Top 6 Species You Can Catch with Dried Lugworms & The Best Setups for Success
Top 6 Species You Can Catch with Dried Lugworms & The Best Setups for Success
Dried lugworms have earned a place in many anglers' tackle boxes due to their durability, convenience, and ability to catch a wide variety of species. Do not underestimate this bait because when used correctly, they are highly effective at attracting a diverse range of fish in the surf. This blog ranks the top 6 species you can catch with dried lugworms and discusses the best setups to land them.
When properly used, dried lugworms offer a distinct advantage due to their ability to stay intact during casting and handle rough surf conditions. Here are the top species you can catch with them and how to maximize your chances of success:
1. Barred Surf Perch (Top Pick)
Species Information:
Barred Surf Perch is one of the most abundant and popular species for surf anglers along the California coast. These fish travel in schools and are often found near the shore, feeding on small invertebrates, including worms. They are an excellent target for beginners as well as seasoned anglers due to their prevalence and the fun fight they provide.
Best Setup:
- Rod/Reel: Light to medium spinning rod (7-9 ft) with a 2500-3000 size reel.
- Line: 6-10 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon for subtlety.
- Rig: Carolina rig with a small #6 or #8 hook and a ½ to 1 oz sliding sinker.
- Technique: Cast past the breaking waves and retrieve slowly, as Barred Surf Perch often feed in the shallow surf zone. Try varying the speed of your retrieve to find the right presentation.
Randy with a nice size Barred Surf Perch
2. Croakers (Yellowfin, Spotfin, Black)
Species Information:
Croakers, particularly Yellowfin and Spotfin Croakers, are bottom feeders that scour the sand for worms, crabs, and small fish. They are a favorite for surf anglers because of their consistent bite and size. Spotfin croakers, in particular, can reach impressive sizes, making them a prized catch.
Best Setup:
- Rod/Reel: Medium-action rod paired with a 3000-size reel.
- Line: 10-12 lb monofilament or braid with a fluorocarbon leader.
- Rig: Fish-finder rig or a simple high-low rig. Use size #4 or #6 hooks.
- Technique: Croakers feed in sandy troughs near the surf. Cast your bait into these areas, let it sit, and wait for the fish to strike. Letting the bait drift with the current can also be effective.
Rene with a beautiful yellowfin croaker
3. Corbina
Species Information:
Corbina are often considered one of the more challenging surf species to catch because they are known to be highly selective feeders. However, they are also highly sought after due to their strong fight and delicious fillets. Corbina tend to feed in the shallow surf zone, often only a few feet from shore.
Best Setup:
- Rod/Reel: Light surf rod, around 8-10 ft, with a 2500-3000 size spinning reel.
- Line: 6-8 lb fluorocarbon for stealth, as Corbina are shy and easily spooked.
- Rig: Carolina rig with a small size #6 hook and a ½ oz egg sinker.
- Technique: Corbina typically feed very close to shore, so keep your cast short. Slow and subtle retrieves work best, allowing the dried lugworm to mimic the natural movement of live bait. Keep an eye on your line as bites can be subtle.
4. White Sea Bass
Species Information:
White Sea Bass are elusive and known for their powerful fight, making them a favorite target for surf anglers. They are often caught near reefs, kelp beds, and deeper waters, but they can also be found in the surf zone under the right conditions, particularly during their spawning season.
Best Setup:
- Rod/Reel: Heavy tackle is needed here—use a 10-12 ft surf rod paired with a 4000-5000 size reel.
- Line: 20-30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader for abrasion resistance.
- Rig: Fish-finder rig with a size #1 hook and a 2 oz sinker.
- Technique: Cast beyond the breaking waves into deeper water where White Sea Bass tend to patrol. Allow the current to drift the bait naturally. Be ready for a strong fight once they strike.
Manny's first White Sea Bass
5. California Halibut
Species Information:
California Halibut are predatory ambush feeders often found in sandy bottom areas, bays, and shallow surf zones. They lie in wait for prey, and when presented with a lugworm, they often strike out of instinct.
Best Setup:
- Rod/Reel: Medium-heavy spinning rod (8-10 ft) with a 4000-5000 size reel.
- Line: 15-20 lb braid or monofilament with a fluorocarbon leader.
- Rig: Carolina rig with a size #2 or #4 hook and a 1-2 oz sliding sinker.
- Technique: Cast into sandy patches or near drop-offs, where halibut often hide to ambush prey. Slowly retrieve the bait, mimicking a small creature moving along the bottom. The key is to keep your bait moving slowly to entice the halibut into striking.
California Halibut caught by Charles
6. Striped Bass
Species Information:
Striped Bass are hard-fighting predators found in surf zones, particularly during their migration. They are known for their aggressive nature and will readily hit lugworms as they search for food near the surf. They are often targeted at dawn or dusk when they come in close to feed.
Best Setup:
- Rod/Reel: 9-11 ft surf rod paired with a 5000 size reel.
- Line: 20-30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader.
- Rig: Fish-finder rig with a size 1/0 hook and a 2-3 oz sinker to handle the surf conditions.
- Technique: Focus on casting into deeper waters just past the breakers. Slow retrieves, allowing the current to carry the bait, will often provoke a strike from striped bass patrolling the area.
Why Dried Lugworms Are So Effective
Dried lugworms offer several key advantages for surf fishing. They are very durable and stay on the hook even in strong surf conditions. Their long shelf life and ease of storage make them convenient for anglers who don't want the hassle of live bait but still want to catch fish. Dried lugworms also tend to stay intact after multiple casts, ensuring that anglers spend more time fishing and less time re-baiting.
These species are just a few examples of the many fish that find dried lugworms irresistible. When targeting these surf-dwelling species, make sure you have a pack or two of dried lugworms in your tackle box to increase your chances of success. Happy fishing!