Chumming

One technique that is overlooked more than others is chumming .  Chumming can play a major factor in pier fishing.  Sometimes it can even determine if it is going to be a great fishing day or a great "catching" day. Chumming is critical in pier fishing for a few reasons.  The first reason is kind of obvious, "well you’re on a pier, so I don't think you can go after the fish unless you don't mind getting wet."  Therefore, your goal is to get the fish to come to you.  

I create my own chum by getting a fine mesh net full of thread fins, green backs and mix half a cup of pogy oil and sand. You can either manually cut up each individual piece of bait or you can invest in a heavy duty meat grinder, which will pay off in time. They usually average about $30 to $45 dollars and you can pick them up at your local tackle store. This chum mix should provide a chum slick for hours that no fish can resist.  

Chumming, not only draws big fish, but also smaller bait. The smaller bait will not only keep the game fish lingering around for a good period of time.  Not only does chumming bring fish closer but it makes them go into a feeding mode and even a feeding frenzy. One thing that must be taken in consideration is how much chum is being released, you don't want a chum bag with a large mesh, because the fish can become full and not be as willing to eat.