Is it forbidden to use live bait, such as worms or other small animals, in fishing instead of artificial bait?

It is permissible to fish with worms, insects, or small fish, but if there is no need for it, then it is disliked (makrooh) because it involves torturing an animal. It is disliked to do anything that tortures an animal, such as turning an owl into a 'shabash' (a kind of scarecrow or decoy). If it is possible to kill the worms by severing their heads before using them as bait, that is better, based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "Indeed, Allah has enjoined excellence in everything."