Bread

Bread

What a great cheap bait this is, and one that can be fished in numerous ways, from punch fishing for roach on canals to catching large carp on floating crust.

Let’s look at punch fishing first.  This is a method associated with pole fishing, as a delicate approach is needed with the punch.  As well as being used for catching roach on canals, there are other species that love punch bread.  Over the years I have been fortunate to have won several matches fishing nothing but punch-bread, and caught large tench, carp, crucians, bream - even had perch on it.  Some days fish don’t want big baits so punch is an ideal alternative. 

How do we prepare our bread for punch fishing? Firstly get yourself as fresh a loaf as you can, and take a slice. I prefer medium but, as I have said before, trial and error is the key to success.  If you’re going for small fish - using small punches - with small hooks, take a slice of bread, cut off the crusts and roll the slice flat with a rolling pin (or use a bottle if you haven't got one). This produces firm pellets when punched out, which helps in keeping them on very small hooks.  I don’t bother with the rolling process when fishing for larger species using larger hooks. Whatever method you use, cut your slices into four and cover in cling film or foil to keep them fresh. Please don’t discard these wrappers - take them home with you. By using small slices you are always opening a fresh supply of bread, guaranteeing that the bread will stay on the hook.  If you haven't got some fresh bread here’s a tip: take a slice and pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds, this rejuvenates the bread perfectly.  Hook size will depend on the size of punch you are using from a fine wire 22 to a 16 - remember bread swells to twice its size when wet, so take this into consideration when choosing the size of punch to hook ratio.

The ground bait to use when fishing the punch can also be a very simple affair. Take a few slices, cut off the crusts and pop them in the liquidizer, the result being fine bread crumbs.  Use this very sparingly though, as it can be very filling and can over feed the fish in your swim.  Alternatively use simple white ground bait bought from your local tackle shop, used slightly damp so when cupped in it breaks up enticingly as it falls through the layers, or fished sloppy which produces an instant cloud.  Both methods have their day.  You can always experiment with colourings and additives. I had some success in the past using red bread on my local canal, and ground hemp is also another favourite.

Bread flake:  This is another great fish catching method. Take a small piece out of a slice of bread and lay your hook in the middle, now gently squeeze together round the shank of the hook only.  The bottom around where the hook point is will remain fluffy & enticing. Because it has been squeezed onto the hook, unlike the punch, it will allow you to cast this bait out using waggler or ledgering tactics.

Floating crust: Carp love bread especially when presented upon the surface, or just under. Another trial and error thing is finding out how they want it presented on the day. 
How do you get the bread out to the waiting hungry carp? Well there are three basic methods.

Firstly by using a carp controller of which there are many types. Some are called bubble floats - these you fill with water; others are like short fat floats with a weight incorporated into them.  The heavier the controller, the greater the distance you will achieve.

The second method is to use a simple free running ledgering tactic, with just a plastic ledger stop set at around 50cm from the hook.  Cast out and sink your line to stop the wind from creating a bow in your line, now start to let line out, either by opening the bale arm or by slackening off the clutch and pulling line from the spool.  The buoyancy of the bread will make it rise to the surface pulling the line with it; you will need a heavy ledger and a large piece of bread for this method to work properly - experiment with both.  All you do then is simply tighten up and watch the rod tip for a bite. Sometimes all you will see is a slight tap; at other times the rod will be pulled off the rod rest.  This method also gives you the opportunity of reeling in a couple of turns bringing the bait just under the surface, a good tactic when there are ducks about.

The third method is to fish with nothing on your line but a hook. Take a full slice of bread, place your hook in the centre and roll it up into a cigar shape.  Now take your line just above the bread and make three half hitch knots around the bread itself - this stops it from coming unrolled and keeps it on the hook. Now dip your bread in the water just before you cast out. This gives it added casting weight. Whilst the distance you will achieve using this method is restricted compared to that of the first two, the advantage is that the fish feel no resistance. 

Dangler tips

When punch fishing you should be prepared to explore the depths, by altering your depth to follow the feeding fish. This will result in more bites. On some occasions you will have to lay your bread hard on the bottom to get a bite, on others only centimeters deep.  Experimenting with the size of punch you’re using, or the size of flake, will also result on more bites so don’t be afraid to change. When fishing on the surface don’t be afraid to use large chunks of bread, as a wet piece of bread is easily sucked in, even by the smallest of carp. Bread fishing is an art all of its own but well worth the effort, when you consider the rewards it brings.