Chum for ocean bottomfishing

[huntandski]

The fresh and salt water baits and the specific bodies of water that they are legal to use are clearly explained in the fishing regulations, it doesn't fall under the mammal wanton waste regulation. I have seen them use frozen chum blocks, on TV lol.

Do you know where in the regulations it is explained?

[tony270]

I'm not one time Lew.
H&ski the DFG will cite you on a CA EPA violation, the Feds cite you with a US EPA violation. Better listen to an old dude, I've experienced a lot and don't spread BS, questioningis kool though. You guys should know that about me by know. This WD40 trick is not new.

[CaptnCaveman]

I think it's a good question.

(taken from both fresh and salt water regs)
1.87. WASTE OF FISH. It is unlawful to cause or permit any deterioration or waste of any fish taken in the waters of this state

What is waste? Is chumming wasting? I wouldn't think so. You're using it with a purpose.

Maybe ask the Q&A at http://californiaoutdoorsqas.com/

[Huntsprig]

Using trout for bait in ocean waters?
Question: Is it legal to use dead rainbow trout or wild non native brown trout as bait when fishing in the ocean? My buddies want to make sure they are not breaking any laws when shark fishing in Humboldt Bay starts to pick up next month. (Trevor L., Fortuna)

Answer: It is legal as long as each angler never possesses more than the legal limit possession limit for trout in that area (regardless of whether the fish are brought in from elsewhere). As long as the fish were taken legally, they can be used for bait in the ocean waters of the state.

http://californiaoutdoorsqas.com/category/fishing-2/bag-limits-possession/page/2/

[tony270]

This is jusy like all States, they closely regulate their fisheries, click on the link, any questions:

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Search-Results.aspx?q=fishing%20bait

[huntandski]

http://californiaoutdoorsqas.com/cat...ession/page/2/

Is this outdoors q and a website part of the dfgs website or ran by them? Because if so, this completely answers my question that is is legal to use trout as chum/bait.

[Huntsprig]

Is this outdoors q and a website part of the dfgs website or ran by them? Because if so, this completely answers my question that is is legal to use trout as chum/bait.

Yes, it is ran by the CA DFW.
It is a Q&A column where a DFW employee (Carrie Wilson) researches questions people have and she finds them correct answer.

[mycrstuff]

You really can't chum bottom fish. You will be in too deep of water. If you are shallow enough to anchor you could attach a chum bucket to the anchor.

OP. What are you using for bait? For the bigger rock fish fillet a big sardine and put the fillet on the hook. This works better than squid. Using squid will mostly get you small sculpin.

[CK_32]

It's a gamble.

Why not just invest in a chum block of a salt mix and not take the gamble?

If done in the right spot, chum blocks have boosted the fish numbers I've been on for a few trips.


Not sure if chumming in general will bring bottom feeders to the top in deep water. No matter what the chum. But every great fishing secret, was learned from a mistake or a gamble. I say do what your gut feels because confidence is 90% of fishing.

Don't teust your spot, rig, hair or gear you won't be successful.

[castgold]

Everything down there will be attracted to urchin or squid. I used to put UniButter on my plastics and would get hammered by home guard calicos in the artificial rock piles in Santa Monica Bay. If we were using squid, it had to be live or fresh dead from the receiver. The market squid from the boxes were processed to the point that they lacked the scent to produce a viable slick.

[huntandski]

You really can't chum bottom fish. You will be in too deep of water. If you are shallow enough to anchor you could attach a chum bucket to the anchor.

OP. What are you using for bait? For the bigger rock fish fillet a big sardine and put the fillet on the hook. This works better than squid. Using squid will mostly get you small sculpin.

It depends if I go on my boat of kayak tomorrow. If I go on the boat, I'll use live sardines or anchovies. I forget which ones are the smaller ones, but I'll use those. If I'm off my kayak, I'll be using stripped squid.

[huntandski]

It's a gamble.

Why not just invest in a chum block of a salt mix and not take the gamble?

If done in the right spot, chum blocks have boosted the fish numbers I've been on for a few trips.


Not sure if chumming in general will bring bottom feeders to the top in deep water. No matter what the chum. But every great fishing secret, was learned from a mistake or a gamble. I say do what your gut feels because confidence is 90% of fishing.

Don't teust your spot, rig, hair or gear you won't be successful.

I'm not trying to bring them to the surface. Just trying to attract more or get them in a feeding frenzy.

[Baxter]

Hacked up sardines or chovies dropped down in chum bag the popped open really gets the bite going.