Materials Needed: Tools Needed:
Foam noodle (about 2” diameter total) Scissors
Chum bag/small mesh laundry bag Flat-tip screw driver
Long tie wraps Pliers or crimpers
Short tie wraps Measuring tape
Rubber-grip weights
Piece of line or rope
Assembly:
1. The foam noodle’s length will have to be cut depending on the size of the chum bag (we used 18” width x 24” length; if you can’t find a chum bag, you can use a small mesh laundry bag) you have or purchase. With the bag lying flat, measure the diameter (width) of the top of the bag (where the drawstring is); double that length, this is the circumference; then add about 2 more inches (5 cm) (it is easier to cut down then it is to add on).
2. Measure and mark the circumference length on the noodle (we used 34). With an adult helping you, cut the noodle. Bend the noodle into a circle and place it inside the chum bag about 6-8 inches down from the opening. You may have to cut it down until you get a good fit.
3. Once you have the noodle down to the perfect size, pull it out of the bag and run the line or rope through the center, bend it around and tie both line ends tight, to acquire a circular shape.
Note: You will not get a perfect circle, more like a teardrop shape.
4. Place the noodle back inside the chum bag 6-8 inches down from the opening.
Note: Make sure you position the noodle down far enough so you can cinch the bag closed.
5. After the noodle is positioned, run large tie wraps through the mesh and around the noodle and back through the mesh to secure the noodle in its current position.
6. Repeat Step 5, spacing the tie wraps 5-6 inches apart, going all around the bag, securing the noodle in place. Once the noodle is secure, with adult supervision, cut the tag ends flush with the zip tie head with scissors or pliers making sure not to leave any sharp edges.
7. Pull the bottom of the bag up through the opening (turning the bag inside out), exposing the seam.
8. Remove the rubber grips from the weights. With help from an adult, and a flat-tip screw driver, open the slit on the weights to where the chum bag seam can slide in. Place the weights along the entire length of the seam, approximately 2 inches apart. Once the bag seam is in the weight, crimp the weight and use the small zip ties to keep the weights in place along the seam. Again, cut the tag end flush with the zip tie head. The size and quantity of the rubber-grip sinkers will depend on the size of your chum bag (we used 9 - 3/8 oz weights).
9. Once all the weights are in place, return the bag back down through the opening, positioning the weights inside the chum bag to avoid getting caught when underway in water. You can use the bag’s line to attach to your kayak or canoe.
