Lee's night/crawler/picker

[Lee Borgersen]

                              Tip OF The Week

               Lee's night crawler flicker picker upper.
 
 
Many years ago I developed a bad back. So, in the Spring when crawlers are plentiful after a storm I'd swing into action. After a short period of time picking up crawlers the old back pain would kick in. I needed a way to pick up those babies without bending over. People that know me will tell you that I'm not to skilled at making something new. However give me some junk and I'll make something out of it.
 
 
What I'm about to reveal to you will revolutionize your method of collecting crawlers on pavements. You will not only save your back stress, but increase your rate of collection speed by 3 to 1. But wait! I'm not done yet. The best is yet to come. You will never have to physically touch any of crawlers that you collect.
 
 
By now I know what your thinking. "Is this guy full of it or what?". 
 
Ok! So, what do I need to build one of these contraptions so I can get started?
 
1 gallon size plastic milk jug.
 
3 or 4 plastic tie wraps.
 
2 pcs. of 1/4 round trim. (approx. 4' long depending on how tall you are)
 
1 razor knife.
 
1- 5 or 2.5 gal wide mouth bucket.

As most of us already know the best time to collect crawlers is Spring time. Right after an electrical storm with lots of rain. I head for the local forest preserve before the pavements dry off. The crawlers head for the pavements because the ground is over saturated. They are easy to find and not stuck half way into the grass. Last week I gathered 250 crawlers one morning and 250 the next morning. I could have collected more each day if I was greedy.

I hold my home made crawler holder jug in one hand with it being attached to a 4 ft. piece of 1/4 round. When it's time to flick a crawler into the jug I use another 4 ft. piece of 1/4 round with a very small piece of plastic attached to the end (need a slight curve in plastic). This I hold in my other hand.

Capturing the crawler is as easy as sliding the curled plastic under the crawler and flicking it into the jug. Sounds complicated but it's so slick you won't believe it. When I get about 60 crawlers in the jug I'll tip it over into a large bucket and repeat the process.

So in summery I hold the jug stick in my left hand with the jug touching the pavement. I have the flicker stick in my right hand and flick the crawler into the jug with part of the jug cut out so the worms fly in.
I've taken a photo of the set up for you to view. You would almost have to see it in action to believe how simple yet productive this system is.

If you have any questions please ask me on this thread.


Lee