MATCH FISHING TIPS | 5 TIPS TO WIN BIG WITH BREAM

Stillwater fishing for bream has changed a good deal since the days of squatts, swingtips and target boards. Here are some top tips to help you put a big net of slabs together…

VARY YOUR HOOKLENGTHS

This can vary throughout a match, but the agreed starting point for many anglers is between 50cm and 75cm. You will rarely need to go longer than this, unless the fish are showing signs of feeding well off bottom. Shortening the hooklength can pay off if you are missing bites, because putting the hookbait nearer the feeder can result in a more positive indication on the tip.

TWITCH THE BAIT

Sit on your hands and wait for the tip to go round. That’s the rule from the old school bream fishing handbook, but today things are a little different. By moving the hookbait slightly, you can tempt a bream into taking the bait, but will also be pulling the bait closer to the area your feeder has dropped its goodies. Half a turn of the reel handle is usually enough movement.

USE BRAID

Swapping from mono line to braid on your reel will bring many advantages. Being thinner in diameter, braid casts a lot further and adds accuracy. Also, when a fish takes the bait, the bite is magnified tenfold as a very positive pull on the quivertip. Using a length of shockleader makes casting completely safe – just remember not to strike hard when you get a bite. Simply pick the rod up and pull into the fish.

CAST ACCURATELY

There’s no point in getting your rig and feed right, only to undo that hard work with haphazard casting. Accuracy is king here and using the line clip on the reel and working with a marker on the horizon as an aiming point will help no end. Having a big enough feeder to hit the mark each time is advisable. If you do make a bad cast, wind in and cast again. Leaving out a feeder that’s miles away from the feed area is a waste of time.

GO FOR FISHMEAL

Even on natural lakes, fishmeal is having a big impact. That’s not to say that you need to go down the 100 per cent fish route, as this might be a bit too strong. Instead, balance out a classic sweet groundbait with a helping of fishmeal or, better still, go for a sweet fishmeal blend that’s already mixed. Adding a few dampened micro pellets to the mix along with the usual casters, dead maggots and chopped worm will further increase the pulling power of your groundbait.