Ep 159 — Angler Profile: Liam Carruthers — Crabs, Bridges & Big Bream Stories

This is the first Angler Profile on The Bream Fishing Project—and it’s a cracker. Andrew sits down with Liam Carruthers (2015 ABT BREAM Grand Final champion; multiple AFC titles) to trace his lure-fishing journey and pull apart the techniques he’s best known for. Across the chat you’ll hear: Origin story: moving to Nowra, a fateful visit to the local tackle shop, and a first Yellowfin bream on a blade (36 fork) that lit the fire. Paying dues: the early Hawkesbury learning curve, soaking up weigh-in wisdom from the “OGs,” and three seasons of “don’t donut” before it all clicked. Opening up the playbook on Cranka Crabs: Bridge pylons, rock walls/reefs in heavy tide, shallow rock with oyster clusters, potholing on flats, and pitching under boats. Working with current (casting up-tide, feeling the “machine-gun” bite), managing snags, and why fast water does the work for you. Gear notes mentioned in the chat: Miller Rods Brawler, 2500-size spin, ~10 lb braid, Sunline V-Hard 6–8 lb leaders; plus a summer trick—3 lb straight fluoro and a heavy crab for marina/boat hulls. When and why Liam upsizes to the larger crab model around deep boulders in the Spencer/Middle Hawkesbury. Crankbaits for the mid-column fish: why he likes the Daiwa Spike MR on bridges (casting tight, letting it “tick” pylons), favourite colours called out (Matte Prawn, Suji tones), and a quick note on swapping to a stickier rear treble. Topwater windows: glass-outs and Victorian flats (e.g., Mallacoota), plus the adrenaline hit of running surface lures over racks. Formative detour: two years in the U.S. bass scene that forced lure/technique diversity—then returning home ready to read systems instead of locking into one approach. Big-fish memories: a giant Gippsland Lakes fish measured to the fork on a tournament ruler, and a late, heavy Sydney Harbour bridge-pylon bruiser that swam out from danger on a social day. Shout-outs as mentioned by Liam: Cranka, Mako Eyewear, Hot Tackle, On The Chew, and Miller Rods. If you’re keen to refine your bridge and current game—or finally make friends with crabs—this episode’s packed with practical detail straight from the conversation.