Frozen Chum: Your Secret Weapon for Attracting More Fish

The Ultimate Guide to Using Frozen Chum Effectively

What is Chumming and Why Frozen Chum Excels

Chumming is the practice of dispersing ground or cut bait and scent into the water to attract fish to a specific area. Frozen chum is particularly effective because it offers a controlled, slow release of these attractants. As the frozen block or bucket thaws, it creates a consistent scent trail (slick) that fish can follow back to its source – ideally, right to your baited hooks!

Common Types of Frozen Chum and Their Best Uses:

• Bunker (Menhaden) Chum: Extremely oily and potent. A classic all-around choice for attracting Striped Bass, Bluefish, Sharks, Tuna, Mackerel, and many other species.
• Mackerel Chum: Another highly oily option, excellent for King Mackerel, Tuna, Wahoo, and other pelagics. Also effective for bottom fish.
• Shrimp Chum: Made from ground shrimp and shells. Fantastic for inshore species like Snapper (various types), Grouper, Sheepshead, Pinfish, Triggerfish, and Yellowtail. Can also work for some freshwater species like catfish.
• Sardine/Pilchard Chum: A go-to for offshore fishing, attracting Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, King Mackerel, and various billfish. Also effective for inshore predators that feed on these baitfish.
• Mixed Baitfish Chum: Often a blend of various ground fish parts (e.g., herring, sardines, mackerel). Offers a broad scent profile that can attract a wider variety of fish.
• Specialty Chums: Some chums are formulated with specific ingredients like ground clams (for bottom fish like flounder or tautog) or glass minnows (for finicky eaters or when matching tiny bait).

Quality Indicators for Frozen Chum

High-quality frozen chum starts with fresh ingredients. When thawed, it should have a strong, fishy odor that is not indicative of rot or spoilage. Good chum is typically ground to a consistency that allows for a slow dispersal of both scent and fine particles. Avoid chum that appears overly discolored, has an ammonia smell, or contains excessive freezer burn and ice crystals (which can dilute the scent and indicate refreezing).

Effective Chum Deployment Techniques:

• Chum Bags/Nets: The most common method. Place the frozen chum block (or contents of a bucket) into a mesh chum bag or net. Hang this over the side of an anchored or drifting boat, or from a pier or bridge, allowing the current and wave action to slowly melt and disperse the chum.
• Chum Dispensers/Pots: These weighted containers offer a more controlled release, especially useful in deeper water or strong currents. They can be lowered to specific depths.
• Positioning is Key: Anchor or position your boat up-current (or up-wind if wind is the primary factor) from your desired fishing spot. The chum slick will then drift into the target zone.
• Controlling Thaw Rate: The rate at which chum disperses depends on water temperature, current, and how exposed the chum is. You can adjust the depth of your chum bag or the size of the openings to manage this.
• Patience and Observation: It can take 20 minutes to an hour (or more) for a good chum slick to develop and attract fish. Watch for signs of activity like baitfish appearing or birds working the slick.
• Don't Overfeed: The goal is to attract fish with scent and small particles, not to provide them with a full meal. A steady, light dispersal is usually more effective than dumping large amounts at once.

Fishing Effectively in a Chum Slick:

Once your slick is established, present your baited hooks at various depths within and along the edges of the slick. Often, predators will position themselves down-current, picking off baits that drift by. Using baits similar to what's in your chum (e.g., a bunker chunk when using bunker chum) can be highly effective. Casting lures through the slick can also draw strikes from fish attracted to the commotion.

Storing Frozen Chum:

Keep frozen chum solidly frozen in a dedicated bait freezer or chest freezer until you're ready to head out. For transport, use a well-insulated cooler, preferably separate from food items. It's best to let it start thawing slightly just before deployment for easier handling.