Bream reside in lakes, ponds and rivers across the United States and are caught using a variety of different baits. There are many species of bream, including redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, pumpkin seeds and bluegills. They put up a good fight and many anglers enjoy eating them. Bodies of water with a good bream population provide anglers with consistent action making them ideal for beginners and children.
Live Bait Fishing
Fishing live bait under a float is an effective technique for catching bream. This simple setup usually consists of a float, small weight and a hook. A variety of live baits are effective, but worms are probably responsible for catching the most fish. They are widely available and irresistible to hungry bream. Crickets and grasshoppers are also a favorite meal, and maggots, meal worms, wax worms and leaches are also popular. Baits may also be fished along the bottom, especially during cold weather.
Jigging for Bream
Small jigs are popular among bream fishermen in a range of sizes from 1/32- to 1/8- oz. They are used extensively by ice fishermen, but remain effective year-round. Soft plastic jigs offer a realistic feel, encouraging fish to hold them longer once they bite. They are effective in a variety of colors and styles, so experiment with different combinations until you find one that works. Vary the speed and rhythm of your retrieve to trigger picky fish into striking.
Using Spinners
Spinners produce flash and vibration mimicking the erratic movement of a wounded minnow. They allow the angler to cover water quickly and are a great choice for locating bream in unfamiliar areas. Spinners are particularly effective when bream suspend around submerged structures. Target specific depths by counting down as the spinner falls through the water. Most small spinners sink about 1 foot per second.
Fly Fishing for Bream
Fly fishing for bream is a great way to get acquainted with the sport. Bream feed on many types of aquatic insects and eagerly attack a variety of fly patterns. Small poppers provide bream fishermen with exciting surface action. Flies designed to mimic dragonflies, damselflies and mayflies are effective in both the adult and nymph form. Bream are noble fighters for their size and put up a good fight on light fly fishing equipment. Most anglers prefer a 2-wt, 3-wt or 4-wt fly rod equipped with a small reel and floating fly line.
Other Baits to Consider
Canned corn kernels are extremely effective, cost efficient and go a long way when bream are feeding actively. Consider them if you're looking for a quick and efficient bait that requires minimal preparation. Several manufacturers offer artificial baits that taste and smell natural to fish. Artificial baits are more durable than live bait, easy to store and never spoil. They are rigged using a plain hook or a weighted jig head and will sometimes out fish live bait.
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