Bream are versatile feeders, thriving in diverse environments and feeding at various depths, making them a popular target for anglers. These bottom-feeding fish forage around structures like weed beds, bridge pylons, and drowned timber, while also picking food from aquatic vegetation at mid-depths. On the surface, bream feed on insects, and they often come close to the shore at night. In clear waters with sandy bottoms, they can be seen feeding during the day, while in winter, they forage in deep water over sandy or rocky reefs. During summer, bream prefer shallow waters over sandy areas. Known for their opportunistic feeding habits, bream consume a wide variety of prey, including prawns, shrimp, crabs, mollusks like oysters, worms, and vegetation.
Successful Bait and Lures
We’ve had great success catching bream using a variety of bait, including bread, prawns, fish heads, and chicken meat, which appeal to their opportunistic feeding habits. For those who prefer lures, the hard-body AIMALL lures are highly effective, as they expertly mimic the movement of tiny baitfish, attracting bream with their realistic action. Whether you choose natural bait or artificial lures, these methods are proven to deliver impressive results for anglers targeting bream.
Rod Setup/Rigs to use
For the best rod setup to catch bream, consider using either a running sinker directly to the hook or a running sinker placed before a swivel. Choosing the right sinker is crucial—opt for a lighter sinker in calm waters and a heavier one when conditions are choppy. Shank hooks have proven highly effective in our experience, but if you’re struggling to rig larger bait, smaller-sized circle or suicide hooks work just as well. Keep in mind that bream are strong fighters with small mouths, so selecting the appropriate hook size based on the bream’s size is key to a successful catch.
Techniques for the Hunt (Bait and Lure)
Catching bream on bait or lures can be an exciting and rewarding experience. For bait fishing, either cast or drop your line, ensuring the sinker reaches the bottom. If you know bream are around, hold onto your rod firmly—never place it on the ground, as their hard head shakes can quickly dislodge the hook. Avoid striking on a nibble; instead, patiently wait for the bream to strike first, then respond with a strong hook set. Once the rod bends, maintain pressure and reel them in steadily. For lure fishing, cast out and let the lure sink to the bottom before flicking it back and reeling. Pause for 8-10 seconds and repeat this motion. Always ensure the lure reaches the bottom, but be cautious of snags, especially in rocky areas, as they can be frustrating. Adjust your technique accordingly to maximize your chances of landing a catch!
Bream Facts
