Fishing Leeches

Leeches have been used as catfish baits for hundreds of years, eastern European anglers fish them in conjunction with a klonk; a highly effective method that has been well documented. More and more catfish specialists in the UK are now using the medicinal leech as a catfish bait. They are very rarely taken by other species and are in fact about as 'catfish exclusive' a bait as you will find. Biopharm supply leeches for fishing on a seasonal basis in the UK only and it is important to note that these leeches are not suitable for medical use.

Leech Maintenance As specialists in leech biology we have prepared the following to help those of you directly involved in caring for the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis for fishing purposes. The two most important things to avoid are heat and chlorinated tap water. Leeches can live for months on a blood meal so feeding is unnecessary. Temperature The leeches will survive quite happily in a refrigerator or in a cool place, provided the temperature does not exceed 25˚C. Special care and attention should be taken to avoid sudden temperature changes. Keep them as cool as possible until they are needed. Never put leeches into direct sunlight.
	Water For best results we would recommend using bottled (still) spring or mineral water (preferably the Welsh type!) or alternatively de-chlorinated tap water can be used. When changing the water please ensure that the replacement water is the same temperature as the original. Container A lid is essential. Leeches are amphibious and like to crawl about. Perforations are advised but they must be very small indeed, as the leech body is elastic and capable of going through remarkably small openings. A jam jar with cloth cover secured tightly with string, rubber band or alternatively our containers (5020F) would be advisable. Do not overcrowd, the greater the amount of water, the less it needs changing. For best results we would recommend no more than two leeches per 250ml container but if you have the space to store them individually all the better.
For further products and information about prices for fishing leeches, please see our Products section.
Downloadable Maintenance Sheets
	Microsoft Word Document, suitable for PC Machines running the Windows operating systems.
	Adobe Acrobat format. With the correct Acrobat reader this file can be viewed on computers using most operating systems. You can obtain the free Acrobat Reader software free from http://www.adobe.com
Further information about fishing with leeches can be found on the Catfish Conservation Group's website here: http://www.catfishconservationgroup.com
Or on the Wels Catfish website: http://www.welscatfish.co.uk/leeches.htm