The Bolognese, or Bolo’ system is a technique which came about for the fishing of seabass and bream from cliff sides and beaches, but recently it has also been used in boat fishing for the increased variety of prey that can be caught and for the light gear needed. During the winter period, a number of different sparidae species like pandora, bream, sargo, saddled seabream, and sand Steenbras come closer to shore. We will go looking for them at a depth ranging from 20 to 25m with a rocky seabed, using as bait flesh fly larva (also known as larva carnaria).

Gear used for the Bolognese technique

The rod needs to be a variable length of between 5 and 6m, possibly in light carbon fibre, because with this technique it will need to be kept constantly in hand, not in its holder. For the reel, a good one is between 3000 or 4000 with a soft fluorine line of 0.16 or 0.18. One of the crucial points will be the use of the feeder which will determine the fishing action.

Setting up the equipment

Based on the current and the seabed, choose the appropriate weight which we will tare based on the feeder used. Usually we use a 20g float and a leaded feeder of 15g (which we will fill with larva). It is possible to find interchangeable weights for sale. First set a sliding stopper on the main line which will be set at a decided depth, then mount the float, a rubber bead, our feeder, and another rubber bead with a swivel clip, to which we will connect the end of the 3m of 0.14 line. Attaching a hook of 0.12, we will then load the feeder with larva and thread 3 onto the hook.

Fishing action

Once we have chosen the fishing spot, we will drop anchor in that position. With a lead weight on the hook, we will sound out the seafloor so as to tare the stopper 1 meter above. Having filled the feeder with larva we will activate it and drop it down. The wind and current will push our float away and we will give it line until it reaches about 20 or 30m from the boat, keeping the line taught while holding the rod. As soon as you see the float go down, pull up strong, trying to play the fish with the clutch, without forcing recovery, because with the thin line there is a high risk of breakage. Once you see the fish under the boat, we strongly suggest using the net, because even small or medium size fish could break the line when pulled out of the water.

Maximiliano Ricci (sports director for Top Angler’s)

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