Bleak

Bleak is a small surface-dwelling freshwater fish with brilliant silver scales. Reaches weights of 200 g.

Feeds on plankton, small insects, and larvae. Hunts mainly in the upper water layers.

Most active at 10–26 °C. Feeds throughout the warm season and through winter ice. Active in any weather. Masses quickly at a groundbaited area.

Holds in enormous shoals in the upper layers of open water. Present in virtually every water body.

Caught on bloodworm, tiny maggots, and bread fragments. Float with minimal depth setting is the main method. Ultra-light tackle.

The primary target in speed fishing competitions. For maximum pace: hook #18–20, single maggot, top-down retrieve. Records exceed 300 fish per hour.