Fishing is more fun when you can catch a bunch of them. Anglers know that baits are the best asset in luring a fish. Numerous selections and one of them is slugs, so, let us find out if “are slugs good for fish bait?”
Slugs are good fishing baits. However, anglers must be concerned about the type of slug to choose and the type of fish that they want to bait.
This article has gathered information to support your breakthrough in looking for the applicable slug as bait which will surely fill your fishnet.
Are slugs good for fishing?
Yes, slugs are good as fishing bait, but there are things to consider before using them.
Slugs are typically located in a place with high humidity. Which is not surprising if we found them near the garden under the pots, muds, under the stones of ponds, rivers, or lakes.
Now, you must also understand that slugs do not primarily live in water, but they are only drawn due to moving water or in the rainy season.
Fishes only prey on those baits whom they got used to. Feeding them with unfamiliar baits will likely push them to swim away and miss your chances of catching.
Lucky for you if the angling area is already filled with slugs and fishes have known it. This is the time where you can use slugs as baits.
Are slugs harmful to fish?
Slugs are slimy creatures and serve as pests to other people, but the good thing is they are not poisonous. On the contrary, it also depends on the type of slug and type of fish.
Slugs release mucus either to help in movement or for lubrication purposes.
There are other slug species called marine slugs that live deep in the ocean which are venomous. However, they are unlikely to be eaten because their physical appearance scares the predator, thus making them avoid it.
Moreover, banana slugs are smelly and utilize their smell to discourage predators which are not good as fish baits. Commonly black, grey, and red-colored slugs are a good option.
What type of fish eats slugs?
As mentioned, there is a variety of fish who enjoy slugs for a meal. Anglers should be aware that fishes can be picky eaters and change their diet like humans and other animals.
Fishes from freshwater are likely enticed by slugs. Carps, small bass, some panfish, walleye, and catfish will surely enjoy eating slugs.
Unfortunately, slugs won’t work on salmon, large bass, or pikes since they prefer small fishes.
Where do slugs live?
Looking for live slugs as fish baits can be easy. One important point to keep in mind is that they always go on wetlands like your garden or nearby pond, river, or lake.
A garden does not only bloom flowers, but it also breeds slugs. They adore green and humid places since their source of food such as plants, worms, fungus, snails, and even animal waste can be found.
Aside from that, plants play a big role in their hiding from predators and sunlight. You heard it right, slugs are no vampires, but they despise being exposed to sunlight because its secretions or mucus may dry out, hence preventing them from moving.
As much as possible they always live in moist areas. Although slugs can be seen crawling out in open grass fields after a cloudy or rainy season looking for food and another place to stay.
When to catch slugs?
For the intriguing question, the greatest time to catch slugs is at night where the temperature is low, humidity is high with less wind.
Once the sun sets, slugs crawl out from their cave to feed at night. Just bring along your flashlight and you shall see them over pavements, rocks, or plants.
In instances of rainy or cloudy weather, slugs become active and can be easily seen above the surface of the garden, and even brought on nearby lakes, or streams by the wind or flood.
However, if you are unlucky enough to catch any one of them, go to a bait shop and see some available slugs.
How to store slugs for future fishing?
If your fishing trip has been canceled and you’ve already collected slugs, then we will teach you how to store slugs for future fishing purposes. Aside from that, this might be an opportunity to also breed your slugs while you wait for fishing season.
Now we’ll show you 4 steps on storing live slugs for future fishing.
Step 1: Prepare a large plastic container with a cover that is enough for the slugs to roam around. Poke some holes to allow circulation of oxygen, be sure that it’s small and the slugs cannot get through it.
Step 2: Collect some enriched soil then fill half of the container. Since slug preys on plants, we should put additional stuff that they will like such as gravel, old and new plants, almost rotten wood, and some decaying plants.
Make sure to change the contents at least every 3 or 4 weeks.
Step 3: Recycle your old spray bottle or buy a new one. Use it to water the container. As we all know, slugs love moisture, so we should give them what they want to live longer.
Spray them frequently every other day or when needed. Just ensure their home does not dry out.
Step 4: Refill the container with foods namely vegetables, mushrooms, seeds, leaves, and some decayed plants. Fruits like berries can be given but only in moderation because a sugary diet kills slugs.
How to use slugs as fish bait?
If you’re new to using slugs as bait, anglers recommend familiarizing its anatomical structure. Slugs are small but when hooked in the wrong section you will lose them.
Hook the slug in the mantle. This is a saddle-like apparatus at its dorsal side of the back. It’s an ideal part to retain the slug from the hook when already soaked in water, hence it also promotes movement to lure the fish.
Conclusion
Overall, the question “are slugs good for fish bait?” has been proven right. Live red, black, or grey slugs can become baits. But not all fishes are enticed by it. They can be slimy, but they are useful in your fishing trips.