Bream big and small will often suck a bait — hook and all — deep down their throats before the float sinks.
An essential tool I carry in my tackle box is a hemostatic clamp: The mouths of redeared sunfish and bluegills are quite small, and the standard fishing pliers are way too big to reach into the fish’s mouths. A hemostat works wonders.
Of course, cricket carriers are another necessary piece of equipment.
There are several kinds of cricket holders. Screened buckets are popular, as are the tube-shaped holders.
But, one cricket dispenser that I’ve used is the “Cricket Rocket.” This tubular dispenser actually holds and releases one cricket at a time with its unique design.
You can purchase one online at www.cricketrocket.com.