Wood chipper as chum grinder

[XpatBubba]

I am thinking of getting an electric wood chipper in from the states to use to grind up chum. I am hoping to lure in reef species as well as wahoo & kings. I was planning to use a mixture of threadfin herring and bonito. Hopefully it wont only bring in sharks. Any experience with using a chipper as a grinder? Seems faster and cheaper than buying a gunnel mounted hand crank model or electric.

[Captain Michael Buffington]

I've been toying with this idea for awhile. I was thinking a gas powered one mounted on a rodholder. It would stink to high heaven though. It would work but what a mess it would make.

Mike

[Fishthebite]

Dont do it. I bought an electric one (3 hp) for the same idea. First, they are not powerful enough and second they get clogged up with skin etc.You will spend most of your time opening and cleaning the device. The best way was if the fish was semi frozen. If you were to do it, I would reccommed getting a gas powered one. Stay away from the electric.

The best is a #32 meat grinder. I know its a pain in the ass by hand, but I have never had an issue with it.

Good luck.

[Hatterized]

saw an old-timer here on the Chesapeake Bay use a rechargeable weedeater......instead of string it had 3 blades attched to the hub.....he would put what he wanted ground up in a 15 ballon drum.....and presto......instant chum chunks.....

[XpatBubba]

Good info. Thanks Fishthebite, I would hate to spend the money with importation taxes and all if it was not the best bang for the buck. Number 32 grinder or Chum Churn??

[Deep C]

I know a few who have tried and though partially successful in the long run not worth it...
I have used hand and as mentioned above it sucks... Then a couple years ago I stumbled onto something that worked well. When we go to Chub Cay we can't possibly carry enough chum. The fish are so thick over there that I need every available inch of space for ballyhoos and food. We tried with great success a small black and decker food processor...
Now we get creative with our blend. Skin is the killer in thse deals so staying away from it helps. Instead we use ribs, blood lines, bonito meat, cuda meat, or small snapper racks and heads. To spice it up we add a squirt of bunker oil. Freeze it in gallon bags and just open the top of it in a mesh chum bag at time to use...
If we need to stretch a load we often add minute rice and water. Or if we want some to sink we use some sand in the mix. Dry cat food makes a good filler too...

[canyongear]

Don't forget a small tube of glitter, silver or gold or both

[giantfan]

My fishing buddy has an electric one that he uses for Bunker and it works great.

It is a bottom discharge electric chipper. I will give him a call a little later and find out the make and model.

He did two 150 qt coolers worth last year for mako mania and it was ground just like store bought.

We didn't have any problems with the skin and the unit comes apart for easy cleaning.

[giantfan]

It is a Troy Built Model 47321 10 HP.

I thought it was electric but I guess I was wrong.

[rileysea]

Electric Wood Chipper?

How do you think this would work? Better to grind frozen, semi frozen or non frozen bunder or mullet?

Task Force
15-Amp Electric Chipper

Item #: 139871 Model: 26013

(3.0)

120V AC, 60Hz,15 amp motor
Chips branches up to 1-3/8 In. in diameter.includes set of replacement blades.
Mobile stand base
Debris collection bag
Extended Protection Plans are available for an additional charge
Amps (Amps): 15.0
Chipper Capacity (Inches): 1.37
Warranty: 2
Wheels: Yes
Chipper Blade Material: Steel

[/SIZE]