wants to waste time experimenting when catching them is hard enough in early spring using proven methods. let us know how you"

i think he's rigth,i've caugth em in the river on liver,when fishing for cats,not many but that may be the cats beat em to the baits,

now you seem to be asking salt water, i belive they will wash out fast in the brine,

good luck

[Grasshopper]

I have caught Stripers in the spring using mackrel strips. Bloods are the best though.

[cvs]

I've also caught stripers on liver while fishing in the Maurice River. Had herring out and liver for catfish and picked a couple of stripers. I believe that they will eat almost anything.

[md10392]

i grew up in the midwest and have had days where I would catch 30-50 hybrid striped bass on chicken livers. Also, I caught my biggest ever striper (32 lbs) in the Tuckahoe River on chicken livers fishing for catfish.

[Reel-ality]

I don't know about liver but on the Susquhanna flats when the herring are coming up we use herring chunks, they will out produce bloods. This changes when the herring aren't running, then the bloods work better.

Dave Isanski

[Fred81876]

You need to fish with whatever bait is naturally available and when it is cold bloodworms are plentiful and an easy meal. If you want to experiment try using a winter flounder roe, I think you may be surprized.

[clamchucker]

Every year it's the same bitch :rolleyes: . Just how many bass do you people plan on catching anyway? Pay for your dozen to be assured of the best possable bite, then if need be, toss your leftovers & see how they work. This time of year there is next to nothing to "steal" thoes "gold" worms & only bass seem to be the takers should you not know how to apply them to the hook or miss the strike. Many a hook splaches down in the water bare due to improper impailing & casting ;) IMHO

[Mike]

I've had good success with fresh herring chunks in the river catching stripers.

[Jim Mac]

Would salting the chicken livers toughen them up like other baits?

[bucktail3]

It's just a thought, guys.

After reading some of your posts, I realize that to a fisherman like myself, catching fish is definitaly worth the price of bait, IMHO.

BUT, you have to admit, that it would be nice to catch stripers on a cheaper alternative;).

[rubrbsct]

what is the going price this year for a NICE dozen bloods?

[DEEP POCKETS]

Herring is the way to go and are reasonably priced.

[San-Man]

I was in Eastern Marine in Newark DE yesterday and the asking price was $9.50 for a dozen bloods...

[A Frayed Knot]

Originally posted by rubrbsct:
what is the going price this year for a NICE dozen bloods? Fisherman's Headquarters had nice big one for 12 dallars.

[bob rittner]

Hi Guys, What is the difference between chicken liver and beef liver, they both are bloody? Thanks.

[bob rittner]

Hi Guys, What is the difference between chicken liver and beef liver, they both are bloody? Thanks.

[Karl]

Ya know, the weather in New England where they get the bloods has been kind of nasty. I suspect that has something to do with the scarcity. It's not like these are raised on farms.