Sounds like you've been doing some experimentation Brian .... Good to hear that you managed some fish too. Well done!
As for those phoney bream - add the belly stinger ( It certainly makes the lure more effective.
Light (<0.8mm) leaders ..... Its Russian roulette - the initial advantage gained is then eroded by the inability to withstand prolonged abrading/pressure...... specially at big barra impoundments when using plastics.
Chris