TOO CHUM OR NOT TOO CHUM THAT......

DIRTYFOOT2 · 10-19-2006, 02:10 PM

How do you guys feel about chumming while targeting swords. It obviously increases shark encounters :shock: , but does it help or hurt the Broadbill bite.
DF2

irat:

catching · 10-19-2006, 02:30 PM

Chum brings in the bait which in turn brings in all types of fish

Nightfighter · 10-19-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catching

Chum brings in the bait which in turn brings in all types of fish

specially sharks

Certifiable · 10-19-2006, 02:47 PM

It definitely will bring in more bait fish to your lights. You gotta think that the fish would have to be 50' or higher in the water column to see the bait. Since the swords are working at much deeper depths, I don't think the chum slick will be that effective (especialy in the fast gulf stream current) so this probably doesn't help the sword bite that much.
:?:
It definitely will help the bycatch of Wahoo and Dolphin. We set out the chum bag a few drifts ago, and had no swords that night. But, we did have 5 good size dolphin move into the light and chase the bait fish. That was an awesome sight, 20 lb fins charging in from the dark water, into the light and hammering the bait. Since the bait wasn't going to leave the safety of the boat, we took our time and bailed all 5 fish to salvage the night.
I have stopped using the chum since that drift, I think that common sense and experience tell me that we are just asking for the sharks to come calling with a chum slick. :idea:

If the night is slow you could give it a try. If you are getting some hits, don't tempt the man in the grey suit, he will eat your lunch.

Sword Hunter · 10-19-2006, 04:13 PM

Chum helps get some sword chum. It's made from squid and it's better than the fish chum.

Fishalways · 10-19-2006, 04:48 PM

I was dropping both sword and menehaden chum last night.
Since it was my virgin trip and we got a sword, I will always use chum from now on!

Damn these fishing superstitions, I finally got rid of the cell phone prohibition on the boat now it'w replaced with a chum requirement.

Sigh

Nightfighter · 10-19-2006, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishalways

and we got a sword, I will always use chum from now on!

Damn, I guess that's why I have never caught one. Chum eah,

You will change your mind a hundered time over your first year swording, on everything you do out there, if you are smart you will listen, try what you can, and use what works for you. Let me know if you fill you shark quota this year. The theory of bringing in the bait then the other fish follow is a good one, but remember the sharks are at the surface and following your slick. That's just what they do, and they are good at it.
But what do I know. It's just an opinion.
Nice job on your swordie.

catching · 10-19-2006, 06:30 PM

NF there are more than just sharks lurking in the surface waters

splashdance · 10-19-2006, 06:41 PM

Last time i went out I chummed had a few baitfish show up and after an hour and half had a tug-of-war with a shark for the chum bag!

DIRTYFOOT2 · 10-19-2006, 07:19 PM

[quote="Nightfighter"]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishalways

and we got a sword, I will always use chum from now on!

Damn, I guess that's why I have never caught one. Chum eah,

You will change your mind a hundered time over your first year swording, on everything you do out there, if you are smart you will listen, try what you can, and use what works for you. Let me know if you fill you shark quota this year. The theory of bringing in the bait then the other fish follow is a good one, but remember the sharks are at the surface and following your slick. That's just what they do, and they are good at it.
But what do I know. It's just an opinion.
Nice job on your swordie.[/quote
Thanks Nightfighter, Certifiable, and cast. My own limited experience, led me to the same conclusion. We have caught and seen more than our share of sharks while chumming. Its decided I'm gonna cease and desist with the chum.
Take care,
Butch

Nightfighter · 10-19-2006, 08:49 PM

Catching is 100% right, swordies do prowl the surface also, not just the deep. I have caught as many at the surface as I have at 300 ft. My main point is, over time you will find that having to deal with a shark hook-up, is time wasted for Swordfishing. All the time taken to clear lines, the fight, and then resetting your spread. So, personally, I do what I can to keep sharks out of the equation. There for, I do not use chum for Swordfish. I do chop up the spent squid baits and toss it over, but that's not very much.

FinalPoint · 10-19-2006, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Certifiable

You gotta think that the fish would have to be 50' or higher in the water column to see the bait. Since the swords are working at much deeper depths, I don't think the chum slick will be that effective (especialy in the fast gulf stream current) so this probably doesn't help the sword bite that much.

?

You've never caught a sword on a flat line?
Uh oh, did I just give away your secret Kenny :shock:

I don't really have a chum preference and I haven't noticed a big increase in shark incidences. I guess I don't chum enough to really put it to the test, but if someone wants to use it, I don't care.

Captain Joe McGivern · 10-19-2006, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FinalPoint

Quote:

Originally Posted by Certifiable

You gotta think that the fish would have to be 50' or higher in the water column to see the bait. Since the swords are working at much deeper depths, I don't think the chum slick will be that effective (especialy in the fast gulf stream current) so this probably doesn't help the sword bite that much.

?

You've never caught a sword on a flat line?
Uh oh, did I just give away your secret Kenny :shock:

I don't really have a chum preference and I haven't noticed a big increase in shark incidences. I guess I don't chum enough to really put it to the test, but if someone wants to use it, I don't care.

Thanks for your permission Pat! Swordfish, sharks who cares catch them, have fun! Thats why we are out there.

Nightfighter · 10-20-2006, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Joe McGivern

Swordfish, sharks who cares catch them, have fun! Thats why we are out there.

Capt. I know what you are saying, but my guys are out there for Swordfish not shark. I target swordfish only. Sharks may be fun as getting cudas when you are out for dolphin, but a lot more work and waisted time. Time is precious out there on the 50, and I don't have time for sharks, so I minimize my chances of hooking one when ever possible. IMO

Certifiable · 10-20-2006, 08:53 AM

I agree with Night Fighter. We all are out there to bend a rod. Chum will definitely increase your odds on ALL species, swords, hoo's, phins, and sharks. We all know how much time and effort it takes to re-rig, and re-set the spread, not counting the time lost fighting an unwelcome species.
My personal preference is not to tempt fate. Most sword hunters that I have spoken to have not used chum, and have a pretty good success rate without it.
If you like to chum,...go for it, you surely will get bent more than me. Just hope it is a prefered predetor.

Sword Hunter · 10-21-2006, 12:41 AM

All you guys need to do is learn how to keep the baits out while fighting a sword. How are you going to get a doubble if you clear all the lines? Control the fish dont let the fish control you.

Nightfighter · 10-21-2006, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sword Hunter

All you guys need to do is learn how to keep the baits out while fighting a sword. How are you going to get a doubble if you clear all the lines? Control the fish dont let the fish control you.

Control the fish, now that's funny grasshopper :roflmao: The only time you can control a decent swordfish is when it's at the end of a flyer, but I like your attitude. Trying for the double. [-o<
I leave as many lines in as possible, usually clearing the deep tip rod and shallow under the boat. Unless it's a big fish then I clear all but the far line. I try to leave that one in, unless I have to chase the fish. Hell I never know what they are going to do. Most of them fight similar, but every once in a while you get one that has been feeding on chili peppers and cocaine, and just goes nutz.
But back to the point. It's still a Cluster F@$#* and waist of time and good hooks fighting sharks if you are swordfishing. IMO

ReelIntubaiter · 10-21-2006, 03:41 PM

No Chum here. Don't want to mess with Sharks!

Nick C · 10-22-2006, 08:52 PM

I like hang a block over the side... Not sure how much it helps, but I've yet to catch a shark when I was chumming and have caught a sword everytime we chummed.

10-19-2006, 02:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
DIRTYFOOT2 Grander Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lake Worth fl Best Catch: 53lb Black Grouper Occupation: Gunnel Washer Posts: 2,061	TOO CHUM OR NOT TOO CHUM THAT...... How do you guys feel about chumming while targeting swords. It obviously increases shark encounters :shock: , but does it help or hurt the Broadbill bite. DF2 irat:

10-19-2006, 04:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sword Hunter Hooked Up Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Boca Raton Posts: 196	yeah Chum helps get some sword chum. It's made from squid and it's better than the fish chum.

10-19-2006, 08:49 PM	#11 (permalink)
Nightfighter Hooked Up Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Delray Beach Occupation: Brain Stergeon Posts: 486	Catching is 100% right, swordies do prowl the surface also, not just the deep. I have caught as many at the surface as I have at 300 ft. My main point is, over time you will find that having to deal with a shark hook-up, is time wasted for Swordfishing. All the time taken to clear lines, the fight, and then resetting your spread. So, personally, I do what I can to keep sharks out of the equation. There for, I do not use chum for Swordfish. I do chop up the spent squid baits and toss it over, but that's not very much. __________________ Night Fighters Lures NightFightersLures.com Swordfish Guide http://Swordfishguide.com

10-21-2006, 12:41 AM	#16 (permalink)
Sword Hunter Hooked Up Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Boca Raton Posts: 196	now All you guys need to do is learn how to keep the baits out while fighting a sword. How are you going to get a doubble if you clear all the lines? Control the fish dont let the fish control you.

10-22-2006, 08:52 PM	#19 (permalink)
Nick C Grander Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 900-1600' of water Boat: 25' Bluewater(Rough C's) Best Catch: est. 120lb Tarpon on 16lb tippet(fight time was 12 min) Occupation: Squid rigger Posts: 2,211	I like hang a block over the side... Not sure how much it helps, but I've yet to catch a shark when I was chumming and have caught a sword everytime we chummed. __________________ "Put your buoys out... we're comin' in HOT!"

10-19-2006, 02:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
catching Grander Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,552	Chum brings in the bait which in turn brings in all types of fish

10-19-2006, 02:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
Certifiable Hooked Up Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Vero Beach Boat: 36' Contender Best Catch: 200# Blue Marlin/1200#Black Marlin Occupation: Engineer Posts: 351	It definitely will bring in more bait fish to your lights. You gotta think that the fish would have to be 50' or higher in the water column to see the bait. Since the swords are working at much deeper depths, I don't think the chum slick will be that effective (especialy in the fast gulf stream current) so this probably doesn't help the sword bite that much. :?: It definitely will help the bycatch of Wahoo and Dolphin. We set out the chum bag a few drifts ago, and had no swords that night. But, we did have 5 good size dolphin move into the light and chase the bait fish. That was an awesome sight, 20 lb fins charging in from the dark water, into the light and hammering the bait. Since the bait wasn't going to leave the safety of the boat, we took our time and bailed all 5 fish to salvage the night. I have stopped using the chum since that drift, I think that common sense and experience tell me that we are just asking for the sharks to come calling with a chum slick. :idea: If the night is slow you could give it a try. If you are getting some hits, don't tempt the man in the grey suit, he will eat your lunch.

10-19-2006, 04:48 PM	#6 (permalink)
Fishalways Hooked Up Join Date: Sep 2006 Boat: 206 Kencraft Best Catch: 450# Blue Marlin, Walkers Cay Posts: 632	I was dropping both sword and menehaden chum last night. Since it was my virgin trip and we got a sword, I will always use chum from now on! Damn these fishing superstitions, I finally got rid of the cell phone prohibition on the boat now it'w replaced with a chum requirement. Sigh

10-19-2006, 06:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
catching Grander Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,552	NF there are more than just sharks lurking in the surface waters

10-19-2006, 06:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
splashdance Lines In Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Fort Lauderdale Boat: Grady White, 28 Best Catch: Stripped Marlin,175 Posts: 17	Last time i went out I chummed had a few baitfish show up and after an hour and half had a tug-of-war with a shark for the chum bag!

10-20-2006, 08:53 AM	#15 (permalink)
Certifiable Hooked Up Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Vero Beach Boat: 36' Contender Best Catch: 200# Blue Marlin/1200#Black Marlin Occupation: Engineer Posts: 351	I agree with Night Fighter. We all are out there to bend a rod. Chum will definitely increase your odds on ALL species, swords, hoo's, phins, and sharks. We all know how much time and effort it takes to re-rig, and re-set the spread, not counting the time lost fighting an unwelcome species. My personal preference is not to tempt fate. Most sword hunters that I have spoken to have not used chum, and have a pretty good success rate without it. If you like to chum,...go for it, you surely will get bent more than me. Just hope it is a prefered predetor.

10-21-2006, 03:41 PM	#18 (permalink)
ReelIntubaiter Hooked Up Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miami Boat: Fishing, Racquetball Occupation: Anesthesiologist Posts: 201	No Chum here. Don't want to mess with Sharks!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What is primary role of chum for swordfishing?	RiskTaker	Swordfishing	12	04-12-2006 07:24 PM
no live chum in rodeo	swordboy	Tuna Fishing	1	02-16-2006 09:27 PM
Chum?	albar1	Rigging Corner	8	08-30-2005 11:58 AM
Chum for Makos	greg1	Shark Fishing	9	01-12-2005 08:48 PM