Can I Hang Chum From a Buoy to Attract Fish?

July 15, 2010

Question: If I am trying to attract fish to a spot to fish them, can I sink some chum there? I would tie the chum to a rope that’s connected to a buoy, throw it overboard and then let it soak. In a couple of hours I’d come back and first retrieve my chum, rope and buoy, and then would fish on that spot. Is there any problem with this? (Ricky Z.)

Answer: Chumming in inland waters is generally illegal, but in the following locations (CCR Title 14, section 2.40), it is allowed:

1.   The Colorado River District, where only the approved bait fishes for the District may be used as chum (CCR Title 14, section 4.15) except in the Salton Sea, where corn may also be used.

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

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

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

“Chumming” is defined as “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” (CCR Title 14, section 1.32).

Chumming is not prohibited in the ocean.