Rigging up for Bream

So you should have a rod, reel, line, leader, set of #4 hooks, and size 0 & 1 ball sinkers ready to go do some fishing. How to set it up for maximum effect?

Lets start with the leader. You'll want to tie the leader directly to the main line instead of using anything like a brass swivel. The key to this is the double-uni knot. As far as knots go you only need two knots to catch the biggest bream. The uni knot and the double-uni knot. :)

Leave the leader on its spool and tie it on to your main line using the double-uni. For braid-to-20lb I like to use 6 wraps on the braid side and 4 wraps on the 20lb side. the 20lb is stiff so I want to keep the knot small. Once this is tied on, start reeling in. Wind in until you see the 20lb wind on about 4-6 times around the spool then cut the leader at that length. You don't want to go too long or that knot to the leader will interfere with casts. This length also gives you quite a bit of leader to trim due to wear or breakages. You can use it without needing to worry about replacing it until is down to less than about 1/2m in length.

Now that you've got the leader sorted. The next step is to run a size 1 ball sinker. Now tie on a hook using a uni-knot. Trim the leftover leader and you're done! This is called a running sinker rig. It's dead simple, and for fish like Bream it's all you need. When fishing around structure you need the sinker down at the hook to keep the hook and bait from moving around too much in current and winding itself around something. Chasing bream you WILL need to fish around structure.

Which hook? Long shank or bait-holder? Technically you can get by with just baitholders, but the risk is that they're going to get swallowed so you'll find yourself cutting fish loose and replacing hooks often. When fishing in close to structure I prefer to use long-shank hook with soft baits. When casting out to weeds/sand bars, I'll use a bait-holder with squid.

More on baits next...