Why The Grub Is The Best Lure For Bream

Fishing for bream is a popular activity among anglers in Australia & the fastest growing fishing niche within the last few years, particularly in estuarine environments where these fish thrive. Among the many tools in an angler's arsenal, the grub lure stands out as one of the most effective options for targeting bream. This blog post will explore why grub lures are considered the best for bream fishing in Australia, discussing their design, versatility, and the specific advantages they offer in various fishing scenarios.

Understanding Bream Behavior

To appreciate the effectiveness of grub lures, it is essential to understand the feeding behavior of bream. These fish are opportunistic feeders, often found in estuaries, rivers, and coastal waters. They feed on a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, making them highly adaptable to changing conditions. Bream are particularly active during dawn and dusk when they move into shallow waters to forage for food. During these times, they can be spotted scavenging the bottom, making them more susceptible to lures that mimic their natural prey.

The Design of Grub Lures

Grub lures are soft plastic baits designed to imitate the appearance and movement of worms or small crustaceans. They typically feature a rounded body and a flexible, wiggling tail that creates lifelike action in the water. This design is critical for attracting bream, as their natural prey often consists of similar shapes and movements.

The softness of grub lures is another key factor. When a bream bites down on a grub, the lure’s pliability allows it to compress, making it feel like real food. This characteristic increases the likelihood of the fish holding onto the bait long enough for the angler to set the hook. The versatility of grub lures comes from the wide range of colors, sizes, and weights available. Anglers can select lures that mimic the natural colors of prey found in their fishing environment, ensuring they have an effective option regardless of conditions.

Versatility in Different Conditions

One of the significant advantages of grub lures is their versatility. They can be used effectively in various fishing scenarios, from shallow flats to deeper channels. Here are a few reasons why grub lures excel in different conditions:

1. Shallow Water Fishing: Bream often feed in shallow waters, especially during high tide. Grub lures are lightweight and can be fished effectively at varying depths, making them perfect for targeting bream in these areas. Anglers can perform slow retrieves along the bottom, allowing the lure to mimic the movements of natural prey in shallow, sandy, or muddy environments.

2. Fishing in Structure: Bream are known to inhabit areas with structure, such as mangroves, rocks, and piers. Grub lures can be worked around these structures without snagging easily, making them an ideal choice for fishing in complex habitats. The soft body of the lure allows it to squeeze through tight spots, presenting a tempting option for bream hiding near cover.

3. Adaptability to Different Seasons: Throughout the year, bream feeding patterns can change based on temperature, spawning behavior, and available prey. Grub lures are available in various sizes and colours, allowing anglers to adapt to seasonal changes. For instance, in warmer months, bream may prefer smaller lures that mimic juvenile prey, while larger lures can be more effective during cooler months when they feed on bigger crustaceans.

Color Selection and Natural Mimicry

Colour selection is crucial when it comes to using grub lures for bream fishing. Different environments and water conditions may require different colours to maximize effectiveness. Natural colours, such as greens, browns, and bloodworm shades, often work best as they closely resemble the prey bream typically consume.

In clearer waters, more subtle colours that blend with the natural environment tend to attract more bites. Conversely, in murky waters, brighter or fluorescent / UV colours can help the lure stand out and catch the attention of feeding bream. The ability to choose from a wide range of colours allows anglers to adapt their approach based on the conditions, which is another reason grub lures are favored by many bream anglers.

Proven Techniques for Using Grub Lures

Effectively using grub lures for bream fishing involves a few tried-and-true techniques:

1. Slow Rolling: This technique involves casting the grub lure and retrieving it at a steady, slow pace. The natural undulating motion of the tail can attract bream, as it resembles the movement of real prey. Slow rolling is especially effective when fishing over sand flats or shallow areas where bream are foraging.

2. Lift and Drop: The lift-and-drop method is a great way to entice bites from curious bream. By lifting the rod tip to create upward movement and then allowing the lure to fall back to the bottom, anglers can simulate the natural movement of prey darting away from predators. The pause after each lift is crucial, as it gives bream the opportunity to strike.

3. Twitch and Pause: The twitch-and-pause retrieve creates a more erratic action that can provoke aggressive strikes from bream. Quick, sharp twitches of the rod followed by pauses allow the lure to dart around like a distressed prey item, which can trigger bream’s predatory instincts.

The Psychological Edge

Bream can be notoriously finicky, particularly in heavily fished areas or during periods of high angling pressure. The subtlety and realism of grub lures give anglers a psychological edge. Since these lures closely mimic the appearance and movement of natural prey, they can instill confidence in anglers, making them more patient and attentive during their fishing sessions.

Convenience and Availability

Another practical aspect of grub lures is their convenience. Unlike live bait, which requires special handling, storage, and often must be replaced frequently, grub lures are easy to transport, store, and use. Anglers can carry a selection of grub lures in different colors and sizes without worrying about spoilage or mess. This convenience allows anglers to focus more on their fishing experience rather than the logistics of handling live bait, They are also a very cost effective lure.

Conclusion

The grub lure is a standout choice for bream fishing in Australia due to its design, versatility, and effectiveness in mimicking natural prey. Whether you’re fishing shallow flats, around structures, or during different seasons, grub lures provide an adaptable and reliable option for attracting bream. Their ability to mimic the movements and colours of natural prey, combined with the various techniques anglers can employ, make them a go-to choice for anyone looking to increase their success on the water.

With the right grub lure in your tackle box and an understanding of bream behavior, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy productive fishing sessions. The combination of convenience, effectiveness, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions solidifies the grub lure's status as the best choice for targeting bream in Australia. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, incorporating grub lures into your fishing strategy can enhance your experience and improve your catch rate.