Throw the bait package and algae into the garbage not the water
From John Ewart,
Aquaculture and Fisheries Specialist
Delaware Aquaculture Resource Center
Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service
College of Earth, Ocean and Environment
University of Delaware
This is an excerpt from the brochure Protect our Fisheries, you can also visit the project website Bait Worm Study for more detailed information.
Protect Our Fisheries Keep Out Invasive Species Trash Unused Worms & Packaging … Are you an angler who buys and uses bait worms (bloodworms)? You can make a difference in keeping Mid-Atlantic fisheries healthy and free of harmful, non-native animals and plants. A key step you can take: Please throw away your unused, unneeded bait worms in the garbage, along with any seaweed or other types of packaging that your bait is packed in. Bait worms imported from other states or countries can carry unwanted species in the packages, like small crabs and snails. Called “invasive” species, these can show up in places they don’t belong. They can cause serious harm to the economy and the environment and may damage your fishing spot. To prevent this, please trash both the bait worms — bloodworms, Lug worms, sandworms, etc. — and the packaging material. Please use a trash container or take them home to your own trash can for disposal.
Why the Bait Creates a Problem ….
Bait worms and their packaging come from companies that are outside the Mid-Atlantic region. Bait worms are usually packaged in live seaweed that harbors many live animals and plants. Nonnative crabs, snails, and a variety of other animals and plants can hitch a ride to wherever the bait is sold. The little “hitchhiking” aquatic invaders are often too small to see with the naked eye.
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Please dispose of all packaging and algae from bloodworms. We don’t need any more invasive species in Delaware waters.
Fish On!
Rich King
Fishbites Versus Bloodworms
Using Fishbites The Best Artificial Bait
The best artificial alternative to bloodworms is Fishbites’ bloodworm formulas. There is a fast acting and long lasting formula available in red or chartreuse. The fast acting works well in colder water and dissolves much faster than the long lasting.
A live bait alternative that is easy to catch are common grass shrimp. There has been a shortage of bloodworms the past few years and will probably continue to get worse. Collection nd access issues is one factor.
Coastwide Bloodworm Shortage Use Fishbites Instead