Bait Balls for Chumming

August 3, 2017

Question: I have seen a product called Bait Balls advertised from a store where I routinely buy my fishing supplies. Would the use of this product in inland waters be considered chumming? (Nina)

Answer: “Chumming” is the practice of “placing any material in the water, other than on a hook while angling, for the purpose of attracting fish to a particular area in order that they may be taken” (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 1.32). If this product will be broadcast independently and not used as bait on a hook, then using it would be considered chumming. Chumming is allowed while fishing in saltwater, but it is prohibited in most inland waters.

When fishing in inland waters (as per CCR Title 14, section 2.40), “Chumming is permitted only in:

1. The Colorado River District, but only the approved bait fishes for this District may be used as chum (see Section 4.15) except in the Salton Sea where corn may also be used.

2. Carquinez Strait and Suisun Bay and their tributaries and saltwater tributaries.

3. Sacramento River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from Interstate 80 bridge.

4. San Joaquin River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from Interstate 5 bridge.”

Cool! I did not know chumming was legal in the Sacto and SJ Rivers. I wonder if this was written when what is now the US-50/Capitol City Fwy. Bridge was the I-80 Bridge. The I-80 Bridge now is the Bryte Bend Bridge, several miles farther upstream.
There is some pretty good fishing in between at certain times of the year.