My good friend, Tim Mooney hails from a little place called Mollymook, down along the East coast of Australia, a bit south of Sydney. He has an intriguing hobby that has also become a business in his retirement. Beach worming, also known as beachcasting for worms, is a popular pastime for anglers along the Australian east coast, particularly in Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.
Here is a breakdown of what you may want to know about beach worming:
Target Species
The main target when beach worming is the Giant Beach Worm (Australonuphis species). These impressive creatures can grow up to 3 meters long and are highly sought after as bait for various fish species like bream, whiting, snapper, and jewfish.
Techniques
There are two main techniques for catching beach worms:
Attracting them to the surface: This involves using strong-smelling bait like dead fish, prawns, or pilchards to attract the worms out of the sand. Once a worm emerges, you can gently grab it by hand or use pliers.
Digging them out: In some cases, you might need to dig for the worms if they aren’t readily attracted to the surface bait. Look for V-shaped patterns in the sand, which can indicate the presence of a burrowed worm.
Important Considerations
Location: Sandy beaches with gentle slopes and long swash periods are generally good spots for beach worming. Look for areas with known fishing activity or consult local tackle shops for recommendations.
Tides: The best time to go beach worming is typically during low tide when more of the beach is exposed. This allows you to access the worms’ habitat more easily.
Regulations: Always check local fishing regulations regarding bait collection and any licensing requirements in your specific area. Some regions might have restrictions on the quantity of worms you can collect.
Sustainability: Be mindful of collecting too many worms. Take only what you need and consider alternative bait options to avoid over-harvesting these creatures.
Additional Tips
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for beach conditions.
• Bring a bucket or container to store your collected worms.
• A headlamp or flashlight can be helpful for night fishing trips.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially rip currents and potential hazards.
Beach worming can be a rewarding and fun way to catch bait for your next fishing adventure on the beautiful east coast of Australia. Remember to practice responsible fishing practices and enjoy the outdoors!
You can find Tim hanging out on his favorite beach — he might even have a surfboard under his arm — or through is website, Catch Beach Worms. If you should be down Mollymook way and look him up, tell him I said, “Hey!”
