14: Chumming for Halibut: The #1 Strategy Most Anglers Ignore

04/29/25 • 20 min

Tired of waiting all day for a halibut bite—and going home empty-handed? In this episode, Jamie Propst breaks down the science and strategy behind the one halibut fishing tactic most anglers overlook: chumming. Learn how understanding scent, amino acids, and current patterns can completely change your success on the water. Plus, get Jamie’s favorite chum recipe, blending tips, and tactical tips for a chum-tastic day!

🎣 Ever drop anchor, wait all day for halibut... and go home frustrated?
You’re not alone — but the good news is, there’s a fix. And it’s simpler than you think.

In this episode, Jamie Propst from Anglers Unlimited dives into the #1 overlooked halibut fishing tactic: building an effective chumming strategy.
She shares personal stories, real-world fishing experiences, and the fascinating science behind why scent matters way more than you might realize.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

Why scent is the real secret weapon for halibut success
The biology of how halibut detect bait (and why it matters)
Which amino acids (alanine + glycine) trigger halibut feeding responses
Top bait choices packed with scent-attracting power
How current speed and bait spacing impact your chum trail
The "first hour" rule you must know when chumming
How to make chum-tastic “chumsicles” and store them for fishing trips
Why you need a dedicated bait blender (trust us on this one...)

🎁 Want Jamie’s proven chum recipe?
Download the Halibut Chum Recipe Cheat Sheet at anglersunlimited.co/chum — you’ll get a full walkthrough, ingredient list, and pro tips to get your chum game dialed in.

📸 Show us your halibut catch!
Tag us @AnglersUnlimited.co on Instagram or hop into our free Anglers Unlimited San Juan Islands Facebook community. We'd love to celebrate your next big win!

👉 Subscribe to the Fishing for a Reason Podcast so you never miss an episode!

Send us a text

🎣 Ever drop anchor, wait all day for halibut... and go home frustrated?
You’re not alone — but the good news is, there’s a fix. And it’s simpler than you think.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

Why scent is the real secret weapon for halibut success
The biology of how halibut detect bait (and why it matters)
Which amino acids (alanine + glycine) trigger halibut feeding responses
Top bait choices packed with scent-attracting power
How current speed and bait spacing impact your chum trail
The "first hour" rule you must know when chumming
How to make chum-tastic “chumsicles” and store them for fishing trips
Why you need a dedicated bait blender (trust us on this one...)

📸 Show us your halibut catch!
Tag us @AnglersUnlimited.co on Instagram or hop into our free Anglers Unlimited San Juan Islands Facebook community. We'd love to celebrate your next big win!

👉 Subscribe to the Fishing for a Reason Podcast so you never miss an episode!

Previous Episode

13: Lessons Learned Hiking The John Muir Trail with a Fly Rod

Send us a text

In this episode, we dive into the nitty gritty details of three friends who hiked the John Muir Trail (JMT). Join us as we explore their hilarious mishaps, moments of discovery, and valuable lessons learned along the way. From gear recommendations to tips for overcoming challenges, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring JMT hikers.

About Today's Guests

Andy (Andrea) Castan

Andy takes the seat of Guest Host and interviews Jamie Propst this week. As Jamie’s mom, she has had a front-row seat to the planning and prepping for this wild adventure and graciously offered to interview the crew on their shared experience. Andy is also an adventurer herself, just completing The Great Loop by boat with her husband, Darth. Tune in to their story on Episode 11.
Scott Propst

Scott is a retired Navy veteran and co-host of the Fishing for a Reason Podcast. He has a passion for the outdoors, and he's an experienced fisherman who enjoys exploring nature's beauty. This JMT hike was a new challenge for Scott, but he embraced the opportunity to test his limits and discover the wonders of the Sierra Nevada.

John De Pree

John is an active-duty professor of Naval Science at Oregon State University and a lifelong adventurer. He's a seasoned hunter with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. The JMT was a new kind of adventure for John that challenged him in ways he did not expect. Listen to the number 15 to learn more.

What You'll Learn:

The challenges and rewards of hiking the JMT
Essential gear and tips for a successful JMT hike
How to build camaraderie and support with fellow hikers
The importance of preparation and planning for a long-distance trail
Inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles

Resources:

Pacific Crest Trail Association: JMT History
Recreation.gov for obtaining JMT Permits
Nemo Women’s sleeping bag
Join our free Community Anglers Unlimited FB Community

Next Episode

15: Fishing Sekiu and Neah Bay: Trip Report, Tactics, and Travel Tips

Send us a text

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott Propst dive into a full trip report from their recent fishing adventure to Sekiu and Neah Bay, Washington. Scott shares firsthand experience about planning for the April Blackmouth opener, what to know about lodging, docking, supplies, and how to safely navigate the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

You'll hear about:

How to prepare for fishing blackmouth, lingcod, and black rockfish.
Lodging and marina options in Sekiu and Neah Bay.
Weather and tidal considerations for boating or trailering to the area.
Fishing tackle, trolling patterns, and techniques that worked best.
Key tips for first-timers.

Bonus for Anglers Unlimited Gold Members:
Scott and Jamie walk through the exact Navionics charts and trolling patterns they used — available exclusively inside the Gold membership community!

Links & Resources Mentioned:

🎣 Join Anglers Unlimited Gold Membership for exclusive fishing maps and bonus training
📍 MarineWeather.net — Strait of Juan de Fuca marine forecast
🧭 WindHub App — Best for advanced wind and weather models
🗺️ DeepZoom — Tide and current modeling for your trip planning