crawler picking HOW

[paceman]

I just went for a walk along a city street this morning at first light. After 45 minutes I had over 15 dozen

[SkunkedAgain]

My flight landed around 9pm on Friday night. Got home about 10pm and saw the lady across the street kneeling in her yard with a flashlight. I called out "Crawlers out?" She replied, "Yup!" I walked inside, kissed my wife, put on some grubby clothes and picked a couple dozen crawlers for my Memorial Day trip.

I always just wait for a rain and then go out afterwards. I usually don't see them on the concrete but they will be in the grass. Whomever said that it's like a "hunt" was right on. I always hear AC/DC's Night Prowler in my head as I snatch another unsuspecting crawler.

Anyone have ethical issues with taking crawlers that are mating? I just try to get the two-for so they can continue in my bait tub

[Queenswake]

You guys are cracking me up with the visuals of people out with headlamps and knee pads on, stealthily walking through the yard in the night. What a sight that must be.

I've been thinking about just building an in-ground screened in worm bed so I can have easy access to them. I'd think they'd reproduce pretty quickly to keep a constant supply. But I need to do some research.

I wish there was an easier way of getting leeches in large quantities like this. The prices at the bait shop kill me.

[CANOPY SAM]

The "twofer" is truly a test of a crawler hunter's skill. Especially if they've both got a little "tail" still sunk in the ground!

I suppose if one were to realize they only had a total of 3 night-crawlers in their yard, catching two simultaneously, while in "the act", might be considered a bit unethical. However, with about a billion of em' in two cubic yards of soil, I don't really think twice about the double grab.

I'm a little squeamish about what I've got all over my fingers after that grab though!

As far as reproduction cycle, and how long one might have to wait for young crawlers to mature in captivity, I'm not really too well read on those details. I can tell you this though. I've developed an "eye" for the big girls over years and years of picking.

I don't even bother going for the catch in thick grass unless they're as big around as a pencil. I don't want small crawlers. I only want the one's that make a guy a little nervous about whether they're gonna fight back once you grab em'! Those are the one's a fish just can't say no to either.