One of the most effective ways to catch bottom fish is by utilizing chum. Chum is in frozen blocks and soaked in bags over the side of the vessel. In Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina chumming is done over reefs and wrecks in offshore waters. Understand what chumming is and how it will help you catch more fish. 

Does Chumming Really Work

When it comes to what is chumming fishing it is important to know how it works. Chumming the water is highly effective for attracting fish. Fish follow the trail of chum towards the boat. The scent and food gather mass amounts of species varying from bottom dwellers to those suspended in the water column. 

It is not uncommon to peer into the water and see what appears to be an aquarium beneath the surface. Baited hooks are easily bitten by fish consuming the trail of ground chum because they are in a feeding frenzy. 

How Do You Chum The Water

Chumming the water is a simple process. A block of chum and chum bag is required to attract fish effectively.

The frozen chum block is placed in a mesh bag with holes and is deployed over the vessel’s side and into the water. Once the block soaks in the warm waters, it breaks down, releasing a steady stream of ground baitfish. 

A trail is recognizable behind the vessel, and it is called a chum slick. Fish smell and eat the chum before following the chum water to the source. This allows anglers the opportunity to catch more fish because they are schooled tightly together.

Chumming is most effective over reefs and artificial and natural shipwrecks. 

What Is In A Chum Block

A block of chum consists of ground baitfish. Baitfish are caught and place into a grinder to be shredded into small pieces.

Once the chum is ground, it is frozen into blocks and placed in cardboard boxes to be sold at bait shops in coastal regions across the country. The block most often contains menhaden, mullet, sardines, and pilchards.

Why Do Sea Sick Passengers Chum The Water

Unfortunately, seasickness is common amongst inexperienced boaters. The motion of the vessel causes reduced balance and an upset stomach.

The nausea results in vomiting. As gross as it sounds, vomiting passengers is chumming water with the day’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner as it comes back up over the side of the boat.  

What Type Of Fish Does Chumming Work For

Chumming fishing with chum blocks is highly effective for catching bottom fish, including snapper and grouper. In addition to bottom fish, chum attracts kingfish, cobia, tuna, and sharks. 

While attracting sharks seems exciting, they become a nuisance. Sharks quickly devour hooked fish and prevent anglers from landing the most edible species. When sharks show up, move to a different location. 

Where Do You Buy Chum Blocks

Chum blocks are available for purchase at local fishing shops along the coastline. Anglers utilize chum on wrecks and reefs in waters outside of the inlets along the coast. 

Search bait shop near me on your phone, tablet, or computer to find fishing shops in your vicinity. Call ahead to ensure that chum is in stock before heading off. Lastly, pack a cooler with ice to prevent the block from thawing and melting in the vehicle. 

In addition to visiting a local fishing shop, chum is available for purchase online. The order is shipped directly to your home. 

How Much Does A Chum Block Cost

A seven-pound block of chum sells for seven dollars. Multiple chum blocks are necessary for fishing reefs and wrecks. 

The block dissipates into the water rapidly in warm waters and more slowly when the temperatures are low. In addition to water temperatures, other factors include the size of the openings in the mesh bag. Wide openings will disperse more quickly than fine mesh bags. 

Despite the cost per box, purchase three boxes before heading out bottom fishing to be sure you have enough to chum the water effectively. 

Are You Ready To Head Offshore To Chum Up Fish

Chumming is highly effective over reefs and wrecks to attract more fish and create a feeding frenzy. Some of the most notable fish are chumming for cobia, snapper, and grouper. The process of chumming for fish is easy, and the frozen blocks are low in cost and yield higher catch rates when used. Remember to look down in the water beneath you to glance at all of the species chum attracts. Order blocks online or visit a local fishing store before heading offshore.