Chum

Ken Jones

Administrator
Staff member
#1
I have always chummed when possible. Normally this is done by cutting up the unusable pieces of bait (i.e.,. the heads of anchovies or soft parts of mussel) and dropping them into the water. However, if you're like me you probably eat a lot of seafood and thus have usable chum at home. I always save the shells from shrimp after they are cleaned and save the skin, or any other parts of fish, that are not used for cooking. Was thinking of this last night when I filleted the skin off some fish, cut them up, and packed them in a Ziplock in the freezer. All chum is not the same as far as ability to attract fish but I think all chum is better than no chum.
 

Mahigeer

Senior Member
#2
I used to grind all the old bait fish and squid that I had and freeze them in round plastic containers.

Later the frozen chum would be put in a special (perforated) container and hung in the hoop net for lobsters,

Last few years, we started chumming at the Kid’s Derby in San Diego. This year the catch rate was great.

Whether chumming was the reason, it is hard to say, but it is encouraging and will do it again in the future.

And of course, while fishing for Opaleye in Catalina I mix ground bread and peas with water and put a spoon full before I cast my hook with peas on it. If no bread, I at least use several peas before each cast.

Although I have not seen it, I seem to remember reading about fishing guide boats chum for shark to bring them close enough for fly fisherman to cast their flies and hook a shark.
 
#3
I used to grind all the old bait fish and squid that I had and freeze them in round plastic containers.

Later the frozen chum would be put in a special (perforated) container and hung in the hoop net for lobsters.
Up until now, I had just dropped my chum off the rail of the pier, but your mention of round plastic containers has me thinking...

I have a zillion of these screw top containers from overpriced ice cream. Drill some 1/4" holes all over the jar and in the lid, and use one of those to attach some nylon cord, and you've got a reusable version of the old perforated catfood can idea. Dunk and steep.

First rain of the season just arrived, so I'll have to put this on my "rainy day project" list.

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Mahigeer

Senior Member
#4
I used similar containers to keep it sealed in the freezer.

When needed, I put them in the container with clips sold by Ahi to attach them to my hoop nets.
It was for scent in addition to the cut fish in the tubes.

I also have another container made for chumming. Sinker on the bottom masonry line on top.