How to collect Lugworm - A simple, effective method to SAVE Money and catch fish more Fish!

A guide to pumping for lugworm from a Professional digger. Digging your own Lugworm can save you money and help you catch more Fish
I head down to the Vast open beach to meet up with Dave the Digger.
Having not paid too much attention to Lug Pumping over the years i've come away feeling confident i can collect my own Bait for Sea fishing.Many thanks to Dave for giving up his time.
I hope you go out and give it a go.You can watch Daves video of actually making the pump here;
• Guide on How to Build ...
Remember there are local IFCA regulations to collecting worms and all other shellfish. These are also subject to change.
The Angling Trust are Promoting Anglings side in the hand gathering regulations and
So please do check what the regulations are for Collecting Lugworm in your locations.
That said this is a most enjoyable way to collect your own bait. I personally tend to go to my local tackle shop as they keep the bait fresh and well kept . However ill be giving this a go on the channel again.
Please have your say- Do you collect bait, do you have another method ? I did try using a fork but my back disagrees!
A lot does depend where you are digging or pumping.
Contact me [e-mail] if you have any questions about this or any of these videos.
WATCH NEXT- How about our beginners guide to BAIT here..
• EP:3 The Beginners gui...
Tight Lines
Matt Lingard

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Join me on Whatsapp for Giveaways, Up to date Sea Conditions and Coastal Life whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDUyOH65yDB2g2Nkd0t

[@patobrien5941]

I dug 120 lug in less than an hour today and I’m 63 next birthday. Personally I’d ban pumps because I reckon professional bait pumpers would have a bed cleaned out in no time! You made the point about not digging the same ground . Let’s keep the beds producing for years to come , dig what you need for a session ban the pumping

[@Jay-iq6yh]

I have fished my entire life and only dug worms a handful of times.. If anyone even thinks about complaining about the price of worms in the tackle shops I would advise you to go and try digging some worm... You will quickly change your attitude and pay for them without hesitation.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Good comment thanks

[@Piglife101]

You make it look easy! I bought a pump, tried for a whole day and got about 5 worms, I just buy them from the tackle shop now!

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ha you know we have to practice !

[@samiadb8503]

😂

[@petefishrigsandtips]

I went 7 times before I got it but I ce you do it worth it I've also taught a few to do it its really nit hard once u get the nack I now get between 3 to 400 In 3 hours

[@hastingsangler]

Hi Dave dont give you started f with 5 next time 10 and so on some days are harder than others even the pros struggle😁😁

[@petefishrigsandtips]

@@hastingsangler I only struggle if tides not right or to hot but when tides right I always manage iver 100 normally 3 to 400 but its just practice, their is no knack to it really I watch loads of diggers in beach they all use pumps differently some do a slow pull up then a fast jerk some just a fast quick pull all the way ,I just do a steady pull up ,one day they will be 2 inches from cast other days 4 to 5 from cast just go with a professional but honestly you will just find ur on way best tides I find are between 1.44 and below 0. I'm going tommorow it's 0 62

[@turboduckhead6179]

I remember watching a guy on KZbin from North England giving a demo on pumping lug. After watching how effective it was after years of digging with a spade and countless broken shafts I bought a 2 inch Shakespeare pump. I haven’t mastered it yet and the advice was always start off with the 2” and work down to the narrower bore pumps. Definitely a far more efficient way of gathering lug worm.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yea thanks mate. I think Dave is good at explaining that. Get experienced first then start tweeking bored and lengths I guess

[@Mister0String]

I'd save the spade for castles 🏰 fork is better, haven't tried a pump.

[@turboduckhead6179]

@@Mister0String I found the fork cut them in half.

[@grahamturner9704]

Been thinking of getting a pump for a while now. After watching your great video, I think I will go get myself one. Cheers guys. 😊

[@ironix1]

Nice one Matt. It is worth noting that some beaches just won't pump and are more suited to a spade, usually these contain blow lug only. The beaches without any grit at all and a high degree of mud within the sand work best with pumps and these are dominated by yellowtails and black lug.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Good thoughts thanks 😊

[@barlonmrando4921]

thank you for this info. I have been on the fence about buying a pump for a while now.

[@skateboardingjesus4006]

Damn, that's smart, efficient and the least disruptive method I've seen yet. I have to try that on the local strand. It's riddled with lugworm and the bass and flatties have a field day on them.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes I like that the fact it doesn’t churn up the beach

[@billybass4189]

One big advantage of the pump is not getting abused by ecomentalists for digging holes.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Nice one, thanks hadn’t thought of that

[@billybass4189]

@@SaltwaterAngler I've experienced it a few times, i guess it ultimately does do less damage than digging but back in the day i just had a fork n bucket.

[@spent808]

Well that's me in the shed tomorrow morning.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ha ha I want photos ! See how you get on 👍

[@Drone-Aye]

My cogs are turning too lol

[@nicholascavie2464]

Awesome again Matt I dug lug as a teenager I could dig a100 /150 keep some 4 myself and sell the rest no pumps in my day last time I was back in Hastings i watched a guy pumping it looked easy he let my have a go not as easy as it looked could not how much a rap of lug cost .Happy catching from AUSTRALIA Nick

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers as always Nick. It was quite fun and reminded me almost of what it was like to catch my first fish !

[@danielfitzgerald795]

amazing what you can do with a bait pump it's a lot easier than a fork well done grate video

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes well at least Dave makes it look easy @hastingsangler

[@paultaylor5750]

😁 great video as always keep up the good videos mate I will get my pump out soon and get back down there, as always very good information and details. Top bloke 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers Paul , hope your back on the beach soon. 👍

[@johnmaggiorino4493]

Way to go Boetie! In South Africa we also use pump mainly for mudprawn(cracker shrimps) 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Mud prawns ! I had to look those up !

[@andybrandon9059]

To clear up some confusion in the comments, these are Black Lugworm, they live in a vertical burrow hence why they can be pumped out. The other type of lugworm (and more common on beaches and in tackle shops) are Common / Blow Lugworm which live in U shaped burrows, you will often see a "blow" hole a few inches from the swirl of sand, it's almost impossible to pump "blow" lugworm without splitting them worms. Typically blow lug are collected by digging with a fork, professional diggers often dig a trench on the water side of an area they intend to dig and then turn over the sand on the shore side, it's backbreaking work which is why lugworm are quite expensive in shops.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Very thorough thanks

[@petefishrigsandtips]

Also brown lug yellow tails all lug worm what he has are not all black lug if u check the basket some are yellows and browns

[@andybrandon9059]

@@petefishrigsandtips true, but yellows and browns are still scientifically classified as blacks. (Arenicola defodiens) Some people speculate they are a different species, I personally think they are juvenile "blacks" as they are usually smaller and found higher up the beach. Either way, getting that yellow staining off your fingers is a pain in the ass lol...

[@hastingsangler]

@@andybrandon9059 i agree about the staining lol made me laugh

[@richardjones2811]

I pump blow lugworm without any difficulty, it's all down to technique. You're right, black lugworm do live in vertical burrows and when I pump them I come straight down on the cast, not like they do here.

[@ianturner3033]

Usual informative video Matt👍. I'm sure you will soon get the hang of it. 🤔 Thanks to your mate for explaining it all.👏👏 Take care and stay safe.😷🙊

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers Ian , think we all learned a bit there 👍

[@lucannewland1187]

Great video mate, Dave is a legend!

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes and he has his own channel now

[@Cornsnakefreak]

Its not as easy as he makes it look his advice was spot on one difference between his technique and mine i go straight over the hole little suck first then back in fast straight down it works better for me but his way is meant to be the best going in on an angle couldnt ever get that way mastered great advice that for those who aint never tried nice to see the tide out that far i used to get stuck out down there leaving it too long to come with the tide creaping in round the back off me allways got me great days great vid that keep em coming buddy spot on

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks mate appreciate that reply - it’s not for everyone digging lug - so appreciate that you appreciate what it’s aimed at

[@hastingsangler]

@@SaltwaterAngler Hi Bad Boy technigues might vary but the end result is the same you get the worm and you save money great😀😀

[@Cornsnakefreak]

I used to get my worms from steves tackle back in the day before i learnt to use the lug pump and it doesnt take long to find enough worms for it earns its moneys worth took me about a month buddy do some more vids on forraging for baits where and how to find them and how to use them like the trick with salt for getting razor clams out etc we live in hard times help your viewers save some cash love your site it allways brings back so many wonderful memories of my days in hastings

[@ManicFishing]

Great vid matt Good old Dave 😀

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers Mark, yep I think he explained it very well didn’t he 👍

[@hastingsangler]

@@SaltwaterAngler Hi Mark

[@trampster7306]

Interesting video thanks Matt. Like you, I usually head to a reliable Tackle shop for worm baits. Not well enough to go digging, but would probably be OK at a steady pace with a pump. The only place locally where I have seen folk collecting bait is very muddy, and I know quite a few guys have had to be rescued after sinking in the Mud, so I'll give that a miss! Stay safe & well - Dave. 🎣🎣👍👍

[@hastingsangler]

Hi yes i have had a few scary times in the winter when it is dark Thanks Trampster

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Great commenting as usual Dave thanks

[@andersuk7610]

hi matt iv been watching your vlogs mate they have been really good iv learned about Bass lureing thanks again mate 😄😄

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers Anders glad to have you onboard 👍

[@GonzoFishingIreland]

Ah giving me the itch to go out with the pump now haven't been out pumping since last year 😂👍🏻

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Get out there ! If nothing less your out in the salt, sounds and smell of that coastal environment

[@hooked4]

this got me wondering if we have any kind of beach worms on my side of the world 🤔 I JUST made a ghost shrimp pump. thanks for this video very cool!

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Interesting where are you ?

[@hooked4]

@@SaltwaterAngler im in NJ usa. my state is a little coastal peninsula

[@billybass4189]

Lowest tides are best for ragworm too, can be hard digging in shale but big rewards with quality bait.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yea love a rag !

[@MrSupermink]

great video this one cheers fella

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yea thought Dave explained things well !

[@AndyJ01]

Great video Matt. When I was learning the bait pumping lark, my Mate told me a great bit of advice, and he used to be a full time Digger,- always stand with your back to the water, this then ensures, that you, and the pump, are at the same angle to the sand at all times. Worked for me, as eventually you get the "Nack". Alvey Slim Pump....

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks Andy will try that !

[@carldawson832]

Hi matt you ok mate, i enjoyed that cheers. All the best mate from the north east Grimsby.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers Carl - appreciate that and nice to know where you are from too 😀

[@secretsix6]

i rember digging in the late eightys with the old 2 inch alvery pump still had about 200 300 a hundred a tide with an elbow to die for

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ha happy days. Pumpers elbow!

[@londonviking3801]

Been looking at the pumps but not sure it's worthwhile if you don't fish enough. Thanks for sharing.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yea good point - but there are other benefits in that you can be in control of your fishing not waiting for shops to open . Also a supply of fresh, gutted and salted on tap so to speak

[@carlshoesmith9816]

Nice to see you are still at it Dave how's the boat

[@SaltwaterAngler]

I’ll prompt him !

[@hastingsangler]

@@SaltwaterAngler Hi carl been a long time mate hope you are good .The boat is going great catching plenty of skate get in touch mate

[@carperblue]

Nice video, enjoyed that

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers mate 👍

[@stoney332]

We used to go dig rag the day before heading out fishing very handy living close to the last ya have a bit more to choose from where ud get a decent few worms

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yea good point , handy to be local and digging before fishing gets the anticipation up

[@stoney332]

@@SaltwaterAngler ah yeah it gets ya all hyped up for this fishing ahead

[@matred3538]

Hello, great video. I think I just saw you at Newtons Cove? I didn't put two and two together quickly enough to say hi. I was casting off the fishing spot on the sea wall. Sorry I missed saying hello if it was indeed your good self. ☺

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ahh not me my doppelgänger!

[@matred3538]

@@SaltwaterAngler similar boat and everything. I did have a mild hangover though. 😉. And another blank session.

[@mikesaul8711]

Fare play,great effort. Kind regards Mike. Norfolk

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers Mike sorry missed your message somehow

[@l.r.sfishing4011]

Great video always wanted to see one of thees guys in action.briliant stuff. But one question I've wanted to know how do you know witch beaches hold worms and witch don't. If your on holiday not knowing the area what's the signe there there 🎣🎣

[@hastingsangler]

Most tackle shops will give you good advice about the local beaches you are near and the dangers .If you are out on the beach look for the coils of sand they make as they burrow

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Good thinking thanks 🙏

[@SIPATAHONA]

Amazing

[@tonycamplin8607]

A very interesting video however you couldn't actually see what was going on and consequently it was difficult to follow. Unless you are right on top of the worm I can't make out how it gets sucked into the tube through the sand.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes tony thanks I’ll have a think about that from a filming perspective maybe see if Dave can do that on his new channel 👍

[@tonycamplin8607]

@@SaltwaterAngler Thanks for your quick response. Maybe it's a trade secret how it's actually done!

[@Voice-Actor]

Me too. I came to this from a first time perspective and couldn't work out the principle. Does the pump suck, or does it blow? I heard both terms used. Is the 'sand' softer near the hole? Does it liquify the sand? I used to dig lugs out with a fork, but sadly none the wiser with this bit of kit. Interesting, but only for those already in 'the know' I feel.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for this info. I’ll update this to show these principles

[@paulwilliams-rk6fy]

What side in relation to the cast do you push the pump In ,your back to the sea facing the sea left right I'm a bit confused with that bit

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks I think a more detailed video might help there - either me or Dave will do this update and link to it

[@dn744]

Awsome ✌️

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Good good

[@dn744]

@@SaltwaterAngler sadly I am medically knackered. I can't travel apart from hospital appointments 🥺, but the call of the sea, with a rod in hand is strong. So if I must result in watching others enjoying it, then it's better than nothing.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ok my friend well I’ll be back to holding the rod more feeling for those plucks and you can take some credit for that 👍

[@dn744]

@@SaltwaterAngler Well, I sure am jealous lol 😆 but truly would love a good old bass, cod or basically even an eel on a line. NW uk so flat off beaches here. Great for Flat fish. I travelled far to fish Wales, Cornwall, Devon, Scotland. But so many years out of Whitby 😁

[@samboulton5142]

Love vids keep up work

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks Sam

[@adamaplon8388]

Hi matt Could we possibly see a pump build?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes I’ll do that , just thinking that is needed if this video proves to be popular

[@MAHareyoureal]

Do lugworms bite like the ragworms?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

No lug are a lot more docile and just move slowly

[@davidbrockett1]

Cool ✌️

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yea man !

[@Mister0String]

I'm quite lucky, there are a few places where I dig with a flat pronged fork that are very productive but never that many. When I started I used to dig trenches but now 3 digs can be enough to find a few. Sometimes it's difficult to stop. I do like the idea of the pump to save the back but is there more to fail when it goes wrong? Maintenance is important no doubt. Is a gutted lug better than a live lug? Why does fishing generate so many questions? Ooh another question 😀

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ha yep 👍 good questions though

[@petefishrigsandtips]

Do u not find the copper rotts as sea grade Aluminium doesn't, I do really well to be honest I normally get 3 to 400 worms

[@hastingsangler]

Hi pete i have been using copper for years and never had a issue if i leave the pump in my truck for a while i loosen the seal and pour a little drop of liquid down the handle .Also if i am digging big tides all week that 1 tube off copper will be replaced as its normaly worn out 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@petefishrigsandtips]

@@hastingsangler ok no worries I was just tokd copper was rubbish

[@hastingsangler]

@@petefishrigsandtips All the time you are using the pump the inside is being polished by the seal and the outside as you can see in the vid stays clean the suction with copper is great

[@vidvidbiker]

Great video but I did not pick up where the pump goes in in relation to the cast and why and how to adjust the pump. Do you put it in the "sink hole" corresponding to the cast?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ahh sorry I thought that bit was shown - Dave shows us to put the pump a few inches away from the cast at a slight angle. Not the sink hole ! Adjust the pump in what way ?

[@vidvidbiker]

@@SaltwaterAngler - it was not a gripe - great video - my analytical brain is the problem - thanks for clarifying where to place the pump ie not in the sink hole, but presumably inline with hole and cast? Re adjusting the pump, it was briefly mentioned but not why or how -brain needing answers again , sorry🙈. Great video and many thanks for making it. Like others I will be heading to the shed first thing!!!

[@hastingsangler]

@@vidvidbiker by adjusting the nut on the pump you are adjusting the pressure of the pump depending on sand type sometimes loose and sometimes tight but only quarter of a turn at a time

[@vidvidbiker]

@@hastingsangler thanks David - so for more compact substrate do you want more or less suction?.

[@hastingsangler]

i would say more suction and in running sand less

[@JohnnysCafe_]

what are they used for ?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Fishing bait

[@JohnnysCafe_]

@@SaltwaterAngler I see, thank you.

[@catchacow1927]

Fascinating to watch, thank you for sharing. Do you know how long their life cycle is?👍🏻

[@SaltwaterAngler]

I’ve heard it’s 5 years !

[@mickwalsh8136]

5 years if Matt's got hold of the pump,10 seconds if his mate has lol

[@hastingsangler]

@@mickwalsh8136 very good love that lol

[@carljones8022]

PATENT the design and get yourself a few quid in the bank! 👌😀

[@SaltwaterAngler]

I’ve let Dave know !

[@bypyhgyk]

So much worms.. can you share a recipe how to cook them?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Salted , presented on a hook ready to be eaten by a fish of your choice !

[@bypyhgyk]

@@SaltwaterAngler Not for humans?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

No not for humans ! Cockles, whelks razor fish can be eaten with extreme caution ⚠️ but no worms ☢️☣️☢️

[@peterellis8688]

Is there any chance of getting the location. I’m in London and have no idea we’re to dig for lugworm. Just the name of the beach would help. Thanks

[@manonamountain]

NO FUCKING CHANCE!

[@purpleturkey1792]

​@@manonamountain Ha ha .... he's got a cheek ain't he 😅

[@purpleturkey1792]

Maybe the lat long even 😮

[@johnmaggiorino4493]

Do you require a license to collect lug?

[@hanswurst2985]

Where i can it buy? The machine 😉 ?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

The machine - I like it Dave has a channel that might be able to help at least make one called @hastingsangler

[@c.moh8842]

Why gut them? Ive never seen anyone gut them before.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

They spoil quicker fresh , easier to wrap and keep gutted. I guess for us as anglers a mixture of worms in different states is best

[@c.moh8842]

@@SaltwaterAngler I'd always just use the same day. Much better live. But I see what you mean. Thanks for the information.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hopefully Dave can add some on-site here ?

[@hastingsangler]

@@SaltwaterAngler Hi if you gut the worms and dry them well they will last longer in the fridge ive had packets last 2 weeks

[@nalod3457]

Where is this?

[@davejenkins669]

On tbe beach😂😂😂

[@aaronslaughter6897]

Black lug ?

[@petertaylor3446]

Nowt simple about that

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ohh ok Peter , I think it works surprisingly well - sticking a tube in the ground and out pops a lug worm. Much prefer it to digging trenches, at least my back does anyway

[@petertaylor3446]

@@SaltwaterAngler yeah I get that, but avoiding soft spots, getting cut off by tides and having to learn the technique of pumping isn't simple at all .. Good video though bud

[@tadastadux]

where to get this pump?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Dave is over on Hastings angler he should be able to help with this set up

[@peterellis8688]

@@SaltwaterAngler can I get the area name for digging. Iv no idea we’re to dig for bail as live in London. Thanks

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Sure ask @hastingsangler on KZbin he might help

[@richardevans9061]

Your not digging, that a pump

[@davejenkins669]

Your not pumping your digging!

[@charlessinclair6816]

This is a very worrying video of the beach being cleared of lug worm in their thousands. It is an unsustainable practice that is being shared with thousands of viewers with the aim of encouraging even more people into unsustainable environmental practices.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

You need to watch the video , always encourage anglers to get their own bait - this isn’t to sell lug or harvest 1000s we are a community of Anglers here looking for small ways to improve our angling results and enjoyment.

[@stefenney3126]

There are 100,000's of square metres of sandbanks and one bait collector shown in the video, there is no way that he could cause an imbalance to the eco-system. The majority of the worm beds are still covered by the tide and not accessible to bait-collectors. The reason this bed was exposed was because of a high springtide that only occurs a few days in a particular month. Concern yourself over pollution that can wipe out whole worm beds in a day, rather than one man and his pump.

[@davejenkins669]

In tbe thousands 😂dont be a wally, it's not harming the eco system whatsoever. Have u not noticed,I don't think he gives out the location.Anyhow, We have 800 odd miles of beaches from lands end to John o groats.

[@stutoon2755]

Lol, seek help.

[@ashokgondalia9541]

Absolutely lovely video I don't know if I could make that pump myself which I am an engineer understand fully but there must be some of these problems on the market somewhere where you could buy them I'll be a good idea for you I'm always craving for love worms because I can't catch any fish without them. I'm a beginner and I like casting from the beach and maybe on a boat and I've got many fish in the past without any problem but I want to really Excel my experience and be able to get something for your video was magnificent. If there's anything you could do to help me please contact me and let me know what's the best way around I'm still learning how to fish properly from the beach for the Beach Road. Every single moment spare moment that I have if I can get to Skegness which is a wonderful place in England fantastic but I didn't catch any fish. Because I didn't have any date I was using mackerel and I still didn't catch anything. Fantastic video I like to watch all of you videos thank you very much my name is Ash

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks Ash - Dave shows us how to build the pump and the link is in the description

[@hastingsangler]

@@SaltwaterAngler Thanks Matt