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This is the time of year when fishing bread punch can bring good bags of fish to the bank. With rivers and drains at winter level and the first few frosts have passed, it's a deadly and very cheap method of fishing which usually brings bites immediately.

Step 1.

Any fresh white bread can be used, but the long life medium/thick loaves seem to be best. The value loaves are normally very good also and are very cheap.

Step 2.

You'll need a slice for every hour you'll be fishing. The first step is to remove the crusts on each slice.

Step 3.

Next take each slice individually and place it in the microwave for 10 seconds on full power.

Step 4.

As soon as the micowave has finished, remove the slice onto a flat surface and roll it with a rolling pin. This compresses the slice and makes it easier to hook.

Step 5.

Place each slice into it's own small plastic bag which has to be sealed. This helps retain the moisture in the slice until you are ready to use it.

Step 6.

A variety of punches are available at your tackle shop, so make sure you have a selection of sizes to cover your needs.

Step 7.

Put your bread on a flat surface and press your chosen punch into it. This should leave a bread pellet in the end of your punch.Slide your hook down the groove in the punch and the pellet should be left on the hook.

Step 8.

After being in the water for a few seconds, the bread goes from the compressed state on the left to looking like this on your hook. How could you not eat this!

Step 9.

Your feed bread is best made using an atomiser. There are a variety of punch mixes available from all the top groundbait manufacturers. Some are plain, others are flavoured. Add the amount you want to use into a shallow mixing bowl and use the atomiser to damp it.

Step 10.

Keep spraying while you mix. Once it feels damp, leave it to settle for a few minutes. Once the water has been absored, repeat the spraying until the mix feels damp again.

Step 11.

Put the mix through a riddle. This will take out the larger lumps which should be discarded.

Step 12.

The mix should hold together when squeezed lightly. A grounbait punch can also be used to and these give you identical sized feed plugs every time. To add a bit of weight on flowing waters, hemp or small pieces of gravel can be added to get the feed down quicker.

Remember, bread is a cheap and easy way to fish. If you take your time and prepare it right, it can improve your chances to netmorefish on very hard and cold days. Preparation is a basic element to fishing that alot of anglers fail to do. Don't be one of them.