Fishing for Bronze Bream

The bronze bream are often caught when fishing for galjoen.

When gutting the fish  you will find a  lot of seaweed  in its stomach.

This fish is also called “pens-en-derms” (English: “stomach and  entrails”)  because of  its large mass of intestines – a descriptive but rather rude name for such a beautiful fish.

Where to search for a bronze bream

These fish frequent gullies and reefs where plenty of marine growth occurs. You will often find them in foamy turbulent water.

The average weight of the bronze bream is 1 – 2 kg, but fish of up to 3 kg are still caught.

Bait

Mussel worms, white mussels, black mussels, pink prawns, sand prawns and mud prawns are the best bait. In summer.  Larger specimens are often caught on fish bait and chokka.

Tackle

Light tackle is best.  Nothing bigger than a 2/0 hook should be used.  The bronze bream are known for their ability to remove bait from the hook, nibbling at the bait.  A fairly long sinker trace is therefore recommended.  You can also add a small bright orange or pink float onto the hook trace some 7 cm from the hook to lift the bait.  A red fluorescent “glitter” halfway below the float and hook helps to attract fish to the bait..

How to catch a Bronze Bream

A big bronze bream will take the bait properly, but the smaller ones tend to be very cunning at times, especially in calm blue water.  The experienced angler will then use a small 1/0 hook.  If the small nibbles and tugs persist, he will strike lightly when his line slackens for a moment.  More often than not the bronze bream will be hooked.  Once hooked, the fish fights gamely and the hook will seldom tear from its hard jaws.

For more info visit: Gardenroute Fishing’s Website

All Articles and photos courtesy of Garden Route Fishing