Wild Fact: Bream

The group of freshwater fish called “bream” includes species such as bluegill, redbreast sunfish, and redear sunfish (also called shellcracker). Compared to other sportfish, bream are fairly easy to catch. All you need is a basic rod and reel with monofilament line, a bobber to hold the bait off the bottom and to signal bites, and a small hook. Live worms and crickets make good bait and are available at most convenience stores near lakes. Spring is a great time for bream fishing since they’re spawning. Rather than seeing bait as food, “bedding" fish often think your lure is a threat to their nest and aggressively strike it.

Visit this website to learn more about identifying fish.

WILD Fact is a new regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.