The smell of chum turns my stomach - I’ve heard that range cubes can be used as a substitute and don’t have a smell - is that true?

Unfortunately, chumming is a smelly business. Range cubes, however, are an option if you absolutely cannot stomach the stench. Range cubes are actually large pellets that contain cottonseed meal as well as a myriad of other ingredients. The cottonseed has been known to work well when fishing for catfish. While range cubes don’t smell, they won’t be quite as effective when used alone as they may be when used in conjunction with a Milo chum. Range cubes can be used in a couple of ways, you can simply toss them out over the area you’ll be fishing like you would traditional chum or you can place them in a tow sack and simply drop them in the water. Cutting a slit in the bag will release the pellets into the water as they begin to break down. Another way to use the pellets is to place them in a 5 gallon bucket that has been weighted with concrete or a large rock. You’ll want to drill several holes in the bucket that are approximately 3/4 of an inch in diameter. Place the lid on the bucket and lower it into the water with a heavy rope. This technique will work in two ways, attracting the baitfish that will draw the catfish as well as drawing the catfish themselves. Range cubes can be purchased at your local feed store and usually come in 50 lb bags. For chumming, you’ll want to make sure you ask for 20% cubes.