Chumming: Attracting Fish to Your Spot

The process of chumming involves scattering fish scraps, or chum, into the water to create a scent trail. This scent trail attracts fish to the area and stimulates their feeding instincts. By creating a concentrated source of food, chumming can increase your chances of catching fish.

There are several benefits to chumming. Firstly, it helps to attract fish to your designated spot. This is particularly useful when fishing in open waters where fish can be scattered and difficult to locate. Chumming can also stimulate feeding behavior in fish, making them more active and aggressive in pursuing bait. Additionally, chumming can attract a variety of fish species, giving you a greater chance of a successful catch.

When chumming, it is important to avoid attracting unwanted or non-target fish species. This can be achieved by using specific types of chum that are more attractive to your target species and less appealing to other fish. For example, using oily or fatty fish scraps as chum can attract predator species like tuna or sharks, while using grain-based chum can attract bottom-feeding species like carp or catfish.

There are several techniques and examples of chumming that fishermen use. One common method is “chunking,” where chunks of fish scraps are thrown into the water to create a chum line. This technique works best when the current is calm, allowing the chum to disperse and create a scent trail. Another method is using frozen chum blocks, which are cheaper and easier to transport compared to fresh fish scraps. These blocks can be placed in a chum bag or container and hung off the side of the boat to slowly release chum into the water.

Live bait chumming is another effective technique, particularly when targeting larger fish species like sardines, yellowtail, tuna, or sharks. This involves using live bait as chum, either by dropping them directly into the water or by attaching them to a fishing line and letting them swim freely in the water. The movement and scent of the live bait attract predatory fish, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

Fish oil attractants can also be used for chumming. Fish oil, such as menhaden oil, has a strong smell that can attract fish species. It can be dripped or sprayed onto the water surface to create a scent trail. This attractant is particularly effective for attracting fish that rely on their sense of smell, such as salmon or trout.

While chumming is mostly associated with saltwater fishing, it can also be used in freshwater fishing. However, it is most effective for fish that feed on the bottom or are scavengers. Fish that hunt their prey, like pike or bass, are less susceptible to chumming.

Chumming from the beach is not as popular as it can be challenging to get the chum where you cast your line. When fishing in the surf, it is important to cast your bait beyond the sandbars where the waves break, as this is where fish are more likely to hold and feed.

In conclusion, chumming is an effective technique for attracting fish to a specific fishing spot. By scattering fish scraps or using live bait or fish oil attractants, you can create a scent trail that draws fish to your area and stimulates their feeding instincts. Chumming can increase your chances of a successful catch and is a popular technique among both saltwater and freshwater fishermen.