Live Bait vs Dried Lugworms – Which One Really Catches More Fish?

Introduction

Surf anglers have relied on live bait for decades, but is it really the best option today? With advancements in bait preparation and angler feedback, dried lugworms are challenging the old-school approach.

Let’s break down live bait vs dried lugworms so you can decide what actually puts more fish on the sand.

Live Bait: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Natural scent
• Familiar to most anglers

Cons

• Requires refrigeration
• Short shelf life
• Messy and fragile
• Hard to keep on the hook

Dried Lugworms: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Long shelf life
• No refrigeration needed
• Stays on the hook longer
• Easy to carry and store
• Works on most surf species

Cons

• Some anglers underestimate them (until they try them)

Which One Catches More Fish?

In real surf conditions, bait durability and time in the water matter. Dried lugworms stay on the hook longer, allowing you to fish more and rebait less.

Many anglers report equal or better results compared to live bait—plus dried lugworms allow anglers to rehydrated with scent.

🎣 Influencers like Bill Varney and Fishingthisway consistently show successful catches using dried lugworms.

👉 See how anglers rehydrate bait for better bites in: How to Fish Dried Lugworms (Rigging, Tips & Tricks)

The Smarter Choice

If convenience, consistency, and performance matter to you, dried lugworms are the clear winner.

👉 Make the switch today: Shop Dried Lugworms