In this beginners guide to pumping for lug we head to the beach to discuss all matters lugworm and how to pump them. Ive taken advantage of some great input from local diggers. \It really is a great way to get your own bait and get out and enjoy the coastal environment.
You can buy my catch report diary from amazon here Its a great way to record your sea fishing catches.
Lugworms, also known as "blow lug" or "black lug," are marine worms commonly found in the intertidal zones of sandy and muddy shores around the UK. They play a significant role in the marine ecosystem and are particularly valued by sea anglers as bait. Here's a detailed overview of the different types of lugworms and their importance to sea anglers. Types of Lugworms 1. Blow Lug (Arenicola marina): * Appearance: Blow lug are usually reddish-brown in colour and can grow up to 25 cm in length. They have a segmented body with noticeable ridges. * Habitat: Found in sandy or muddy substrates in the intertidal zone. They live in U-shaped burrows and are identified by the casts they leave on the surface of the sand. * Distribution: Common around the coasts of the UK, particularly in estuaries and sheltered bays. 2. Black Lug (Arenicola defodiens): * Appearance: Black lug are darker in colour, often black or dark brown, and can grow larger than blow lug, reaching lengths of up to 30 cm or more. * Habitat: Prefer deeper, more stable sand environments and are typically found lower down the shore compared to blow lug. They create longer, J-shaped burrows. * Distribution: Found in similar regions to blow lug but are generally less abundant and require different digging techniques. Relation to Sea Anglers Lugworms are a crucial bait for sea anglers targeting a variety of fish species, including cod, bass, flounder, and whiting. Their high availability and attractiveness to fish make them a preferred choice. Here’s how sea anglers interact with and utilize lugworms: 1. Digging for Lugworms: * Equipment: Anglers use a garden fork, spade, or specialized bait diggers to extract lugworms from their burrows. * Techniques: * Blow Lug: Anglers identify blow lug burrows by the distinctive casts on the sand surface. They dig beside these casts to uncover the U-shaped burrow and extract the worm. * Black Lug: Digging for black lug is more challenging due to their deeper burrows. Anglers often dig trenches parallel to the shoreline, searching for the worms in the lower parts of the shore during low tide. * Conservation: Sustainable digging practices are encouraged to preserve lugworm populations and the broader ecosystem. This includes refilling holes and minimizing disturbance. 2. Using Lugworms as Bait: * Preparation: Lugworms can be used fresh or preserved. Fresh lugworms are preferred, but they can also be frozen or salted for later use. * Hooking: Anglers thread the lugworm onto the hook, often using multiple worms to create a more substantial bait presentation, enhancing its appeal to fish. * Effectiveness: Lugworms emit a strong scent that attracts fish, making them particularly effective for beach and shore fishing. 3. Ecological Importance: * Sediment Mixing: Lugworms play a key role in the marine environment by mixing and aerating the sediment, which benefits other marine organisms. * Food Source: They serve as a food source for various birds and fish, contributing to the overall health of the coastal ecosystem. Conservation and Management With the high demand for lugworms, there are concerns about over digging and its impact on local populations. To ensure sustainability, the following measures are recommended: * Regulations: Some areas may have restrictions on the amount of bait that can be collected and specific times or zones where digging is allowed. * Education: Anglers are encouraged to learn about sustainable practices and the ecological impact of over harvesting. * Research: Ongoing studies on lugworm populations and their habitats help in creating effective conservation strategies. By understanding the different types of lugworms and their role in angling and the ecosystem, anglers can contribute to sustainable fishing practices while continuing to enjoy successful fishing experiences.
As always thanks for watching I hope you get out and pump some worms
*Amendments ,mistakes and revisions to the video go here *** Looking in to washing up liquid -this really can cause problems so i,m not using it-lots of studies in to its detrimental effects
