Cockchafer Larva

A cockchafer larva is an excellent bait for both float and bottom fishing. Cockchafer larvae grow during three to four years in the earth, feeding on plant roots. In the end of its development, the larva pupates and turns into a cockchafer. This larva is a delicacy for fish. Aggregations of larvae may be found in the earth, e.g. on garden beds. Harvested larvae are stored in a jar with used tea leaves or poplar sawdust. For fishing small fish the larva is cut into pieces, the hook is threaded through it. But if you target large specimens, hook the whole larva, having removed only the head and the dark rear part. The bait requires frequent checking and replacing as it is often eaten by juvenile fish. A cockchafer larva attracts large perch, ide, carp, chub and pike.