Chumming
Saltwater chumming is a very effective way of attracting fish into
the vicinity of a baited hook, and of delaying the passage of passing fish so that you can
place baits in front of them. It can also be used to encourage fish to feed when they
otherwise might not. The secret lies in using the right amounts, appropriate to the
species your after, utillizing the prevailing conditions and not feeding them to the point
that they have lost thier appetite for your baits.
An excellent source for chum making material is your friendly local
shrimper. Usually for a few bucks you can drop off a cooler a few days before you plan to
fish and he'll load your cooler up with by-catch from his nets. Fix you up a bag of whole
fish for cut-baiting, then take the rest and chop and mash it. Freeze it in 5 gallon
buckets and it'll be ready when you are. I usually hang a milk crate off the back of the
boat just low enough to the water where the waves can lap at it to melt and disperse the
chum mixture.
