As the bream bites more slowly and certain than the roach, this is quite immaterial. I prefer float attached top and bottom.
16. Do you strike at first dip?
A bream bite affects the float with a slight bobbing motion for a few seconds, he then runs off with it, and slides it down slantingly; strike as he runs off with the bait or the float is about to disappear, and you are sure of him.
17. Are the fish much affected by change of wind, rain, thick water, etc., and is there any rule on this head?
Bream are rarely taken in any quantity when the waters are very clear. See “Roach.”
18. Is legering successfully practised for large bream, and what is the best modus operandi?
In such rapid waters as those at Reedham, Somerleyton, etc.—no other mode of fishing for bream can be practised with any success worth naming—ledgers for attaching to line may be purchased at any tackle shop at 1s. each, and the modus operandi is very simple, and by no means scientific. The rod requires to be very strong and of fair length, and three or four rods may be used from one boat at the same time.
19. Do you find that movement in the boat, noise, or loud talking frightens the fish?
Bream are very sensitive to noise, especially knocking in the boat, which invariably sends them off for an indefinite period, and should therefore be most carefully avoided.
20. Name some of the best catches you have made or known of.