We always called them Catawba, but some folks use catalpa as the spelling, either way they are great to fish with. My question is how is the best way to keep catawbas for an extended period? :dtect Hear folks saying cornmeal in the fridge, some in the freezer, thawed they come back to life? What is your experience with these worms? We were always busy doing other things, so when we saw them on the trees we might take time to pick a few and fish right then and not consider saving them for a later time.
Treefarmer
Here's a handful of the rascals!
Treefarmer
so when we saw them on the trees we might take time to pick a few and fish right then and not consider saving them for a later time. Treefarmer
Yep, that's what we used to do. They're great fish bait. I wouldn't be sure how to keep them though. Never heard of the freezing or corn meal in the fridge things but you could give it a try. I say just go fishin' and let'em keep on the tree! :sailor
What kind of trees do you find them on?
Not cuttin' you short there, Bossman, but just run a search on either Catalpa or Catawba tree. It will give you all the scoop on the trees. They are quite common here in Washington County. The worms will defoliate the trees after they hatch as part of their life cycle, that is when they are gathered for fish bait. There are commercial Catawba worm growers that are advertising their product on the www. I've caught 4 or 5 fish with the same worm, they are very tough.
Treefarmer
