I've fished for Black Bream since mid 50's in spots such as Bullocks Patch, Bembridge ledge, Littlehampton & Poole area. In those early days I remember hundreds of small fish being taken in competitions, but don't remember too many large (specimen) fish. It maybe because in those days competitions were won by heaviest catch - not fish over a certain size etc.
In the last few years I find you can still catch as many small (undersized) fish as you want as long as you use small hooks. I also find that there are more large fish around - over 4lb.
So, I don't see much change in the available fish, I think it is more to do with using larger hooks which make it more difficult to catch the hundreds of small fish which are undoubtably still there. (And are now seen as "nuisance fish")
Any other sentimental old Fa..ts out there?