So what say ye ? Are Chums nothing but good clean fun, or do they just get in the way?

They start out fun, but gets old fast.
I think one day of Chums will last till next year. Time to lock the dogs up.

I'm with Divers on this one.


Dogs are Dogs, once you have caught a number of them they get old fast!

KK,

The way I understood it, when you're fishing for one species of fish, and you hook and land another, you get one de-merit on your fishing score card. Then 12 years ago I learned that some anglers were actually trying to catch chum salmon on purpose. Will wonders ever cease? So I guess if an angler actually targets chum and catches them, no de-merit is awarded. However, his motives may be questioned, not to mention the caliber of his character.

Furthermore, once a chum is hooked on fly tackle, the whole exercise becomes a lot like work.

t.i.c.

Salmo g.

Man, some guys preach fishing, catch and release, enjoy the bounty God has given us, blah, blah, blah. But still bad mouth Chums. Chums are thebest fighters hands down....hands down! They never ever give up, never! even after they have "sorta" given up....forget it. Back down they go. Thats what its all about my friends.

Now they are not the best table fare for certain, if we wanted table fare we would hook those gorgeous Coho {and we do!} but if you say Chums are no fun you're outa your skull!!!

If we could only get Coho meat with ther fight of the chum, now that would be something!

Silvers are fun but they give up quickly, don't get me wrong, they will put on a show but the fight doesn't last but a fraction of a chum.

So I say hook chums, fight a real monster and who knows.....maybe you'll get one that is decent or still giving a ride to some sealice and you'll throw 14 lbs of fillet Chum meat in your smoker. Take it to the local old folks home....you'll be a flippin hero!

I disagree, I think Kings and Winter run fight harder on a fly rod.

Hey, just because they are old and lost a lot of there senses , no need to abuse them with Chums, treat them right and give them Kings.

Just kidding, good for you. We donate almost all of our Salmon to friends and family( my grandma lives in a elderly community).

Chums can be an absalute blast as long as you can get them to bite. Yesterday I struggled. The first two I caught where mouth hooked and went bonkers. Yea-Haw!!! After that I snagged a couple which really sucks. After about a few seconds I just snap off the fly. Try as I may I could not get another biter and gave up after a couple of more snags. This all took place in about 30 minutes of fishing. The problem with Chums and the Bug Rod is it's just so damn tough to keep the hook out of their dorsal.

Spartan

Here is something for you to try, the next time you go chum fishing and fighting a fish release all tension on the fish and see what happens when you do it.

I feel winter Steelhead, pound for pound fight pretty good.

.04

Don't get your hackle all in a bunch!!!

I would much rather have a Steelhead on the hook than a Chum but a Chum will pull harder and longer than any of the above mentioned fish.

My point about getting Chum, smokin em up and taking em to the old folks was lost in the typing I think. Right now there are so many Chum to be had it is a shame to not utilize these gifts, especially when there is not much else to be had. Make it into some smoked salmon but before that practice your butterfly filleting them. Then take it to some homes where they will enjoy it without a doubt.

And if you ain't hookin some big dogs......well, something is wrong, very very wrong!

Salmo g.:

Who'd a thunk an 'ol valley boy like yerself wouldn't fish for the toothy dog :p !! We all can enjoy a day in the dog pound, just not anymore than a day. When ya hook 'em fresh and hot (Alaska),they are quite a bit different, and if ya had a 'disk drag' ( ) on that rod, they wouldn't be quite so much work. Fess up now, you're thinking 'SpeyTracker' and a trip to Hoodsport, aren't ya?


KK

"Don't get your hackle all in a bunch"

I just don't like fishing for chum, that's just me.

Years ago I would fish for them, but not now.

.04

PS I'm one of the 33%

Well, no problem there with me. If ya don't like it....ya don't like it.

The problem at this moment is Chum water is also prime Steelhead water.

Double farts!!!!!

Salmo:
I'm sorry, I meant the 'ChumTracker. :p

KK

I for one enjoy engaging in the epic battle of a pissed off chum at the end of my fly rod. They do fight harder than other salmon. Sure coho jump a lot, kings have their brute strength, and pinks and sockeye are just there. Chums however will jump, run, and dig in for every second of the fight. They also are very easy to catch so you get many sore armed days.

Don't get me wrong, I will stand for days on end in the cold rain for the possible chance of a steelhead, but chums still have their place for me.

That a baby Fishin junkie. I love that cramp you get in the top of your elbow joint when fightin one of those beefcakes!

I think the problem with chum salmon is they are to easy. To easy to hook that is. Kinda like that girl in high school that puts out. Everyone wants to go out with her but no body will admit they did go out with her. No one will admit actually targeting chummies but once one is hooked they still enjoy the fight.

I agree with you guys.
Get old fast and too easy.

KK,

"ChumTracker" Yuck! Perish the thought! I doubt I will be casting the SpeyTracker any time or place that chum are around.

Yeah, a disk drag reel would be more suitable for chums, since playing them has more in common with kings, which I don't care to play on my fly reels.

I like Kerry's analogy comparing chums to the high school girl that puts out for everyone. Chums would have been a good ride back then, but I've been out of high school for more than 35 years. Guess I'm beginning to value finesse and seduction more than brute force and cheap liquor.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Salmo:

I agree, too 'cheap and easy', and you are correct, they have their place , in ones younger years. Although I like the sound of 'ChumTracker' , has a nice ring to it.

KK

Spartan: Or how about that small bruse you get on the bottom of your fore arm because the butt of your rod likes to dig in there when fighting the alagators. Or is that just me?

Sounds like some one needs a two-hander?

Yeah, all glorious wounds to show off after the battle, nothin better!

Love to catch'um..

Then again I would fish for two goldfish in a barrel with dental floss and a paperclip.

just love to catch.........an release

I think you could catch a Chum with a paperclip, the real challenge would be not straightening out that clip.

Now goldfish might not be a problem.

KK,

Chum Tracker it ain't. I won't wet a line with it in water inhabited by chumsters. I can now say that the Spey Tracker is truly the Methow Magic. I think it, and the little rod puts the 6 wt Spey line right where I want it. That rod is such a delight it's probably illegal in any state harboring salmonids.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Salmo:

Glad to hear it !! I thought it might just be the ticket for that area. I will not sully the name of the rod again, by adding the 'c' word to it.
Trying to get over that way myself, and give mine a bend or two.

KK

Chums are OK in my book, not a top fish for sure but they hammer flies, fight hard and are here in quantity unlike most of our species. A day or two a year checking out your drag system is fine by me:)

November is pretty much the only month I'll take off from fishing. When I say off it means I only go out three or four times.

I'm surprised no one said early summer runs are the best fighters pound for pound.

OH NO!

39%
61%

What's the world coming to!