Catalpa Worms

Catalpa worms - the caterpillars of the catalpa sphinx moth - are a legendary Southern bait with an almost cult following. Found on catalpa (often called "fish-bait" or "catawba") trees in summer, these tough-skinned green-and-black caterpillars are catfish candy, and panfish and other fish eat them just as eagerly. Anglers who have a productive catalpa tree guard its location like a fishing hole, harvesting and freezing the worms to fish long after the season ends. When they're available, few baits out-fish a "cat worm."

What it catches

Catfish above all - channel, blue and bullhead cats hit them hard - along with bluegill and other panfish, bass, and freshwater drum. Their tough skin and rich scent make them especially deadly on catfish, and Southern anglers consider them among the very best natural baits when they can be found.

Getting & keeping it

Harvest them from catalpa trees in summer, where they feed in waves on the leaves (a good tree may produce several broods a season). Pick them off the leaves by hand. Fish them fresh, or freeze them for later - many anglers freeze batches to have "cat worms" available year-round. Keep fresh ones cool and in a container with some leaves; refrigeration slows them down.

How to rig it

Fish them whole on a bait hook, and for catfish, turn the tough worm inside out over the hook (a common trick) to release the juices and scent while keeping it durable. Hook them once or thread a couple on for a bigger bait. Fish on a bottom or slip-sinker rig for catfish, or under a float for panfish. Their skin holds the hook well.

When it shines

Summer, when the worms are on the trees and catfish are active - this is a seasonal bait tied to the catalpa's cycle. It shines for catfish in rivers, ponds and lakes, and frozen worms extend the magic into other seasons. When a catalpa tree is producing and cats are biting, it's hard to beat.

Field tips

Find and remember your catalpa trees, since a producing tree is a summer bait goldmine. Turn worms inside out for catfish to maximize scent. Freeze the surplus in bags for off-season use, though fresh generally out-fishes frozen. Check trees through the summer for successive broods.

Common mistakes

Fishing them limp and frozen when fresh is available, not turning them for catfish and missing the scent advantage, harvesting too few to last a trip, and letting fresh worms overheat and spoil instead of keeping them cool or freezing them promptly.