Abstract: An automatic worm hooker (2) for rapidly and safely embedding a fishing hook (10) completely within the body of a worm (8) includes an impaling member (20) whereon the worm (8) is impaled along the length of the worm, an extending member (18) which supports the impaling member (20), and a hand gripping member (16) attached to the extending member (18) for conveniently holding the apparatus (2) and tensioning the fishing line (12) attached to the hook (10). The impaling member (20) has a free end (44) that is tapered and concave. Once the worm (8) is impaled along the length of the impaling member (20), the point (50) of the hook (10) is inserted in the concave portion (72) of the free end (44) of the impaling member (20). The hook (10) and fishing line (12) are placed in tension by the user's hand. The worm (8) is then slid off of the impaling member (20) and onto the hook (10) with the result that the hook (10) is completely embedded in the body of the worm (8).