BREAM FISHING FACT SHEET

Rods: Long rods 7-12 ft are normally used for bream fishing and they must have a soft slow action so that the fish can run with the bait and not feel the rod. A quivertip is sometimes an advantage as these fish can sometimes bite very lightly.

Reel and Line: The reel is not important. Any small spinning reel will suffice. However, it must have a smooth drag and must be filled with line to capacity to allow the delicate and accurate casting that is sometimes required. The line should be 2-4kg breaking strain as Bream are shy fish and a fine diameter line is a must.

Hooks: Long shank hooks in sizes 408, Mustad 4190 is a good pattern.

Baits: There are many baits used to lure Bream. Here are just a few.

Berley: Berley is a must because bream are shy and the berley will hold them in an area longer. Remember though that you should berley a "little" - but often, otherwise you will simply feed the fish. Berley can be anything from bread crumbs to chook pellets to cat food or even small pieces of the bait you are using. Tuna oil mixed up with bread crumbs is a good berley as it won't feed the fish but will hold them where you want them.

Times: The best time to fish for Bream is one hour before sunrise till midmorning and one hour before sunset to mid-evening. Bream feed in deep water during the day and shallow water by night. Most bigger fish are caught at night. The main thing to remember when fishing for Bream is to use as little weight on the line as possible. No weight is even better but is not always practical. When a fish takes the bait, allow it to move off with it feeling no resistance, as Bream have crushing plates and turn the bait around to swallow it. If resistance is felt or you strike too soon, you will not hook the fish or it may simply drop the bait.

Provided by Greensborough & District Angling Club Inc.
161 Para Road, Greensborough 3088