Topwater Fishing For Bream

Fishing for bream on topwater lures is an exhilarating experience, providing anglers with heart-stopping moments as fish explode on surface lures. Unlike traditional bream fishing techniques that involve fishing on the bottom or mid-water, topwater fishing allows you to witness the entire strike unfold right before your eyes. Although bream are known as bottom-feeders, they are also opportunistic predators and will readily rise to the surface to attack a well-presented topwater lure. Here’s an in-depth look at how to effectively use topwater techniques for bream, covering the types of lures, retrieval styles, and the conditions that create ideal opportunities for targeting these fish.

Types of Topwater Lures for Bream

One of the key aspects of topwater fishing for bream is understanding which types of lures to use. Bream respond well to a variety of topwater lures, including poppers, stickbaits, and walk-the-dog-style lures. Poppers, which create a splashing or chugging noise when retrieved, are particularly effective because they mimic small baitfish breaking the surface. The noise and commotion poppers create draw attention from bream lurking below, and the chugging motion makes them irresistible to these curious and territorial fish. Stickbaits, on the other hand, offer a more subtle approach and create a gentle rippling effect that can be effective in calmer waters or when bream are feeling skittish. Walk-the-dog-style lures, which move side-to-side in a zigzag pattern, are highly effective because they produce a fleeing motion that mimics baitfish trying to escape. This action can drive bream to strike out of pure instinct, especially in shallow areas where baitfish are commonly found.

Choosing the Right Size and Color

When fishing for bream with topwater lures, choosing the right size and color is essential. Bream are more likely to respond to small lures that match the size of their natural prey. Lures in the 30-50mm range tend to work best, as they resemble small baitfish, shrimp, or insects, which are common food sources for bream. Natural colors like silver, olive, or brown are effective in clear water and sunny conditions, as they closely match the look of real baitfish. In murky or low-light conditions, brighter colors like chartreuse, pink, or white can provide better visibility, helping bream locate the lure. Many anglers also swear by transparent or ghost-colored lures, especially in pressured waters, as these create a subtle, lifelike presentation that bream are less likely to shy away from.

Timing Your Topwater Session

Timing is crucial when it comes to topwater fishing for bream. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times for this technique, as bream are more active near the surface during low-light periods. This is because cooler water temperatures and reduced light make them feel less exposed to predators, encouraging them to venture closer to the surface to feed. Overcast days can also extend the topwater bite throughout the day, providing anglers with more opportunities to target bream on the surface. Tides play an important role as well; rising and high tides are often the most productive, as bream move into shallow areas and edges to feed on baitfish and crustaceans. During low tides, they are more likely to retreat to deeper water, reducing their willingness to strike at surface lures.

Finding Ideal Locations for Topwater Bream Fishing

Location is another factor that can make or break a topwater bream session. Bream are structure-oriented fish, often found around jetties, rock walls, mangroves, and bridge pylons, where they can find both food and protection. Casting topwater lures near structure is highly effective, as bream are likely to be lurking nearby, waiting to ambush prey. Shallow flats and sandbanks are also productive areas, especially during high tide, when bream move in to forage in the shallows. Working a topwater lure across these flats can trigger aggressive strikes from bream patrolling the area. Additionally, areas with overhanging trees or submerged vegetation are worth targeting, as these provide cover for both bream and their prey, making them natural hunting grounds. In such spots, casting close to the structure and retrieving the lure slowly can often entice a surface strike.

Topwater Retrieval Techniques for Bream

The technique used to retrieve a topwater lure for bream is critical. A slow and steady retrieve is generally effective, allowing the lure to create a consistent commotion on the surface that attracts attention. Poppers work well with this method, as each pop and splash mimics a small fish or insect struggling on the surface. The key is to use gentle pops, allowing the lure to rest briefly between each movement, creating a realistic pause that gives bream time to strike. For stickbaits and walk-the-dog lures, a steady retrieve with intermittent twitches can be highly effective, especially in calmer waters. The side-to-side motion of a walk-the-dog lure is particularly enticing, as it mimics the fleeing behavior of small baitfish, prompting bream to strike even if they are not actively feeding.

One technique that often proves successful is the “pause and wait.” After casting, allow the lure to sit on the surface for a few seconds before starting the retrieve. This approach can work wonders in areas where bream are skittish, as the initial splash alerts them to the lure’s presence without immediately scaring them off. After the initial pause, begin with slow twitches or gentle pops to entice a strike. Sometimes, the anticipation of a pause is enough to make a bream strike, especially if they are eyeing the lure from below.

Line Choice for Topwater Bream Fishing

Line choice plays an important role in topwater bream fishing as well. Using a light braid (4-6 lb) with a fluorocarbon leader (around 4 lb) provides both strength and sensitivity while keeping visibility low. Braid is ideal for topwater fishing due to its low stretch, which helps transmit even the slightest movement of the lure. The lack of stretch also ensures a quick hookset when a bream strikes, as the braid’s responsiveness allows the angler to react immediately. Fluorocarbon leaders are crucial for reducing line visibility in clear water, making bream less likely to detect the line, which can be a factor in highly pressured areas.

Ideal Rod and Reel Setup for Topwater Bream Fishing

The rod and reel setup also contributes to a successful topwater session. A light to medium spinning rod with a soft tip is ideal for this style of fishing, as it allows for accurate casts and precise lure control. The soft tip helps to absorb the impact of the strike, preventing bream from spitting the hook. A reel in the 1000-2500 size range, with a smooth drag system, provides the right balance of control and finesse needed to handle bream without overpowering them. The light tackle setup adds to the thrill of topwater fishing, allowing the angler to feel every head shake and tail slap as the bream fight to shake free.

Patience and Observation

Patience and observation are essential when fishing for bream on topwater. It’s not uncommon for bream to follow the lure for several feet before striking, so keeping a steady pace and avoiding sudden movements can increase the chances of a bite. Observing water conditions and noting any movement or surface disturbance can also help locate bream feeding zones. By paying attention to subtle cues, such as ripples or slight swirls, anglers can identify areas where bream are actively feeding, increasing the likelihood of a successful topwater session.