Chumming for bank fishermen

Most anglers associate chumming with offshore fishing, but it can do wonders for land-bound anglers. By simply taking a fish basket or a commercially sold chum bag, tying it off to something on the bank, and throwing it out, anglers can bring in fish that might otherwise never come.

Mashed up shad, shrimp, or any other kind of aquatic life will work, but I have found canned jack mackerel hard to beat. It is the oiliest fish I have ever seen and you can buy a can for about $1. Punch some holes in the cans, throw them in your chum bag, and it will create a big oil slick. I have seen it stimulate sharks into a feeding frenzy.

Another way to chum is to find an old 35 mm film canister, punch it full of holes, put a hole on the top and bottom, and slide it under your cork or between your weight and swivel on a leader. Fill this with the mackerel or other kind of chum and throw it out. This will lead fish directly to your bait.

European anglers employ a similar method using canisters made specifically for this kind of fishing. They are not available in Texas stores, but a film canister will get the job done.