Ragworm spawning

Was fishing on Sunday night at Dollymount and was there to witness what I gather was the ragworm spawning. For about a half hour around high tide, the water was full of ragworm swimming at the surface. I managed to pull one up using a grip lead. He was an odd colour, a mix between white, grey and green. When I went to put him on the hook, he ruptured and loads of white fluid came out.

Does this spawn happen just once yearly or around a few spring tides/full moon combos? Are the rag any use as bait when they're like this?

I gather all the worms in one area spawn at the same time, then as often seems to happen in the sea, the die. Happened in Belfast Lough a few weeks back, there were piles of them dead and dying on the beach when I went to get bait that morning.

I'm pretty certain they'd be useless as bait in that state, if only because a fish finding yours like finding a needle in a haystack. I'd have been pretty tempted to pack up and find a nice little pub. Did you get anything while fishing at all?

he ruptured and loads of white fluid came out.

Bootster - Didn't get a bite all night, was thinking while I was there that it was pretty much a free banquet for the fish with all the worms swimming around. I saw a few fish jumping over the course of the night but nothing shook my line. Does this spawning night happen just one night a year or will it continue for a few days/weeks?

Jayball - Was trying to be careful so it didn't sound like I was pleasuring the worm