Jumbo vs Regular Bloodworms: Which Size Fishing Bait Should You Use?
If you’ve ever ordered bloodworms and wondered whether regular or jumbo is the better choice, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get especially given the premium price of live bloodworm bait. As one of the most powerful and versatile saltwater fishing baits available, choosing the right size can mean more bites, better hook-ups, and bigger fish on the line.
At Gulf of Maine, Inc., we supply both regular bloodworms and jumbo bloodworms, harvested fresh from Maine mudflats and shipped directly to anglers, bait shops, and even research institutions. Below, we break down the real differences so you can choose the right bait for your next trip, and outshine your buddies…
🎥 Watch the comparison video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxkC_B62kM0
(Tidepool Tim shows the size difference up close and explains when to use each.)
What Are Bloodworms?
Bloodworms are marine annelid worms in the genus Glycera — soft-bodied, segmented worms commonly found buried in fine coastal mud and estuarine sediment throughout Maine. They have a light pink, translucent body with distinctive eversible jaws, making them both fascinating to study and highly effective as fishing bait.
Gulf of Maine bloodworms are sustainably harvested by hand with rakes, packed fresh in seaweed to maintain vitality during transit, and range in size from about 4″ to 10″ in length. These worms are prized not only by anglers for their strong movement and scent but also by marine biologists for classroom study and research.
Because bloodworms are lively, resilient on the hook, and offer a natural scent trail in the water, they are a favorite for a wide range of saltwater species from striped bass to flounder.
Regular Bloodworms
Best for Everyday Fishing & Versatility
Regular bloodworms offer a medium profile that works well across multiple species and fishing conditions.
Why choose regular bloodworms?
Great all-around bait for mixed species
Easier to rig on small to medium hooks
Excellent value when fishing multiple rods or longer trips
Works well when fish are feeding selectively
Regular bloodworms are incredibly versatile and often preferred when a smaller, natural presentation is effective.
Jumbo Bloodworms
Best for Bigger Fish & Tough Conditions
Jumbo bloodworms are thicker and larger, offering a stronger scent trail and a bigger profile underwater.
Why choose jumbo bloodworms?
Excellent for targeting large striped bass, cod, and other aggressive feeders
More durable — stays on the hook in rougher tide and current
Strong scent and motion attract fish from farther away
Ideal when fish are feeding aggressively or water visibility is low
If you’re fishing heavy tidal flows or after trophy fish, jumbo bloodworms give you a performance edge.
Regular vs Jumbo Bloodworms: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature Regular Bloodworms Jumbo Bloodworms
Size Medium Large/Thick
Best For General fishing Big fish & tough conditions
Hook Size Small-medium Medium-large
Durability Good Excellent
Regular: Cost-effective choice for versatile, everyday fishing
Jumbo: Performance-focused choice for targeting bigger fish and strong tides
How We Harvest Our Bloodworms
All of our bloodworms are hand-dug from Maine’s mudflats using the traditional Maine worming rake, with wide flat tines and a short handle usually 6 or 8 inches long. This fishing industry is regulated and overseen by the Maine Department of Marine Resources.
The harvesting process is long, cold, and often muddy… but our local diggers work weekly to collect bloodworms fresh. Once harvested, the worms are carefully packed by the dozen in fresh seaweed known as wormweed. This natural packing method helps keep the worms separated and reduces the risk of disease spreading if a single worm perishes during transit.
To preserve quality and liveliness, all bloodworms are overnight shipped via UPS, arriving fresh and ready for fishing. Under the right circumstances they can last fine refrigerated for up to a week. The higher cost of bloodworms reflects the labor-intensive harvest, fast shipping, and careful handling required to deliver top-quality live bait, while also supporting Maine’s local worm-digging community.
Which Bloodworm Size Should You Choose?
Choose regular bloodworms if you want versatility, a slightly cheaper pricetag and an all-around bait.
Choose jumbo bloodworms if you’re going for bigger fish or fishing heavy tidal conditions.
Lots of experienced diggers even keep both sizes on hand to adapt on the water and conditions
Order Fresh Maine Bloodworms
Maybe you’re planning a weekend trip or stocking up for the season, whatever the case we ship fresh bloodworms straight from Pembroke, Maine.
Shop live jumbo bloodworms here.
Shop live regular bloodworms here.
FAQs About Bloodworms
What size bloodworms should I use for striped bass?
Both sizes work just as well, but jumbo bloodworms are often preferred for larger striped bass due to their size and scent trail.
Are jumbo bloodworms better than regular bloodworms?
Simply put: Not always. Our customers get just as great results with regulars as they do with Jumbo bloodworms. Generally speaking jumbos are great for big fish and tough conditions, while regular bloodworms are more versatile and easier on your wallet.
Do bloodworms stay alive during shipping?
Yes — when properly packed and shipped quickly, bloodworms arrive lively and ready to fish. With any overnight delivery service and live animal shipping there are always risks that they will not arrive on time or perish in transit. This happens very infrequently.w
I hope this sums things up for you, and reach out to me if you ever have questions about worm bait, bloodworms, or Maine in general. I’d ove to chat. - Tim
