Tips for Chumming for Fish

Here are some tips for chumming for fish that you can use on your next fishing trip. Chumming is a fishing tactic where you place bait into the water to attract fish. By placing a baited hook into the chummed area, you can catch the fish that come into the area feeding on the chum. While chumming is a simple fishing tactic, there are some things that you can do to improve your catch.

Chum Locations

While you can chum in any area, some are more productive than others. Flats in shallow water are often the best place to chum for fish. Fish naturally cruise along shallow flats looking for smaller fish to feed upon. By placing chum in an area where fish naturally feed, it is easier to attract fish to a specific area. Avoid chumming in areas where there is a strong current as the current will wash the chum away. However, a slight current can help to carry the chum's scent which will attract fish from a farther distance.

Chum Sparingly

Once you have chose a place to chum, do not place too much chum into the water. If you over chum an area, fish may become full on the chum and not strike your baited hook. Knowing how much chum to place in the water is a matter of experience as the proper amount varies depending on a number of factors. However, under chumming an area is generally better than over chumming.

Mixed Chum

The specific ingredients that you will use to make chum depends on what fish you are pursuing. However, the best chum is a mixture of large and small particles and predominately made of liquid. The liquid will disperse into the water attracting fish without providing solid food for the fish to eat. Fish will come into the chummed area looking for food and will hopefully find your baited hook. However, some solid particles are necessary for the fish to feed on, keeping them in the area.

Frozen Chum

When you make a chumming mix to take fishing, freeze the chum before heading to the water. By using frozen chum, you can place the chum into the water allowing it to slowly disperse throughout the day into the water. This provides for a longer lasting attractant than simply placing liquid chum into the water. Frozen chum also reduces the chances of over chumming an area. Sporting goods manufacturers also make chum containers that can help to slow the dispersal of chum into the water.