Bream, also known as bluegill or sunfish, are a popular fish to catch for both recreational anglers and competitive fishermen. They can be found in lakes, ponds, and streams across much of the Melbourne and are known for their small size and voracious appetite. One effective method for catching bream is by using bait, which can attract and entice these fish to bite. In this article, we will provide tips and techniques for catching bream on bait, including selecting the right bait, presenting it properly, and setting the hook for a successful catch.
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The best baits to catch bream
- Worms
- Crickets
- Grubs
- Mealworms
- Wax worms
- Grasshoppers
- Nightcrawlers
- Minnows
- Crustaceans (such as crayfish or shrimp)
- Artificial lures, such as small jigs or flies
One of the most effective baits for catching bream is worms, particularly red worms or nightcrawlers. These baits are widely available and easy to use, and they are highly attractive to bream. Crickets and grasshoppers are also good choices, particularly in the warmer months when these insects are more active. Grubs and mealworms are also effective baits, and they can be particularly useful for catching bream in the cooler months when other types of bait may not be as effective. In addition to these live baits, artificial lures such as small jigs or flies can be effective for catching bream. It’s important to experiment with different baits to see which one works best in a particular location.
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How to choose a suitable bream rod and reel combo
When choosing a rod and reel combo for bream fishing, it’s important to consider the size of the fish you will be targeting and the type of water you will be fishing in. For bream, a lightweight rod with a fast action and a sensitivity of at least medium-light is generally a good choice. A rod with a length of 6 to 7 feet is also suitable. As for the reel, a size 20 to 30 reel with a smooth drag system and a fast retrieve rate is a good option. It’s also important to consider the type of line you will be using. For bream fishing, a braided line or a fluorocarbon line with a test weight of 4-8 pounds is generally suitable.
When selecting a rod and reel combo, it’s also a good idea to consider the type of bait you will be using. If you plan on using live bait, such as worms or crickets, a medium-light or medium-power rod with a fast action and a sensitivity of at least medium-light is a good choice. On the other hand, if you plan on using artificial lures, such as small jigs or flies, a lightweight rod with a fast action and a sensitivity of at least medium-light is more appropriate.
Fishing line & leader when bream fishing
The type of fishing line and leader you use when bream fishing can significantly affect your success and the overall fishing experience. For the main line, braided line or fluorocarbon line with a test weight of 4-8 pounds is generally suitable for bream fishing. Braided line has a thin diameter and is very strong, making it a good choice for detecting bites and setting the hook. Fluorocarbon line is also a good choice, as it is less visible in the water and has a more natural feel, which can be beneficial when using live bait.
As for the leader, a fluorocarbon leader with a test weight of 2-4 pounds is a good choice when bream fishing. A fluorocarbon leader is less visible in the water, which can be important when fishing in clear conditions, and it also has a more natural feel, which can be beneficial when using live bait. It’s important to use a leader that is strong enough to handle the size of the bream you are targeting, but not so heavy that it makes it difficult to detect bites or set the hook.
The best fishing rigs to catch bream on bait
Split-shot rig: The split-shot rig is a simple and effective fishing rig that is commonly used for catching bream on bait. It consists of a single hook with a split shot sinker pinched onto the line above it. To use this rig, you will need to thread the bait onto the hook. The bait can be live, such as a worm or a cricket, or it can be artificial, such as a grub or a jig. Once the bait is attached to the hook, you can cast the rig out and allow it to sink to the bottom. The split shot sinker will help the rig sink and keep it in place, while the bait will attract the bream and entice them to bite. When the bream bites, you can then set the hook and reel in the fish.
Slip float rig: The slip float rig is a fishing rig that is commonly used for catching bream on bait. It consists of a floating bobber (called a slip float) that is attached to the line above the bait. The slip float allows the bait to be suspended at a predetermined depth, which can be useful for targeting bream that are holding in a specific depth range. To use this rig, you will need to thread the bait onto a hook and attach it to the line below the slip float. The bait can be live, such as a worm or a cricket, or it can be artificial, such as a grub or a jig. Once the bait is attached to the hook, you can cast the rig out and allow it to drift with the current. The slip float will help keep the bait at the desired depth and make it more visible to the bream. When the bream bites, the slip float will move or “slip” down the line, indicating that a fish is on the hook.
Drop-shot rig: The drop-shot rig is a fishing rig that is commonly used for catching bream on bait. It consists of a single hook with a sinker tied to the end of the line. The sinker helps the rig sink to the bottom and keep it in place, while the hook is used to attach the bait. The bait can be live, such as a worm or a cricket, or it can be artificial, such as a grub or a jig. To use this rig, you will need to thread the bait onto the hook and then cast the rig out and allow it to sink to the bottom. The weight of the sinker will help the rig sink, while the bait will attract the bream and entice them to bite. When the bream bites, you can then set the hook and reel in the fish. This rig is effective for catching bream that are holding near the bottom and can be used in a variety of fishing environments, including rivers, streams, and lakes.
Carolina rig: The Carolina rig is a fishing rig that is commonly used for catching bream on bait. It consists of a weight (such as a sinker or a bead) tied to the end of the line, with a bead and a swivel above it. A hook is then tied to a leader above the swivel, and the bait is threaded onto the hook. The weight helps the rig sink to the bottom and keep it in place, while the bait is suspended above the weight. The bait can be live, such as a worm or a cricket, or it can be artificial, such as a grub or a jig. To use this rig, you will need to cast the rig out and allow it to sink to the bottom. The bait will be suspended above the weight, making it more visible to the bream.
Using berley properly to attract fish
Berley is a substance that is used to attract fish by releasing a scent or taste into the water. It can be made from a variety of materials, including fish scraps, grain, or other attractants. When used properly, berley can be an effective way to lure fish to a particular area, making it easier to catch them. There are a few key points to consider when using berley to attract fish:
Use the right type of berley for the type of fish you are targeting: Different fish are attracted to different types of berley, so it’s important to choose a berley that is appropriate for the species you are targeting. For example, a berley made from fish scraps may be more effective for attracting predatory fish such as trout, while a berley made from grain may be more effective for attracting smaller species such as bream.
Release the berley in the right location: When using berley, it’s important to release it in an area where the fish are likely to be found. This may be near structure, such as weeds or logs, or in areas with a strong current.
Use the right amount of berley: It’s important to use the right amount of berley, as using too much can actually have a negative effect by overloading the water with scent or taste. A good rule of thumb is to start with a small amount and gradually increase it if necessary.
Be patient: Berley can take time to work, so it’s important to be patient and give it time to attract the fish to the area. It can also be helpful to use a combination of berley and other fishing techniques, such as chumming or live baiting, to increase the chances of success.
Bream HOTSPOTS around Melbourne & Victoria
Here are some popular spots for catching bream in Melbourne and Victoria:
- Port Phillip Bay
- Maribyrnong River
- Yarra River
- Werribee River
- Barwon River
- Bemm River
- Hopkins River
- Mitchell River
- Tambo River
- Lake Tyers
- Patterson River
- Gippsland Lakes
- Hovells Creek
- Merri Creek
- Yarra River trails
- Darebin Creek
- Edgars Creek
- Merlynston Creek
- Moonee Ponds Creek
- Stony Creek
- Gardiners Creek
- Maroondah Dam
- O’Shannassy Reservoir
- Sugarloaf Reservoir
- Upper Yarra Reservoir
It’s worth noting that these are just a few of the many potential spots for catching bream in Melbourne and Victoria. Other locations may also be productive, depending on the time of year and other factors. It’s a good idea to research local fishing reports and seek advice from experienced anglers or fishing guides to find out where the best bream hotspots are at any given time.
Should I Catch and Release or eat bream from the Maribyrnong or Yarra Rivers?
It is generally recommended to release bream that are caught in the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers, as these waterways are located in urban areas and may be subject to pollution and other environmental stresses. While bream from these rivers may be safe to eat in some cases, it is generally advisable to err on the side of caution and release them back into the water.
If you do decide to keep and eat bream from these rivers, it’s important to follow proper handling and preparation techniques to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. This includes cleaning the fish thoroughly, removing the guts and gills, and cooking the fish to a safe internal temperature to kill any harmful bacteria or parasites. It’s also a good idea to limit the amount of fish you consume from these rivers, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, young, or have a compromised immune system.
In general, it’s a good idea to follow the principles of catch and release, especially when fishing in urban areas or in environments that may be subject to pollution or other stresses. This helps to conserve fish populations and maintain the health of the waterways.
Common mistakes to avoid when bream fishing
There are several common mistakes that anglers make when bream fishing, and avoiding these mistakes can significantly increase your chances of success. One mistake to avoid is using the wrong bait. Bream can be fussy eaters, so it’s important to use the right bait to attract and entice them to bite. Using the wrong bait, such as one that is too large or not closely resembling the type of food that bream naturally feed on, can significantly reduce your chances of success. Another mistake to avoid is setting the hook too hard. Bream have small mouths and delicate teeth, so it’s important to set the hook gently to avoid tearing the mouth or damaging the fish. Setting the hook too hard can result in the fish being injured or lost, and it can also damage the hook or the line. Reeling in too quickly is another mistake to avoid when bream fishing. When reeling in a bream, it’s important to take your time and let the fish run with the line for a few seconds before applying pressure. This helps to tire the fish out and makes it easier to land. Reeling in too quickly can cause the fish to become agitated or panicked, making it more likely to thrash or break the line. Finally, using the wrong gear can be a mistake when bream fishing. Using the wrong rod, reel, or line can make it more difficult to catch and land the fish.
I hope this information has been helpful in your bream fishing endeavors. Remember to always follow local fishing regulations, practice good catch and release techniques, and be mindful of your impact on the environment. With the right knowledge, preparation, and technique, you can enjoy a successful and rewarding day of bream fishing. Happy fishing!
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