What is a Worm Harness?
Fishing means different things to different people. For many, it is a picturesque idea of 2 friends, in a flat bottom boat, on a small lake with fishing lines in the water, talking quietly. For others, it is being on a big boat, miles out in the ocean, going after huge blue marlins and other sportfish. But if you are from the midwest and Great Lake region, it means either jigging or trolling for walleye. Throwing anything from a spoon, a spinner bait, or the worm harness.
Schelk Worm Harness - Old Fashion Harness
What really is a Worm Harness?
If you're a fishing aficionado , you might have heard about a "worm harness" before. But if you're new to the sport, you may be wondering what this term means. A worm harness is a fishing setup that's designed to help you catch fish; specifically walleye, perch, and other species that feed on worms.
A worm harness is a set-up that's typically made up of a fishing line known as a leader, a hook or multiple hooks, and a blade. The leader is the section of fishing line that connects the rig to your main fishing line, and it's usually made from fluorocarbon or monofilament. The hooks are typically small and designed to hold a live worm or a piece of nightcrawler. Depending on what you’re fishing for, there can be anywhere from one to three hooks and they're spaced out along the leader to increase your chances of catching a fish. Finally, the spinner blade is attached to the leader and is designed to spin in the water, creating flash and vibration that can attract fish. Then, at the top of the leader is a small loop with a smaller bead. The smaller bead helps to keep the weights at the top of the the leader, allowing the harness to stay down in the water but flow freely.
Why Use a Worm Harness?
There are a few reasons why a worm harness can be a great tool for anglers. Firstly, it allows you to present your bait in a natural and enticing way. By using live worms or nightcrawlers, you're offering fish a meal that they're already used to eating in their natural environment. Secondly, the spinner blade can be a great way to attract fish that might otherwise ignore your bait. The flash and vibration created by the blade can grab a fish's attention from further away, making it more likely that they'll swim over to investigate.
How to Use a Worm Harness?
Using a worm harness is relatively simple. First, you'll need to tie the leader to your main fishing line. Make sure to leave a few feet of line between the two so that the harness can move freely in the water. Next, add your hooks to the leader, spacing them out evenly along the line. You can use as many hooks as you like, but keep in mind that more hooks means a higher chance of getting tangled. Finally, attach the spinner blade to the leader, making sure that it's positioned so that it will spin freely in the water.
Once your worm harness is set up, it's time to get fishing! Cast your line out and let the harness sink to the desired depth. You can then slowly reel in the line, making sure that the spinner blade is spinning as you do so. This will create flash and vibration in the water, which can attract nearby fish. If you feel a tug on your line, it's important to give the fish a few seconds to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Conclusion
A worm harness is a simple yet effective tool for anglers looking to catch walleye, perch, and other species that feed on worms. By using live bait and a spinner blade, you can increase your chances of attracting and catching fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, adding a worm harness to your fishing arsenal can be a great way to up your game on the water. Schelk harnesses use top of the line materials and are hand tied. Made using colors set-ups that we personally have success with. Check out all our options now!