The Bream Fishing Project

The Gippsland Lakes have produced something special. In this episode of The Lure Fishing Project, we head back to the 2026 Club Marine East Gippsland Bream Classic, where some enormous black bream and extraordinary bags hit the scales. At the top of the leaderboard, father-and-son team Brad and Cooper Hodges from Team Berkley produced a tournament for the record books. They opened with five bream for 7.095kg on Saturday and backed it up with 6.935kg on Sunday, finishing with 10 fish for a massive 14.030kg — believed to be the first 14kg two-day bag ever weighed at a Vic Bream Classic. And they did it fishing incredibly light around some seriously nasty structure. Brad breaks down why he trusts 4lb leader around jetties, how he uses free-spooling to get big bream around pylons and ropes, why casting accuracy is so important, and how Berkley Grubs in camo rigged on 1/16oz jigheads played a major role in their win. We also hear from second-placed Team Zero Technique — Josh Jeffrey and Kez Coleman — after an incredible Sunday charge. After sitting sixth overnight with 5.290kg, the pair produced a monster 7.460kg Sunday bag, including the 1.710kg Ecogear Big Bream, to finish with 12.750kg. They talk through fishing the Hollands area and the Straits, changing locations and presentations, fishing hard structure and flats, and the confidence it takes to keep searching for those bigger bites. Then Jarred Healey from Team Hummingbird takes us through another remarkable Sunday turnaround. After weighing 4.970kg on Saturday with his wife Michelle — fishing her first competition — Jarred teamed back up with Shaun and made the gamble to head to the opposite end of the lake. Using Hummingbird side imaging, 360 and live sonar, they found huge schools of bream and spent hours watching fish react to their lures in real time. They eventually weighed 6.495kg on Sunday to finish third with 11.465kg. In this episode: • Brad and Cooper Hodges' record-breaking 14.030kg victory • Fishing 4lb leader around jetties and heavy structure • Berkley Grubs in camo on 1/16oz jigheads • Weedless rigging for mussels, timber and structure • Why first-cast accuracy matters so much • Free-spooling big bream around pylons and snags • Josh Jeffrey and Kez Coleman's record 7.460kg bag • The 1.710kg Big Bream • Fishing Hollands, the Straits and Lake Victoria • Jarred Healey's massive day-two gamble • Finding schools with side imaging and 360 • Watching bream respond to lures on live sonar • Hybrid Shrimp, Hurricane Sprats, Chubbies, CrushCity and more • Michelle Healey catching a crucial fish in her first tournament • Three generations of the Hodges family competing at the same event This is a cracking tournament story and another reminder of just how good the Gippsland Lakes bream fishery can be. 🎣 JOIN THE LURE FISHING PROJECT COLLECTIVE Get extra episodes, the Big Bream Series, bonus content, live Zoom sessions, giveaways and more: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com

Bream Masters South Australia kicks off its 2026 season on the Port River — and it proved to be a seriously tough day on the water. Paul Cook came out on top with three bream for 1.72 kg, continuing an impressive run at the venue. In his last five tournaments on the Port River, Paul has now produced four podium finishes — along with one memorable donut! Paul breaks down how he prepared for the round, what he learned from his pre-fish, and why the extreme summer heat had him focused on making the early part of the session count. After a frustrating first two hours, Paul eventually unlocked the fish with an OSP Dunk fished around rock and structure. He explains why he has been experimenting with heavier straight-through fluorocarbon, how he fishes the Dunk around nasty structure, and the Miller Rods and Shimano setup he uses to do it. We also catch up with third-place finisher Ben Gibbs, who went into the event without a pre-fish and relied on a familiar Port River milk run. Ben landed two quality 37 cm bream early before the bite virtually disappeared, forcing him to grind out the rest of a very difficult session. Ben talks through his Gulp Crabbie and Pro Lure Grub approach, fishing vertical structure and rock walls, using forward-facing sonar, and why sometimes staying put and methodically working productive structure is better than constantly chasing new water. In this episode: • Paul Cook’s winning 1.72 kg bag • Ben Gibbs’ third-place 1.35 kg result • Fishing the Port River in tough summer conditions • OSP Dunk hardbody tactics • Six-pound straight-through fluorocarbon around structure • Pro Lure Grubs and Gulp Crabbies • Rock walls, oysters and vertical structure • Forward-facing sonar • Adjusting when the bream simply won’t commit • Why persistence and experience matter on tough tournament days • The Bream Masters SA series and its pathways to the Hobie Australian Championship A great insight into grinding out a result when the fishing doesn’t go to plan. 🎣 Join the Lure Fishing Project Collective for extra episodes, the Big Bream Series and more: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com

Spring is here, and Brett Geddes joins Andrew for another Lure Fishing Project Monthly Report. This month, Brett finally has the mulloway story Andrew has been hassling him about. After years of trying, he lands his first proper Gippsland mulloway — a fish just under 70 cm — and tells the full story of finding it, hooking it and eventually getting it into the boat. Andrew and Brett also cover some standout fishing from the month, including cracking bream sessions, the latest Gippsland fishing and stocking news, squid and tuna, plus a look back at recent episodes of The Lure Fishing Project. There’s also an update on Andrew’s boat rebuild and the seemingly never-ending list of jobs, upgrades and outboard dramas. And Dumb Things is back. This month includes trailer-hitch problems, Andrew somehow driving home without strapping the boat to the trailer — although, importantly, he did wash it — and another worthy entry involving a Hobie. Then things get a little different. Andrew and Brett use ChatGPT live during the episode to come up with the idea for a fishing song about two mates, Mick and Dave, whose bream tournament starts brilliantly before an argument over a lost fish gets slightly out of hand. Stick around after the outro to hear how the finished song turned out. 🎣 Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective for extra episodes, the Big Bream Series and more: lurefishingproject.supercast.com The Lure Fishing Project — lure fishing stories, techniques, tournament coverage and conversations with anglers from around Australia.

Skinny-water flathead fishing is about as visual and exciting as lure fishing gets — and few anglers have spent more time working it out than Greg Reid. In this episode of The Lure Fishing Project, Greg joins Andrew to break down his approach to targeting flathead in seriously shallow water, particularly around St Georges Basin. After years of guiding and thousands of hours on the water, Greg has stripped his fishing back to its simplest form: long casts, stealth, big lures and watching flathead hunt them down in the shallows. Greg explains why 120mm-plus lures can be the key to triggering aggressive flathead, how he fishes surface lures and how he switches to plastics and prawns when he wants to work below the surface. Lures discussed in this episode include: Crossfire — including 120mm, 150mm and 195mm sizes, plus the larger models Pro Lure Ultra Gar — 150mm Pro Lure XL Shad — 120mm, 150mm and 200mm Pro Lure Clone Prawn — 120mm Pro Lure Hybrid Shrimp — 92mm Greg covers tackle, leader selection, lure size and colour, hook choice, scent, casting for maximum distance and the importance of approaching shallow-water fish without giving away your presence. Most importantly, Greg breaks down the retrieve — including why the lure should hit the water already moving, how he uses movement to “ring the dinner bell”, and why the pause can be the most important part of the entire presentation. There’s also plenty on finding productive water, creek mouths, weed edges, seasonal timing, wind, water temperature and the visual cues that tell Greg when it’s time to start chasing flathead on top. Plus, before getting into the flathead masterclass, Greg talks luderick on fly, sight-casting to carp in Kangaroo Valley, South Coast salmon and some seriously big tailor. If you’ve ever wanted to watch a flathead break cover and charge down a surface lure in skinny water, this episode will give you plenty to work with.

EP223 – Lake Macquarie Mulloway with Nathan Butcher In this episode of The Lure Fishing Project, I’m joined by Nathan Butcher from  Butcher’s Bite to break down how he targets mulloway — or jewfish — on Lake Macquarie. Nathan hasn’t actually been fishing for that long, but he’s packed a huge amount of time and effort into learning the system and has already developed some impressive consistency on Lake Macquarie mulloway. We get right into the practical details: where Nathan looks for fish, the importance of bait, birds, structure, cockle beds, drop-offs and depth, the weather and conditions he prefers, and how his approach changes throughout the year. Nathan also breaks down four of his key lure styles for mulloway, including: Z-Man PrawnZ Elite Samaki Vibelicious soft vibes Curl-tail grubs Paddle-tail plastics We cover jighead weights, hook sizes, colours, retrieves, rods, reels, braid, leaders, knots and plenty of the small details that can make the difference when targeting mulloway on lures. We also hear the stories behind some of Nathan’s most memorable mulloway and finish with his key advice for anyone trying to catch their first fish — or become more consistent. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that you don’t need decades of experience to start putting the pieces together. Put in the time, pay attention to what each session teaches you and start building your own patterns. And while this episode focuses on Lake Macquarie, there’s plenty in this conversation that can be applied to chasing mulloway on lures in other systems as well. EXTENDED EPISODE The full extended version includes an additional section where Nathan goes deeper into how he uses his sounder and side scan to locate structure, bait and mulloway. You can hear the extended version through The Lure Fishing Project Collective or Vault, or through Butcher’s Bite YouTube members section. LINKS The Lure Fishing Project – Collective & Vault https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com/ The Butcher’s Bite – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ButchersBite The Butcher’s Bite – YouTube Members Visit the channel above and select Join to access Nathan’s members content. The Butcher’s Bite Fishing – Instagram https://www.instagram.com/butchersbitefishing/

Episode 222 takes us to the Tweed River for the 2026 Daiwa Bream Series Crush City Tweed River Round, held on 1–2 August. As Steve Morgan puts it, there’s “good Tweed” and there’s the tougher version — and this event definitely leaned towards the latter. With the boating division won with 4.78 kg and the non-boater division with 2.610 kg, anglers had to adapt as patterns changed and productive pre-fish areas failed to fire once competition began. In this episode we speak with the top three anglers from both divisions and break down how they found their fish, the lures and presentations that worked, and the decisions that ultimately put them on the podium. In the non-boater division, Colin Wilson finishes third after being one of only three non-boaters to catch a full six-fish tournament limit. Tom Guest travels across from Western Australia and takes second, learning some valuable lessons about fishing heavier jigheads in strong tidal flow along the way. Lance Marsh then makes it back-to-back Tweed River victories, adapting between shallow edges, deeper walls and a mix of prawn-style presentations to secure another win. The boating division produces an extraordinary three-way tie on 4.695 kg between Chris Lonnie, Steve Morgan and Kris Hickson, with the countback system determining the final placings. Steve Morgan talks through his approach to pre-fishing and managing productive areas, while Chris Lonnie’s 3.080 kg day-one bag ultimately earns him second place. Finally, Sam Peck joins us after securing his first ABT win with 4.78 kg. Sam explains how he targeted pontoons and canals, including the crankbait and surface-lure approaches that helped him put together enough weight on a river that had largely shut down. One of the most interesting parts of this round is the variety of successful approaches. Soft plastics, lightly weighted prawns, crankbaits, Cranka Crabs, surface lures and different depths and structures all feature throughout the episode. If you fish for bream — particularly in tidal rivers where yesterday’s pattern can disappear overnight — there are plenty of lessons in this one.

This month on The Lure Fishing Project, Andrew and Brett celebrate a huge milestone as the podcast reaches 200,000 downloads. Andrew reflects on the journey so far, the support from listeners, sponsors and Collective members, and discusses where the show is heading next. With plans for more angler profile episodes, broader species coverage and a refined competition schedule, the podcast continues to evolve while staying true to its grassroots fishing community. Brett then takes over with one of his biggest monthly reports yet. Fresh from Gippsland Lakes, he shares the story behind an incredible 2.03 kg, 47 cm  bream, followed only days later by another magnificent 47 cm fish weighing 1.73 kg. He also runs through the outstanding fishing currently happening across eastern Victoria, including big perch, quality flathead, estuary perch, squid, jewfish and some remarkable captures by anglers including Leon, Mark Gercovich and young gun Isaac Lazzaro. Andrew also gives an update on the new boat, including the installation of the Lowrance Recon trolling motor, early impressions on the electronics setup, and plans for the next stage of the build. As always, the episode wraps up with plenty of laughs during Gone Full Boofhead, featuring forgotten registrations, near trailer disasters, homemade kayak wheels, lost Mirage Drives and a few stories that prove even experienced anglers can have the occasional shocker. Whether you're chasing bream, perch, flathead or simply enjoy hearing two passionate anglers talk fishing, there's plenty packed into this month's report. 🎣 Become part of The Lure Fishing Project Collective Get extended episodes, exclusive content, live Zoom sessions, giveaways and help support the future of the podcast. https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com Episode Summary • Celebrating 200,000 podcast downloads • The future direction of The Lure Fishing Project • Brett's incredible 2.03 kg Gippsland bream • Winter fishing reports from across eastern Victoria • New Lowrance Recon trolling motor review • Boat build and electronics update • Around the Grounds competition calendar • Gone Full Boofhead returns  

We're kicking off our trout series with one of Tasmania's most respected lure anglers, Plinio Taurian. With more than 50 years of experience chasing trout on lures, Plinio shares an incredible amount of practical knowledge for anyone wanting to fish Tasmania—whether you're visiting for a holiday, planning a dedicated trout trip, or simply looking to broaden your lure fishing skills. In this episode we cover: The different trout species found in Tasmania, including the fascinating sea-run trout. When and where to fish throughout the season. The best rivers, lakes and shore-based locations to start. Rods, reels, leaders and the lure selection that consistently catches trout. How to approach rivers, read water, find feeding fish and develop productive patterns. Hardbody and soft plastic techniques, including retrieves for different conditions. Wading gear, safety, fish handling and the equipment that makes life easier on the water. Chasing sea-run trout in Tasmania's estuaries and understanding tides, weather and bait movements. Why trout continue to surprise even after decades on the water. Whether you're a seasoned trout angler or you've never chased one before, this episode is packed with practical advice that will help shorten the learning curve and make your next trip to Tasmania more productive. Enjoy the episode! 🎣 Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective Get extended episodes, exclusive content, community challenges, Discord access, live Zoom sessions and more: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com   If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider following the show and leaving a rating or review—it really helps more anglers discover the podcast.

The 2025 WATA Boat Grand Final takes us to Albany, Western Australia, where some of the country's best tournament anglers battle changing tides, windy conditions and one of Australia's most unique black bream fisheries. This episode features interviews with all three podium teams as they break down the decisions that shaped the Grand Final. 🏆 David Bennett & Rory Laurens (The Tidal Tale) explain how committing to a surface bite around the harbour paid off with two outstanding bags and a convincing victory. Their willingness to trust Slippery Dogs, Bent Minnows and surface presentations when others were fishing more traditional patterns proved to be the winning formula. 🥈 Alex Griesdorf & Ben Oakes (Team Stinger) discuss another consistent championship campaign, how they secured Team of the Year honours, and the heartbreaking lost fish that may have made the Grand Final even closer. 🥉 Michael Sammut & Jeremy Jasinski (Team Sexual Chocolate) reveal how a massive final-day comeback, highlighted by Bent Minnows and carefully worked drop-offs, lifted them from tenth overnight to finish on the podium with the biggest bag of the tournament. Throughout the episode you'll hear plenty of discussion about: Fishing Albany's unique harbour and river systems. Surface lure tactics for trophy black bream. Bent Minnows, Slippery Dogs, Sugar Pens and soft plastics. How to identify productive drop-offs and fish-holding pockets. Boat positioning, wind management and fishing pressure. Fine-tuning presentations for quality fish rather than numbers. And don't switch off when the podium interviews finish… Right at the end there's a bonus story about one absolutely enormous bream that didn't make the podium but was simply too good not to include. Grand Final Podium 🥇 The Tidal Tale – David Bennett & Rory Laurens – 6.43 kg 🥈 Team Stinger – Alex Griesdorf & Ben Oakes – 5.61 kg 🥉 Team Sexual Chocolate – Michael Sammut & Jeremy Jasinski – 5.57 kg If you're interested in tournament strategy, surface fishing for black bream, or simply hearing how Australia's top anglers break down unfamiliar water, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎣 Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective for extended episodes, live Zoom sessions, Discord, giveaways and much more: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com

The Hobie Fishing Series qualifying round at the Glenelg River, South Australia, was held on 7-8 March 2026, and it produced one of the closest finishes of the season. Leon Leong claimed victory with 5.20 kg, edging out Chris "Crafty" Miller by just 20 grams, while Kobi Rothall rounded out the podium with 5.06 kg. With only a few hundred grams separating much of the top ten after day one, the pressure stayed on right through to the final weigh-in. In this episode you'll hear from all three podium finishers as they break down exactly how they approached the Glenelg River. Leon explains how he ignored the obvious flats, identified a precise structural pattern and methodically dissected sloping banks, timber and undercuts to grind out a winning bag. Chris Miller talks about returning to tournament fishing after time away from the sport, buying a kayak specifically for this event, and trusting his strengths by abandoning the flats and committing to structure fishing. Kobi Rothall shares how lightly weighted soft plastics, mussels and patient retrieves produced quality fish before a heartbreaking lost giant nearly changed the outcome of the tournament. There's plenty of discussion around: Reading new water quickly. Breaking down different types of structure. Crab versus mussel presentations. Light line tactics. Kayak positioning and fish-fighting techniques. Fine-tuning retrieves around timber and undercut banks. As always, the conversations go well beyond the final leaderboard, giving you practical ideas you can apply to your own fishing wherever you fish. Top 5 Results 🥇 Leon Leong – 5.20 kg 🥈 Chris Miller – 5.18 kg 🥉 Kobi Rothall – 5.06 kg 4️⃣ Sean Pearson – 5.02 kg 5️⃣ Josh Bland – 4.90 kg Division Winners • Women's: Ruth Beeby – 3.98 kg • Masters (60+): Raymon Cooper – 4.27 kg Enjoy the episode! 🎣 Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective for extended episodes, live Zoom sessions, Discord, giveaways and much more: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com #LureFishingProject #BreamFishing #HobieFishing #KayakFishing #GlenelgRiver #SouthAustralia #TournamentFishing #BreamMasterSA

Forster has a reputation as one of Australia's premier bream fisheries, but this year's Hobie Kayak Bream Series round proved that even the best waterways can throw competitors a curveball. Despite favourable tides and fish activity predictions, 65 anglers were confronted with one of the toughest Forster tournaments in recent memory. Big fish were almost impossible to find, the bite windows never really materialised, and even the eventual winner admitted he never felt comfortable until the final bags were weighed. In this episode, Andrew sits down with the three anglers who managed to solve the puzzle. 🏆 Brendan Pieschel joins the show after securing his long-awaited first Hobie victory. With no pre-fish after family commitments, Brendan relied on experience, instinct and a flexible game plan to edge out the field with a two-day total of 3.38 kg. He explains how Bent Minnows, shallow crankbaits and a willingness to fish deep into the oyster rails eventually delivered the breakthrough win he'd been chasing. 🥈 Greg Crebert reveals one of the more unusual stories you'll hear in tournament fishing, catching every fish for the weekend on a completely clear, unpainted crankbait fitted with nothing more than blue eyes. Greg talks through his Wallace Lake strategy, why weed edges outperformed expectations, and how a strong second day launched him from 17th place into second overall. 🥉 Ryan Honeybrook rounds out the podium after producing the standout bag of Day One. Fishing heavy oyster country with crab presentations, Ryan discusses extracting fish from brutal structure, the one fish that got away, and why adapting to Forster's changing oyster systems has become one of the biggest challenges facing tournament anglers. Throughout the conversations you'll hear plenty of detailed tournament discussion, including: • Why Forster fished so differently from previous years. • The impact of low high tides and bright moon phases. • Surface lures versus crankbaits, plastics and crab presentations. • Fishing ribbon weed, oyster rails and modern rack systems. • Leader choices, tackle setups and lure selection. • How small decisions over two difficult days separated the podium from the rest of the field. Andrew also reflects on spending the following week at Forster trying to unlock the fishery himself, sharing why one of his favourite waterways left him scratching his head despite several extra days on the water. Official Results 🥇 Brendan Pieschel — 6 fish — 3.38 kg 🥈 Greg Crebert — 6 fish — 3.28 kg 🥉 Ryan Honeybrook — 6 fish — 3.25 kg Congratulations also to: • Bradley Hart – Anaconda Big Bream (0.90 kg) • James Kilpatrick Jr – Youth Division Winner • Simon McGuire – Masters Division Winner • Leanne Cowan – Women's Division Winner A total of 279 bream weighing 116.74 kg were presented across the weekend, averaging 420 grams per fish, highlighting just how difficult this Forster event proved to be. If you enjoy detailed tournament breakdowns, honest conversations with Australia's best lure anglers and practical insights you can apply to your own fishing, make sure you follow The Lure Fishing Project and never miss an episode. For bonus episodes, extended interviews, The Big Bream Series, live Zoom sessions, Discord access and our growing community of passionate lure anglers, join The Lure Fishing Project Collective at: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com Thanks for listening, and we'll catch you on the next episode.

EP216 – Hobie Week Part Three: Wallaga Lake with Jack Gammie, Ben Hanscombe and Jon Chen Hobie Week continues with round three of the Hobie Fishing Series, held at Wallaga Lake on March 21 and 22. After last year’s event produced one enormous winning result but proved extremely tough for most of the field, the return to Wallaga in March was expected to produce different fishing. Instead, it became another difficult tournament where finding six legal bream across the two days was a major achievement. Only two anglers managed to weigh a full six-fish limit. In third place, Jon Chen caught three fish for 1.36 kilograms on Saturday and backed it up with three fish for 1.76 kilograms on Sunday, giving him six fish for 3.12 kilograms. John explains how he found bream feeding underneath schools of tailor on a flat in approximately 2.5 metres of water. He discusses using his Lowrance HDS Live to locate bait, schools of fish and feeding activity, before targeting them with Stealth blades made by Peter Cook. John also explains how watching Tony Pettie work his blade helped him adjust his retrieve, mixing single and double hops and increasing the speed of the presentation. After filling his bag early on Saturday, he returned to the same area on Sunday before eventually finding better fish slightly deeper when the wind increased. In second place, Ben Hanscombe weighed three fish for 2.03 kilograms on Saturday and two fish for 1.29 kilograms on Sunday, finishing with five fish for 3.32 kilograms. Ben talks through his preparation for Wallaga, including a pre-fish session where he found fish on crankbaits, surface lures and Pro Lure Hybrid Shrimps. During the tournament, Ben caught fish using a shallow Jackall Chubby and Hybrid Shrimps on 3-pound straight-through fluorocarbon. He explains how he worked the Hybrid Shrimp through very shallow water and around flats, small drop-offs, weed and isolated timber. Ben also recounts several important fish battles, including chasing bream from the kayak on light line and losing a better fish after it buried him in a snag on Sunday. Taking the win was Jack Gammie, who caught three fish for 1.45 kilograms on Saturday before producing a much stronger three-fish bag of 1.98 kilograms on Sunday. His six-fish total of 3.43 kilograms was enough to secure first place. Jack arrived without completing a pre-fish and approached the event without major expectations. He concentrated on fishing his strengths around shallow structure, using a dirty camo Berkley Gulp Shrimp rigged weedless on a worm hook. He explains why he changed from a weighted presentation to the lighter weedless rig, allowing him to skip the lure into timber with a more subtle entry. Jack also caught fish using a black Pro Lure crankbait, a Samaki prawn presentation and a River2Sea Baby Vibe. On Sunday, he noticed bream holding away from the bank and suspended around bait, using side scan to identify groups of fish before targeting them with the Baby Vibe. After catching two fish early, Jack went several hours without another bream. He continued casting and finally completed his limit at approximately 1:15 on Sunday afternoon. The episode also covers Jack’s long four-pound leaders, FG knots, loop knots, sight-casting around timber and the importance of looking for active bait rather than simply fishing visible structure. Andrew also briefly discusses his own fifth-place result, catching fish by grinding away with Baby Vibes around a small hump near the front of the main bay. The final results were: 1st – Jack Gammie: 6 fish for 3.43 kg 2nd – Ben Hanscombe: 5 fish for 3.32 kg 3rd – Jon Chen: 6 fish for 3.12 kg Three different approaches, three detailed interviews and plenty of practical information from another extremely tough Wallaga Lake tournament. Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective for extra episodes, the Big Bream Series and more: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com

Sometimes the best tournaments are the ones nobody sees coming. When forecast conditions made the Swan River unfishable, Hobie made the bold decision to relocate the event to Scamander at the last minute. It meant weeks of preparation instantly became irrelevant. Competitors who had travelled from around Australia suddenly found themselves launching on a river many had never seen before, with no pre-fish, no established game plans and no local knowledge to rely on. What followed was one of the most fascinating tournaments of the season. In EP215, Andrew Death sits down with Joel Crosbie, Michael Alexander and tournament winner Evan Leonard to unpack exactly how the event unfolded and why adapting quickly proved far more important than having the perfect plan. Joel Crosbie explains how he deliberately targeted the roughest, windiest banks on the river, believing other competitors would avoid them. Fishing soft plastics through timber, steep drop-offs and scattered structure, Joel trusted his strengths and pieced together another incredibly consistent tournament, finishing just 60 grams behind the podium for the second Hobie event in a row. Tasmanian local Michael Alexander reveals how a simple pattern fishing rocky shorelines with a combination of ZipBaits Rigge 70SP hardbodies and soft plastics produced a third-place finish. After an early mechanical issue with his Hobie seat threatened to derail his tournament, Michael adapted on the fly, kept covering productive water and found the late upgrades he needed to secure a podium finish. Tournament winner Evan Leonard shares the mindset behind one of the most disciplined wins you'll hear about. While much of the field searched the river for active fish, Evan committed almost the entire tournament to fishing a handful of bridge pylons near the mouth. Carefully rotating between concrete structure, making precise casts with soft plastics and trusting his game plan, he put together a superb 5.74 kg winning limit and claimed the Anaconda Big Bream with a fish weighing 1.22 kg. Throughout the episode you'll hear practical discussions on reading unfamiliar water, positioning kayaks in difficult wind, choosing between structure and open water, selecting jighead weights, fishing bridge pylons effectively, working soft plastics through timber, and why confidence in your own strengths often outweighs constantly changing tactics. If you've ever arrived at a tournament—or even your local river—without knowing where to start, this episode is full of lessons that will help you make better decisions under pressure. 🏆 Official Results 🥇 Evan Leonard (TAS) — 5.74 kg Day 1: 2.71 kg Day 2: 3.03 kg 🥈 Isaac Harris (TAS) — 5.13 kg Day 1: 2.20 kg Day 2: 2.93 kg 🥉 Michael Alexander (TAS) — 4.80 kg Day 1: 2.37 kg Day 2: 2.43 kg 4th: Joel Crosbie (VIC) — 4.74 kg Special Awards Anaconda Big Bream 🐟 Evan Leonard — 1.22 kg Monster Mover 📈 Selwyn Edson — 0.50 kg → 2.48 kg Division Winners Youth — Ethan Howard — 3.44 kg Women's — Tameika Purnell — 3.08 kg Masters — Peter Nord — 3.94 kg In this episode Why Hobie made the last-minute decision to relocate the tournament to Scamander Fishing an unfamiliar river with virtually no pre-fish Winning patterns around bridge pylons, timber and rocky banks Soft plastic techniques for pressured black bream Fishing bridge structure in strong wind Jighead selection and lure presentation How precise kayak positioning made all the difference Adapting when your original tournament plan disappears overnight Why trusting your strengths can outperform constantly changing tactics The stories behind the podium finishers and their tournament strategies Locations Scamander River • Tasmania Brands Mentioned Hobie Kayak Bream Series • Hobie Kayaks • Daiwa Bait Junkie • ZipBaits • Z-Man • Hurricane Lures • Boomer Creek Vineyard Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective Want even more Australian lure fishing content? Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective and get access to: • Extended podcast episodes • The complete Big Bream Series • Monthly lure fishing challenges • Live members-only Zoom sessions • Our private Discord community • Exclusive content you won't hear anywhere else If you simply want more listening, The Vault gives you access to the extended episode library without the community features. Join today at https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com If you're enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating or review and share the episode with another lure angler. Every share helps us grow the Australian lure fishing community.      

The Hobie Kayak Bream Series headed to Little Swanport, Tasmania, producing one of the standout events of the 2026 season. Clear water, expansive weed flats and changing tides tested the field, but those who unlocked the pattern were rewarded with some exceptional black bream. In EP214, Andrew Death is joined by Tony Pettie and Mitchell Maddison to break down two very different paths to the podium. Mitchell shares how what started as a relaxed family holiday turned into a third-place finish, fishing alongside his son Cohen, who spent the weekend catching quality bream of his own. He explains how lightly weighted soft plastics, shallow weed beds and understanding the wind helped him build two consistent bags. Tournament winner Tony Pettie then reveals how he put together an incredible 7.03 kg tournament total, highlighted by a massive 4.13 kg Day Two bag and the Anaconda Big Bream of 1.71 kg. From subtle lure colour changes and jighead selection to timing the tides and reading current flow, Tony's interview is packed with practical tournament knowledge that any bream angler can apply. Whether you fish tournaments, kayak fish, or simply enjoy learning from Australia's best lure anglers, this episode is loaded with insights that will help you put more quality bream in the net. 🏆 Tournament Results 🥇 Tony Pettie (VIC) – 7.03 kg Day 1: 2.90 kg Day 2: 4.13 kg 🥈 Joseph Gardner (WA) – 6.55 kg Day 1: 3.22 kg Day 2: 3.33 kg 🥉 Mitchell Maddison (NSW) – 6.06 kg Day 1: 3.18 kg Day 2: 2.88 kg Anaconda Big Bream 🐟 Tony Pettie – 1.71 kg Monster Mover 📈 Gareth Goodhew – 0 kg → 2.35 kg Division Winners Youth: Ethan Howard – 4.42 kg Women's: Ruth Beeby – 4.79 kg Masters: David Shanahan – 5.84 kg First Time Competitor: Selwyn Edson – 1.72 kg In this episode • Building tournament-winning bags on shallow Tasmanian weed flats • How tide timing dictated the bite • Fishing lightly weighted soft plastics over ribbon weed • Choosing jighead weights for changing wind and current • Lure colour changes that triggered better fish • Landing trophy black bream on light leaders • Fishing a major tournament alongside family • The story behind Tony Pettie's incredible 4.13 kg Day Two bag Locations Little Swanport • Tasmania Brands Mentioned Hobie Kayak Bream Series • Hurricane Lures • Atomic • Daiwa Bait Junkie • Anaconda Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective Take your fishing to the next level by joining The Lure Fishing Project Collective. As a member you'll get access to: • Extended podcast episodes • The complete Big Bream Series • Monthly fishing challenges • Live Zoom sessions • Our members-only Discord community • Exclusive content you won't hear anywhere else If you simply want more audio content, The Vault gives you access to the extended episode library without the community features. Join today: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review and share it with another lure angler. It really helps us grow the Australian lure fishing community.      

Round 4 of the Atomic Tournament Series headed to the Georges River and Botany Bay, with plenty of rain, a tricky tide and some exceptional tournament fishing. Host Andrew Death sits down with the top three teams to break down exactly how they approached the day, the decisions they made on the water and the techniques that produced the winning bags. Although all three teams finished on the podium, each found success in a completely different way. From lightly weighted plastics around moored boats, to targeting sticks in Woolooware Bay, to fishing oyster-covered structure and pontoons, this episode is packed with practical tournament knowledge that any bream angler can apply. There is also plenty of discussion around modern electronics, including Lowrance ActiveTarget, lure selection, jighead weights, leader choice, tournament decision-making and how changing conditions affected the bite throughout the day. Round sponsor Samaki also gets a mention, with a story about Harvey catching quality bream while chasing mulloway on a Samaki soft plastic. Round 4 Results 🥇 1st – Rise Above Plumbing Glenn Ross & Shaun Eagan 5 Fish – 4.44 kg Big Bream – 1.35 kg 🥈 2nd – Hooked Up / DDH Plumbing Daniel Holden & Steven Cefai 5 Fish – 4.32 kg 🥉 3rd – Team Shimano Jason Mayberry & Mick Duck 5 Fish – 4.12 kg In this episode • Breaking down three completely different winning tournament strategies • Fishing moored boats with lightly weighted plastics • Targeting fish around sticks, pontoons and oyster-covered structure • How Lowrance ActiveTarget helped locate and catch fish • Choosing the right jighead weights for changing conditions • Leader selection and fighting big fish on light line • Tournament decision-making under pressure • Lure selection that produced podium finishes Locations Covered Botany Bay Georges River Woolooware Bay Oyster Bay Kogarah Bay Sylvania Waters Featured Brands Atomic Tournament Series • Samaki • Shimano • Daiwa • Lowrance • Bait Junkie • Rapala  Join The Lure Fishing Project Become part of The Lure Fishing Project Collective and gain access to: • Exclusive extended podcast episodes • The Big Bream Series archive • Monthly fishing challenges • Live Zoom sessions • Discord community • Behind-the-scenes content and much more. If you'd prefer bonus audio only, check out The Vault, where you'll find the extended podcast library without the community features. Join here: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review and share it with a mate. It really helps us continue growing the Australian lure fishing community. We'll catch you on the water.      

Luke Rogan has done it again. In this episode of The Lure Fishing Project, we head to Queensland for one of Australia's premier bream tournaments – the 2026 Samaki BREAM Queensland Open. Across two days of competition, anglers tackled Moreton Bay before heading south to the Gold Coast, with changing conditions, different bite windows and plenty of strategic decisions separating the leaders. Joining me on the podcast are the three anglers who stood on the podium: 🥉 Chris Greensill – A brilliant comeback after a difficult start to Day 2, including a fascinating discussion on using ActiveTarget, reading fish behaviour and making late tournament decisions that ultimately secured third place. 🥈 Jamie McKeown – One of Australia's most consistent tournament anglers explains his evolving approach to boat hulls, stick minnows, hybrid shrimp, crankbaits and why slowing down with Live Sonar has changed the way he fishes. 🥇 Luke Rogan – Back-to-back Queensland Open champion. Luke shares how he approached the event with minimal pre-fishing, adjusted to heavy fishing pressure around Redcliffe and overcame equipment issues to claim another major title. Along the way we also discuss: Live Sonar and how it's changing tournament strategy Boat hull and pontoon cranking Stick minnows vs hybrid shrimp Crankbait colour selection and why chrome continues to dominate Tournament decision making under pressure Reading tides, current and fish positioning The mental side of tournament fishing Plus... a little State of Origin banter that nearly derailed the evening! If you're serious about tournament bream fishing, there's plenty to learn from three anglers who approached the same event in very different ways. 🎣 Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective Get extended interviews, exclusive podcasts, live Zoom sessions, challenges, giveaways and much more: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and share it with a mate. It really helps us continue bringing Australia's best lure anglers to the microphone.

The 2026 Daiwa BREAM Series headed west to the iconic Blackwood River for the Garmin-sponsored round, and despite favourable fish activity predictions, the anglers were met with changing weather, difficult conditions and some very tough decisions over two days of competition. In Episode 211 of The Lure Fishing Project, Andrew Death sits down with the podium finishers to unpack exactly how they approached one of Western Australia's premier bream fisheries. You'll hear how anglers adapted to changing wind directions, why some abandoned productive areas while others stayed committed to their game plan, and the subtle lure, retrieve and location changes that ultimately separated the winners from the rest of the field. Throughout the episode, the anglers discuss: How they approached pre-fishing and prepared for tournament day. The influence of wind, tide and changing conditions throughout the weekend. Why tiny adjustments to retrieve speed made all the difference. Fishing shallow flats versus deeper structure. Working mussels, blades, crankbaits, stick minnows and soft plastics. How modern electronics helped locate fish on otherwise featureless flats. Managing tournament pressure and making the right decisions when the bite slowed. Lessons learned from fishing alongside some of Australia's best tournament anglers. Featured interviews include: Boaters 🥇 Alex Greisdorf (plus Mercury Bonus winner) – 5.970 kg 🥈 Benjamin Oakes – 5.370 kg 🥉 Callum Dowell – 4.770 kg Non-Boaters 🥇 Michael Sammut – 3.230 kg 🥈 Darcy Miller – 3.110 kg 🥉 Oliver Franke – 2.925 kg Whether you're a tournament angler or simply looking to catch more bream, this episode is packed with practical information you can apply on your next trip. Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective Become part of Australia's growing lure fishing community and receive: • Extended-cut podcast interviews • Exclusive member-only content • Live Zoom sessions with Australia's top anglers • Monthly challenges and giveaways • Access to The Vault featuring premium educational content 👉 https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com

What does it take to catch your first Murray cod? In this episode of The Lure Fishing Project, I sit down with accomplished kayak angler Joel Crosbie to break down the fundamentals of Murray cod fishing. Many anglers know Joel from his success in tournament bream fishing, but after stepping away from the competition scene for several years, he immersed himself in chasing Australia's iconic freshwater predator. In this conversation, he shares the lessons he learned, the mistakes he made, and the simple approach he'd recommend to anyone wanting to catch their first cod. In this episode we cover: Joel's journey from tournament bream to Murray cod. The three lures he'd recommend to beginners. Rod, reel and line setups. Fishing structure and lure presentation. Kayak tactics for Murray cod. Surface strikes, big fish stories and lessons learned. Practical tips to help shorten your learning curve. Whether you're planning your first cod trip or you're simply curious about one of Australia's most exciting sportfish, this episode is packed with practical advice and entertaining stories. Looking for more? A longer, extended version of this interview is available exclusively to members of The Lure Fishing Project Collective and The Vault, where Joel shares additional stories, techniques and insights that didn't make the public release. 🎣 Join here: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com  

Episode 209 – Action Fishing Tournament Round 1 | Berowra Waters The 2026 Action Fishing Tournament season gets underway at Berowra Waters, with three anglers who all took very different paths to the podium. In this episode, Andrew Death sits down with the top three finishers to break down exactly how they approached the day, the adjustments they made, and the key decisions that produced the winning bags. 🥇 Jeff Kirkby talks through his first tournament victory, including the 45.5cm big bream that anchored his winning bag and how a simple modification to his Baby Vibe proved to be the difference. 🥈 Rick King explains how an explosive surface bite on cicadas transformed an average start into another podium finish, along with why he believes the fish were holding deeper than expected. 🥉 Zane Duce shares the story of his first Action Fishing Tournament podium after surviving three hours without a legal fish before a late-session change completely turned his day around. Throughout the episode you'll hear discussions on: • Fishing transition periods • Surface cicada techniques • Baby Vibes and stick minnows • Working pontoons, rock edges and deep banks • Leader choices and lure modifications • Competition strategy and decision making under pressure • How three very different approaches produced almost identical bags Congratulations to Geoff, Rick and Zane on outstanding performances to kick off the season. If you're looking to improve your tournament fishing or simply enjoy hearing Australia's best lure anglers explain exactly how they caught their fish, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎣 The Lure Fishing Project is proudly supported by the people and companies helping grow lure fishing across Australia. Want even more? Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective for extended interviews, exclusive podcast episodes, live Zoom sessions, Discord access, challenges, giveaways and a community of passionate lure anglers. 👉 https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com Thanks for listening, and we'll catch you in the next episode. #LureFishingProject #BreamFishing #TournamentFishing #KayakFishing #BerowraWaters #ActionFishingTournaments #AustralianFishing #FishingPodcast #KayakTournamentFishing

Welcome to the July Monthly Report from The Lure Fishing Project. This month Andrew and Brett catch up on everything that's been happening throughout June, from kayak tournaments and family fishing to new boats, upcoming competitions and the latest developments within The Lure Fishing Project. In this episode we discuss: • The Georges River Hobie Kayak Bream Tournament and Harvey's first Hobie event. • The incredible generosity of the fishing community in helping young anglers get started. • Brett's remarkable perch fishing in the Gippsland Lakes and the techniques producing consistent results. • A catch-up with Nev from Nev's Fishing and the work behind one of Australia's biggest fishing YouTube channels. • Progress on Andrew's new boat and plans for a Lowrance Recon electric motor. • Fishing the upcoming Shimano Flathead Australian Open. • Around the Grounds – upcoming Australian bream and kayak fishing tournaments. Whether you're into bream, perch, flathead, kayak fishing or simply enjoy hearing great fishing stories, there's plenty to enjoy in this month's report. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow the show, leave a review and share it with another angler. Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective for exclusive extended interviews, bonus content and live community events: https://lurefishingproject.supercast.com  

The Vic Bream Classics headed back to Marlo for the 2026 Megabass East Gippsland Bream Classic, and this one had a bit of everything — big bags, tight bite windows, huge schools of salmon, and a first-time win for Team Marlo Bait and Tackle. In this episode, I catch up with the top three teams: • Alex Franchuk and Paul Malov from Team Millerods – 3rd Place • Dan Mackrell and Declan Betts from Team Samurai Rods – 2nd Place • Harry Young and Brad Young from Team Marlo Bait and Tackle – 1st Place The event was shaped by low water, limited flow, heavy boat traffic, and massive numbers of salmon sitting above the bream. For many teams, the challenge was not just finding the right fish, but getting through the salmon and slowing presentations down enough to tempt quality bream underneath. Across the interviews we discuss: • Fishing under massive schools of salmon • Why the edge bite was tough • Slow plastics in open water • Bloodworm colours, grubs, prawns and paddle tails • Using ActiveTarget and sonar to identify bream amongst mixed species • Managing bite windows that only lasted a few minutes • Why spot management was critical over two days • Fishing heavy leaders and weedless-rigged plastics tight to structure • Harry and Brad Young’s first Vic Bream Classic win Team Marlo Bait and Tackle put together a dominant performance, weighing 5.490kg on day one and 5.365kg on day two for a total of 10.855kg. Their win came from backing their plan, fishing their water, managing their spots, and staying calm when Sunday morning started slowly. If you fish Marlo, East Gippsland, or any system where fish sit under bait and salmon, there are some great lessons in this one. Want More From The Lure Fishing Project? Join The Vault for: • Extended interviews • Bonus content • The Big Bream Series • Early access releases Or join The Collective for: • Everything in The Vault • Discord community access • Live Zoom sessions • Challenges and member-only discussions Find out more at: lurefishingproject.supercast.com Thanks for listening to The Lure Fishing Project. We'll catch you in the next episode.  

  In this first Angler Profile episode for The Lure Fishing Project, I sit down with Cisco Sevilla for a fascinating conversation that covers far more than just fishing. Growing up on the US/Mexico border in Southern California, Cisco learned his craft chasing largemouth bass around some of the most famous bass fisheries in America. Long before Australian bream fishing entered the picture, he was spending his days walking lake edges, throwing plastic worms, learning baitcasters and immersing himself in the bass fishing culture that would eventually shape the angler he is today. Along the way, he introduces me to a bass fishing technique called "stitching"—something I'd never heard of before—which leads to a fascinating discussion about how anglers approached deep-water bass fishing long before today's technology existed. After moving to Australia with little more than a suitcase, an address and a sense of adventure, Cisco slowly found his way into the Australian fishing scene. What began as a search for something to fill the gap left by bass fishing eventually evolved into a passion for bream fishing, kayak tournaments and BFS tackle. In this episode we discuss: • Growing up on the US/Mexico border • Learning to fish for largemouth bass in Southern California • Early bass fishing techniques and tackle trends • The old-school bass fishing technique known as "stitching" • Moving to Australia with just $300 in his pocket • Discovering Australian bream fishing • How BFS changed everything • Favourite BFS tackle and rod selections • Topwater fishing for bream • Texas rigging, crankbaiting and bottom-contact techniques • Tournament fishing and kayak competitions • Lessons learned from both bass and bream fishing Cisco is one of those anglers who sees fishing through a unique lens, combining decades of bass-fishing experience with a genuine passion for Australian bream fishing. The result is a conversation packed with stories, practical insights and plenty of laughs along the way. This episode has been edited for public release. Members of The Lure Fishing Project can access the complete extended conversation with Cisco, including additional content not included in this version. Want More From The Lure Fishing Project? Join The Vault for: • Extended interviews • Bonus content • The Big Bream Series • Early access releases Or join The Collective for: • Everything in The Vault • Discord community access • Live Zoom sessions • Challenges and member-only discussions Find out more at: lurefishingproject.supercast.com Thanks for listening to The Lure Fishing Project. We'll see you on the water.

  The Atomic New South Wales Tournament Series headed to St Georges Basin for Round 3, and while the fishing has been tough at times over recent years, there are some encouraging signs that this iconic fishery is on the rebound. In this episode, I catch up with the anglers who finished on the podium and break down the patterns, decisions and lure choices that shaped the event. First up, Luke and Dean from Flick Wits discuss how a last-minute pre-fish decision paid off, finding quality fish in deeper water and using LiveScope to put together a strong two-day performance. Next, Hallam and Marlon from Bream Burglars share their shallow-water approach, focusing on weed beds, sand patches and quality fish holding in surprisingly skinny water. Finally, tournament winner Jason Mayberry joins me to explain how Team Shimano put together a dominant 8.7kg winning bag, including a 44cm yellowfin bream that secured Big Bream honours and helped create one of the largest winning margins we've seen in recent years. Along the way we discuss: • Why Hurricane Sprats dominated the event • Shallow versus deep-water approaches • LiveScope and forward-facing sonar tactics • Leader choices and finesse presentations • Finding quality fish after heavy rainfall • The return of healthy yellowfin and black bream to the Basin • How subtle location changes can produce tournament-winning fish One thing becomes very clear throughout these interviews – if you're heading to St Georges Basin any time soon, make sure you've got a packet of Sprats in the tackle box. There are also some fascinating insights into how different anglers approached the same fishery. While some teams focused on deeper water and forward-facing sonar, others committed to shallow flats, weed edges and visual fishing. The result was a diverse and highly competitive event that produced some outstanding bags and plenty of lessons for anyone looking to improve their bream fishing. Want More Lure Fishing Content? The Lure Fishing Project now offers two membership options: The Vault • Extended interviews • Bonus content • The Big Bream Series • Early access releases The Collective • Everything in The Vault • Discord community access • Live Zoom sessions • Challenges and member-only discussions Join us at: lurefishingproject.supercast.com Thanks for listening to The Lure Fishing Project. We'll see you on the water.

The 2025 Western Australian Kayak Bream Series Grand Final is in the books, and once again the Blackwood River produced a fascinating tournament. In this episode, Andrew catches up with the anglers who finished on the podium: 🥇 Joseph Gardner – 1st Place 🥈 Alex Griesdorf – 2nd Place 🥉 Greg Cooper – 3rd Place The three anglers took very different paths to their results, providing a great insight into how the Blackwood River fished during the event. Joseph breaks down how a 990g kicker bream early on Day 1 set the foundation for victory, while Alex explains how electronics, water layers and a mid-water presentation helped him put together one of the strongest bags of the tournament. Greg shares his approach of constantly rotating through different lure styles and adapting to changing conditions, including an interesting observation about fish positioning away from traditional structure. In This Episode ✅ How Joseph Gardner secured another major win on the Blackwood River ✅ The importance of finding a single kicker fish in tournament fishing ✅ Using ActiveTarget and sonar to identify fish positioning ✅ Fishing freshwater runoff and salt wedge conditions ✅ Joey's Pygmy Mussels, Bream Prawns, Slim Swims, Grubs and Vibes ✅ How lure selection changed throughout the event ✅ Long leader systems and tournament tackle setups ✅ The role of local knowledge in high-level tournament fishing ✅ WA Kayak Bream Series Grand Final recap Whether you're a tournament angler or simply looking to understand how experienced anglers break down a river system, there's plenty to take away from this episode. Featured Anglers 🥇 Joseph Gardner 🥈 Alex Griesdorf 🥉 Greg Cooper Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective Get access to: 🎣 The Big Bream Series 🎣 Exclusive member-only episodes 🎣 Live Zoom sessions 🎣 Discord community access 🎣 Bonus fishing content Join here: lurefishingproject.supercast.com Follow The Lure Fishing Project Instagram: @thelurefishingproject If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review and share it with a fishing mate.

Episode 203 – 2026 Daiwa BREAM Australian Open | Craig Noorbergen, Steve Morgan & Jamie Mckeown 🎣 The Australian Open is one of the most prestigious events on the Australian tournament fishing calendar, and in Episode 203 of The Lure Fishing Project, we break down the action from the 2026 Daiwa BREAM Australian Open, held on Sydney Harbour from May 19–21. This event delivered everything you could want from a major championship: huge fish, heartbreaking losses, tactical adjustments, and three anglers who each took a completely different path to the podium. Andrew is joined by: Jamie Mckeown – who continued his remarkable Australian Open record with another top finish. Jamie explains how a last-minute switch to stick minnows transformed his tournament, how forward-facing sonar both helped and hindered his decision-making, and why boat hulls continue to be one of Sydney Harbour's most reliable patterns. Steve Morgan – who put together two incredibly consistent bags using a combination of Aquas, stick minnows and decades of local knowledge. Steve discusses targeting shallow fish in crystal-clear water, fishing washes and moored boats, managing ultra-light line, and converting big fish when it matters most. 🥇 Craig Noorbergen – the first-time Australian Open competitor who turned local Sydney Harbour experience into an unforgettable victory. Craig reveals how he used Cranker Crabs around rock walls, pontoons and structure, why current played such a critical role in his decision making, and how a late-session giant BREAM helped secure the biggest win of his tournament career. In this episode you'll learn: ✅ How Jamie Mckeown used stick minnows and forward-facing sonar to unlock suspended fish around boat hulls ✅ Why Steve Morgan focused on Pittwater, Aquas and shallow cruising fish ✅ Craig Noorbergen's winning crab pattern around Sydney Harbour structure ✅ How tide flow influenced fish positioning throughout the event ✅ The role of current, boat hulls, pontoons and rock walls in producing quality fish ✅ The importance of adapting lure size and presentation during multi-day tournaments ✅ Lessons from three anglers who approached the same fishery in completely different ways The Daiwa BREAM Australian Open continues to showcase the very best tournament anglers in the country, and this episode provides a rare opportunity to hear exactly how the top finishers approached one of Australia's most iconic BREAM events. If you're looking to improve your tournament fishing, learn more about fishing Sydney Harbour, or simply enjoy hearing how elite anglers solve problems on the water, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Final Results  Craig Noorbergen – 11.350 kg  Steve Morgan – 11.175 kg  Jamie Mckeown – 10.955 kg   Join The Lure Fishing Project Collective If you'd like to take your fishing further and be part of a community of passionate lure anglers from around the country, head over to: lurefishingproject.supercast.com  

EP202 | The Next Chapter: The BREAM Fishing Project Becomes The Lure Fishing Project After 202 episodes, The BREAM Fishing Project enters a new chapter. In this episode, Andrew and Brett discuss the evolution of the podcast into The Lure Fishing Project, what the change means for listeners, and the exciting opportunities it creates moving forward. While BREAM fishing remains at the heart of the show, the new direction opens the door to conversations about flathead, bass, mulloway, trout, whiting and other lure-caught species from around Australia. The goal remains the same: to learn from great anglers and help listeners catch more fish and make the most of their time on the water. In this episode: 🎣 Why the podcast is changing its name 🎣 What the changes mean for listeners 🎣 The future direction of The Lure Fishing Project 🎣 Brett's incredible day of 129 BREAM 🎣 Winter fishing tactics and lure selection 🎣 Andrew's new boat and plans to introduce more people to fishing 🎣 Harvey's upcoming Hobie competition debut 🎣 Reflections on family, fishing and the people who inspire us 🎣 Upcoming tournament action from around Australia Thank you to everyone who has supported the podcast through the first 202 episodes. The name may be changing, but the mission remains the same: helping anglers learn faster, catch more fish and enjoy their time on the water. Join The Lure Fishing Project We've introduced two ways to access exclusive content and support the show. The Lure Fishing Project Vault The Vault is a growing library of exclusive content from The Lure Fishing Project. We're starting by unlocking the Big BREAM Series — six in-depth interviews that helped inspire The Bream Fishing Project and ultimately led to the creation of The Lure Fishing Project. A new Big BREAM Series episode will be released every two weeks, with additional bonus content, extended interviews and exclusive releases added over time. The Lure Fishing Project Collective The Collective is where anglers come together to learn, improve and share their fishing experiences. As a Collective member, you'll receive everything included in The Vault, plus: 🎣 Live Zoom sessions 🎣 Access to the Collective Discord community 🎣 Collaborative lure and technique challenges 🎣 Challenge wrap-ups and member discussions 🎣 Direct interaction with Andrew and other members 🎣 Access to Collective replays and member content 🎣 Opportunities to learn from anglers around Australia For less than the cost of a single lure each month, you'll gain access to a growing community of passionate anglers committed to learning, sharing and improving together. Join here: lurefishingproject.supercast.com Follow us: Instagram: @lurefishingproject Facebook: The Lure Fishing Project

The Hawkesbury River delivered another outstanding round of the 2026 Daiwa BREAM Series, and in this episode of The BREAM Fishing Project, Andrew Death reviews all the action from the Bait Junkie Hawkesbury River Round held on May 16–17. With six detailed interviews covering both the non-boater and boater divisions, this episode provides a complete breakdown of how the event unfolded, the techniques that produced results, and the lessons learned from one of Australia's most iconic BREAM tournament waterways. The non-boater division produced a remarkable story, with first-time ABT competitor Sam Di Mauro taking victory in his very first event. Having followed tournament fishing for years through podcasts and media coverage, Sam finally took the plunge and entered an ABT event on his home water. His account of the experience, from meeting anglers he had listened to for years through to landing a tournament-winning bag, is one of the highlights of the episode. You'll also hear from Rodney O'Sullivan, who backed up last year's Hawkesbury success with another podium finish, and Jesse Rotin, whose consistency continues to make him one of the most dangerous non-boaters in the country. In the boater division, Captain Risky returned to winning form with an impressive two-day total of 9.545kg, ahead of Judd Kirkland and Steve Morgan. Their interviews provide valuable insights into pattern development, adapting to changing conditions, and extracting quality fish from the Hawkesbury system. Across the six interviews you'll hear discussions covering: Wash fishing with Cranker Crabs Fishing Hybrid Shrimp presentations around rocky shorelines Pontoon and marina tactics using soft plastics Monster Rolling Cranks and crankbait strategies Working river rock walls and current lines Vibe fishing techniques for quality BREAM Tidal influences and bite period timing Rod, reel, braid and leader selections Pre-fish strategies and tournament preparation The realities of fishing from the back deck as a non-boater Lessons learned from experienced ABT competitors Rodney O'Sullivan details how he built both of his bags fishing wash zones with Cranker Crabs and Hybrid Shrimp presentations, while Jesse Rotin dives deep into his approach using Bait Junkie Risky Critters, 295 Flicks, Monster Rolling Cranks and finesse presentations around pontoons and rock structure. First-time competitor Sam Di Mauro shares his tournament journey, including landing a 1.25kg fish early on day one and learning firsthand how different anglers approach the Hawkesbury system. His story is proof that newcomers can be competitive when preparation meets opportunity. Whether you're preparing for your own Hawkesbury trip, looking to improve your tournament fishing, or simply enjoy hearing Australia's best BREAM anglers break down their techniques, this episode is packed with practical information and tournament insights. 2026 Daiwa BREAM Series Hawkesbury River Results Boater Division 🥇 Kristoffer Hickson – 9.545kg 🥈 Judd Kirkland – 8.740kg 🥉 Steve Morgan – 7.705kg Non-Boater Division 🥇 Sam Di Mauro – 4.590kg 🥈 Jesse Rotin – 4.485kg 🥉 Rodney O'Sullivan – 4.450kg  

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to the mighty Hawkesbury River for Round 2 of the New South Wales Tournament Series, brought to you by Atomic and sponsored by Force Lures. Run on 26 April 2026, this Hawkesbury round produced a technical and challenging bite, with anglers dealing with low fish activity, timid bites, heavy current flow and tough conditions around the deep rock walls of the river system. The episode opens with a breakdown of the bite periods and tidal movements, before diving deep into interviews with the top three teams from the event. First up, Mitch and Mat Simonis from Team Off The Scales break down their third-place finish with 5 fish for 4.06kg. The boys explain how they targeted deep rocky bottom with crabs and blades, how current speed completely changed the effectiveness of their presentation between pre-fish and comp day, and how a late kicker fish helped secure another podium finish. The interview also covers drifting techniques, fishing deep structure, lure control in heavy current and the importance of staying in the strike zone around the Hawkesbury’s brutal reef systems. Next, Tim Vickers from Team Cronulla Slipways talk through their second-place finish with 4.15kg. Tim details how they chased the outgoing tide upriver using heavy cranker crabs on deep rock walls before adapting late in the session with washes, flats and forward-facing sonar. The interview covers using Mega Live and forward-facing sonar around structure, tracking fish schools on the flats, fishing Box Head washes, leader selection, and how a critical late-session upgrade secured second place in an incredibly tight field. Finally, event winners Scott Wilson and Col Wilson from Team Surge break down their impressive winning bag of 5.03kg. Fresh off travelling back from Tasmania, the father-and-son team committed to fishing crabs on deep Hawkesbury rock walls despite having no pre-fish. Scott explains how rotating crab sizes, colours and scents — while constantly moving to fresh walls — helped them consistently upgrade throughout the day. They also discuss fishing extremely heavy tackle around reef structure, dealing with ultra-timid bites, fishing around boat pressure, and how they converted key bites into kilo-class fish. This episode is packed with information for anglers wanting to improve their understanding of: Hawkesbury River BREAM fishing Deep water crab techniques Fishing rock walls and reef structure Current-based fishing strategies Team tournament tactics Wash fishing and flats fishing Leader and tackle selection Forward-facing sonar applications in tournament fishing A huge thank you to all the anglers for making time to record these interviews at short notice. Sponsors & Links Check out Force Lures: https://forcelures.com.au Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective for extra content, live streams, challenges and member-only discussions: https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com SEO Keywords BREAM fishing, Hawkesbury River BREAM, NSW Tournament Series, New South Wales Tournament Series, Atomic, Force Lures, BREAM tournament fishing, crab lure fishing, Hawkesbury River fishing, deep water BREAM fishing, rock wall fishing, Scott Wilson, Col Wilson, Tim Vickers, Grant Grounds, Mitch Simonis, Mat Simonis, Australian BREAM fishing, tournament fishing Australia, lure fishing podcast, fishing podcast Australia Hashtags #BreamFishing #TheBreamFishingProject #HawkesburyRiver #NSWTournamentSeries #ForceLures #Atomic #BreamTournament #RockWallFishing #CrabFishing #AustralianFishing

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project we head across the country to Western Australia for the final boat round of the 2025 WA BREAM Series, held on the iconic Swan River in the heart of Perth. This one-day shootout produced some quality fish and plenty of tactical decisions as teams battled changing wind, subtle bite windows, structure fishing and ultra-finicky Swan River bream. The episode features interviews with: Travis Newland & Josh Phillips (1st Place) Aiden & Herbert Miller (2nd Place) Callum Dow & Oliver Frank from Outback Bream Baits (4th Place) We dive deep into: fishing bridge pylons and retaining walls mussel presentations crankbait techniques line control in wind and current how subtle angles and lure placement changed the bite pre-fish struggles and tournament adjustments Swan River structure fishing strategies and the importance of timing bite windows on tough systems There’s also plenty of discussion around: the Outback Bream Baits Muss the new Shine Away leader treatment product crankbait retrieves tournament decision making and how WA anglers are targeting big pre-spawn bream in urban systems. Aiden and Herbert Miller also share the story of their first major event fishing together as a father-and-son team, while Travis and Josh break down the adjustments that helped them turn a brutal pre-fish into a tournament-winning performance. As always, we also run through the bite periods, tides and key tournament conditions from the day. A massive thank you to everyone supporting the show and The Bream Fishing Project Collective. Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective here: https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com/ Follow The Bream Fishing Project on Instagram: @thebreamfishingproject Sponsors & Supporters Mentioned: Outback Bream Baits Tackle West Shine Away Tackle Addiction Force Lures Pro Lure Shimano Daiwa If you enjoy the podcast, please share the episode around, tag a fishing mate and leave a review on your podcast platform.

The Tasmanian leg of the ABT tour wraps up in style as the 2026 Duo Tasmanian BREAM Teams Open heads to the iconic waters of St Helens, Tasmania. In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, Andrew breaks down one of the most unique tournament formats seen in recent years — a catch-photo-release teams event where anglers could upgrade their five-fish bag across both competition days. With late 10am starts, gentleman’s hours, changing tides, and fish spread between racks, flats, gutters and shallow edges, this event forced competitors to think differently. The result was a dramatic two-day battle where no lead was safe and teams could surge through the field right up until the final session. This episode features full interviews with the top three teams from the event, diving deep into the tactics, lure choices, and adjustments that helped them unlock the St Helens BREAM bite. In this episode: 🥉 3rd Place – Team Cranka Shimano Steve Steer breaks down an incredibly technical tournament built around: Fishing shallow oyster racks with crabs Working gutters and channel markers at low tide Using Cranka Crabs in the famous spotted crab colour Adjusting tackle overnight after getting smoked by big fish on day one Fishing “gentleman’s hours” and why the late starts suited St Helens perfectly Steve also shares detailed insights into: Fishing crabs away from structure Subtle rod-tip movements for natural crab presentations How tide movement positioned fish on the flats Why St Helens fish fight so hard in shallow water 🥈 2nd Place – Team Force Lures Jon Fitzgibbon and David Shanahan detail a massive comeback charge from outside the top spots into second place after finding fish on shallow wind-blown flats late on day two. Topics include: Fishing lightly weighted DUO Sprats in the Cleaver colour Using Force Paddle Tail Grubs around racks and shallow edges Pushing the boat through freezing Tasmanian shallows to access hidden water Big shallow-water fish nearly spooling reels The importance of adapting when racks shut down The pair also discuss how one decision to abandon the racks and drift a protected shallow flat completely changed their tournament. 🥇 1st Place – Team Australia 2 + Tas Peter Maisey and Jesse Rotin take the win with an impressive 6.221kg combined total built around: Bait Junkie 2.95 Flicks on light jigheads Daiwa Infeet Sazanami jerkbaits Fishing subtle flats close to deeper channels Managing nerves while leading overnight Picking apart shallow flats during tricky tide windows The boys explain how they stayed calm under pressure on day two, worked through changing wind conditions, and slowly upgraded key fish to secure the victory. This episode is packed with advanced tournament insights covering: Shallow-water flats fishing Rack fishing strategies Crab presentations Light-line tournament tactics St Helens tide timing Hardbody vs soft plastic approaches Team strategy and communication during high-pressure events If you love technical tournament fishing and hearing how Australia’s top anglers adapt on the fly, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎣 Sponsors & Supporters A huge thank you to: DUO Wilson Fishing Force Lures Bait Junkie Daiwa ABT Tournament Series 🔥 Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective Get access to: Bonus podcast content Live Zoom sessions Challenge events Technique breakdowns Exclusive community discussions Replay archives and extra fishing content Join here: The Bream Fishing Project Collective 📱 Follow The Bream Fishing Project Instagram: @thebreamfishingproject Facebook: The Bream Fishing Project Facebook Page #BREAMFishing #TasmaniaFishing #StHelens #ABT #BreamFishingProject #TournamentFishing #DUOInternational #ForceLures #BaitJunkie #DaiwaAustralia #AustralianFishingPodcast        

In EP197 of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to Tasmania for part two of the ABT Tasmanian Tour, covering the Derwent River round, held on 18–19 April 2026. This episode breaks down a cracking Derwent River event with big bags, quality BREAM, and plenty of detail from both the non-boater and boater divisions. Andrew chats with the top non-boaters, including Simon Kraus, Leighton Beer, and Marty Evans, as they explain how they caught their fish, what they learned from their boaters, and how key lure choices like Hurricane Sprats, Gulp Smelt Minnows, Daiwa Double Clutches, ZipBaits, VX vibes, and Duo Bivvys played a role across the weekend. The episode also covers the boater side of the event with Mario Vukic, Steve Morgan, and event winner Isaac Harris, including the importance of baitfish, long skinny hard bodies, plastics, current lines, rocky edges, Ralphs Bay, and making the right decisions when the bite window opens. There is plenty in this one for anyone who loves tournament BREAM fishing, especially if you want to understand how anglers adapt between edges, flats, deeper rock walls, vibes, plastics, and jerkbaits on a tidal Tasmanian system. The episode also includes tide and bite period information, lure details, leader choices, tackle setups, and the decision-making that shaped the final results. A big thank you to Steve Morgan for allowing us to use audio from his YouTube clip featuring Isaac Harris. If you’d like even more BREAM fishing content, including live streams, extra fishing discussions, challenge series, and access to The Collective community, check out The Bream Fishing Project Collective here: The Bream Fishing Project Collective Perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about catching BREAM on lures, tournament fishing strategy, and how some of Australia’s best anglers break down a waterway under pressure.                  

  The May Monthly Report is here, and this one absolutely goes everywhere. Andrew is joined once again by Brett Geddes for a massive session covering tournament fishing, homemade lure disasters, junior anglers coming through the ranks, forward-facing sonar, giant fishing numbers from Gippsland. The boys are also joined by young gun Harvey, who has been quietly putting together some seriously impressive catches fishing out of Andrew’s original Hobie kayak. Harvey talks about competing in the Daiwa Young Fishing Club, how the app-based competition works, and some standout recent captures including: A 36cm black bream on a Duo Bivi Flathead on Z-Man plastics Tailor and perch from both the kayak and the stones Preparing for his first Hobie competition on the Georges River The discussion also highlights the growing opportunities for junior anglers in tournament kayak fishing and how the next generation is learning faster than ever before. Andrew and Brett then dive into one of the most entertaining topics they’ve covered in months — the Collective lure making challenge. Andrew explains how he built a timber chubby-style lure completely by hand using basic tools, super glue and even nail polish as paint, before finally catching bream on it after dropping a quality fish earlier in the session. Brett shares his own homemade lure journey, including the now-infamous “Homer Simpson Doughnut” lure — a pink doughnut-shaped creation built by Beth from the Collective, rigged with multiple hooks and a cheb weight, which somehow went on to catch perch. There’s also a huge Gippsland fishing update from Brett, who reveals some unbelievable numbers from the first four months of the year: 511 estuary perch 223 bream to 48cm 99 bass 89 flathead to 86cm Brett breaks down why the Gippsland Lakes system is currently fishing as well as anywhere in the country, including: Mulloway showing up throughout the lakes system Massive bait concentrations Saltwater pushing deep into the system Open lake perch behaviour Heavy leader fishing for big perch Why the fishery is changing dramatically compared to years gone by The boys also discuss standout lures from the month, including: Sprat 65s and 85s Hard-on-soft presentations Duo Bivis Twitch 50s Hurricane Slams Hybrid Shrimp techniques Fishing deep timber with near snag-proof presentations Tournament coverage is a massive part of this episode, with discussion around: The Tasmania Hobie and ABT rounds Steve Morgan continuing to dominate while simultaneously filming, livestreaming and producing media content Isaac Harris narrowly edging out Morgo in one event Joel Crosby quietly building momentum with big plastic “power breaming” techniques NSW Tournament Series results Foster and Marlo previews The realities of organising and recording tournament interviews every single week Andrew also talks about recording more than 17 interviews in a single week and the behind-the-scenes workload involved in running The BREAM Fishing Project. The episode wraps up with discussion around the new forward-facing sonar course from My Fishing Coach featuring Nabil Issa and Steve Morgan, including detailed setup walkthroughs for Garmin, Lowrance and Humminbird units, fish behaviour interpretation, mapping insights and species-specific sonar applications. This is one of the loosest and most wide-ranging Monthly Reports yet — packed with laughs, fishing stories, tournament insight, lure experimentation and plenty of classic Brett Geddes moments. #TheBreamFishingProject #BREAM #KayakFishing #TournamentFishing #EstuaryPerch #FlatheadFishing #ABT #HobieFishing #LureFishing #AustralianFishing      

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to Tasmania for the ABT round on the Huon River — a standout event that produced incredible numbers, consistent bites, and quality fish across both divisions. With near-perfect catch rates across the field, this tournament became a battle of upgrades, decision-making, and execution under pressure. 🏆 Boater Results 1st – Steve Morgan (10.510 kg) 2nd – Mark Crompton (10.045 kg) 3rd – Brett Crowe (9.975 kg) 🏆 Non-Boater Results 1st – Michael Vukic (6.680 kg) 2nd – William Thorpe (6.290 kg) 3rd – Michael Maas (6.235 kg) 🎣 In this episode, we hear from: Michael Maas (3rd Non-Boater) – First trip to Tasmania and straight onto the podium, building early bags with soft plastics before upgrading with jerkbaits Michael Vukic (1st Non-Boater) – A clinical performance focused on baitfish patterns, plastics, and precise upgrades on the flats Brett Crowe (3rd Boater) – A consistent two-day approach centred around slow presentations, shallow structure, and maximising productive water Mark Crompton (2nd Boater) – Making bold on-the-water decisions, fishing bait-rich zones, and adapting quickly to changing conditions Steve Morgan (1st Boater) – A winning performance built on consistency, key decisions, and executing when it mattered 🔍 What’s covered in this episode: Pre-fish strategy and adapting to unfamiliar fisheries Fishing shallow structure, flats, and bait-heavy zones Soft plastics vs jerkbait approaches and when to switch The importance of early bagging vs upgrading How retrieve speed and presentation changed outcomes Tournament decision-making under pressure Tasmania once again proves why it’s one of Australia’s premier BREAM fisheries — offering both numbers and quality, and rewarding anglers who can adapt quickly. 🔗 Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective If you want to go deeper into the tactics, techniques, and decision-making discussed in these episodes, join The Bream Fishing Project Collective: 👉 https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com We’ve also got a new challenge kicking off next week, giving members a chance to get involved, apply what they’re learning, and share their results with the community. Inside the Collective you’ll get: Bonus podcast content Live streams and detailed breakdowns A community of anglers sharing real-time insights  

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, I’m joined by Queensland tournament angler Nabeel Issa (Nabs) to dive deep into his journey through competitive BREAM fishing and the evolution of modern electronics on the water. Nabeel shares how he got his start in fishing at a young age, working his way through the ABT circuit as a non-boater, and eventually building a strong tournament record with multiple wins and consistent top finishes. From early lure fishing struggles through to finding his edge, this is a great look at what it takes to develop as a competitive angler. We also explore one of the biggest game-changers in modern fishing — sounders and sonar. Nabeel breaks down how learning to properly use side scan and sonar completely changed the way he fishes, allowing him to locate and target fish with precision rather than relying on guesswork. The conversation also covers: Early tournament experiences and progression through the ranks Key lure trends and techniques over the years The transition from non-boater to boater (and the challenges that come with it) Using side scan and sonar to find structure and fish Targeting species like BREAM, mulloway, snapper and more with electronics Towards the end of the episode, we also touch on the upcoming sounder course release, which will be available this Friday — so keep an eye out. 👉 Check out the sounder course: https://myfishingcoach.com.au For members of The Bream Fishing Project Collective, there will also be an exclusive additional discount available, generously provided by Steve and Nabeel. 👉 Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective: https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com There’s also a hint at what’s coming next for The Bream Fishing Project… so make sure you stay tuned. 🎧 SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying the podcast, make sure to follow and share it with a mate — and if you want to take your fishing further, the Collective is where we go deeper with live sessions, extra challenges, and a community of anglers all working to improve.  

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to Botany Bay for the Grand Final of the inaugural New South Wales Tournament Series. This event, held on October 25–26, 2025, wrapped up a strong first season for the series. It featured a competitive field and some impressive bags despite the tough fishing conditions leading into the event. Andrew breaks down the tournament with interviews from the top three teams, diving deep into their approach, decision-making, and the small details that made the difference over two days of competition. 🥉 Third Place – Team Bream Brothers (Aaron Clifton & Simon Moore) A consistent two-day performance saw Team Bream Brothers finish with 6.58 kg, just 20 grams shy of second place. They discuss: Fishing deep structure in 12–25 ft of water Using crabs to target timid fish Managing spots across a two-day event Adjusting leader strength to handle deep current and structure The importance of patience when bites are subtle 🥈 Second Place – Zeus Tackle (Dane Tomasewski & Adam Lacey) Finishing just ahead by a narrow margin with 6.60 kg, the Zeus Tackle team shares a gritty account of their tournament. They cover: Grinding out bites on rock walls and bridges Landing key fish under pressure, including a crucial 950 g upgrade Fishing light leaders in clear water Using crabs and mussels as primary techniques Decision-making when swinging for upgrades late in the session 🥇 First Place – Team Smart Fish / Precision Building Maintenance With a dominant performance, the winning team secured victory with 8.81 kg, including a standout 1.3 kg bream. They reveal: Using forward-facing sonar to locate and target fish Fishing bridges and bays based on tide timing Matching lure choice to fish position in the water column Upgrading entire bags in short feeding windows Executing under pressure late on day two 🌊 Conditions & Bite Periods Fishing across both days proved challenging, with: Limited bite windows Fish holding deeper than expected Clear water requiring finesse presentations Success came down to staying adaptable, making the most of short feeding periods, and executing cleanly when opportunities arose. This episode is packed with real tournament insight, covering everything from lure selection and depth control to mental decision-making across a two-day format. If you’re looking to improve your tournament fishing or better understand how top anglers approach tough conditions, this is one to listen to. 🎧 Tune in now and learn what it took to get it done at Botany Bay. 🔗 Links & Sponsors https://fishin.com.au HWS Hobie Kayaks & Accessories Podium Marine Wraps 🎣 Follow The Bream Fishing Project Instagram: @thebreamfishingproject

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to Camden Haven on the New South Wales North Coast for the Grand Final of the Action Fishing Tournaments 2025 season. Before diving into the final, Andrew recaps the full season, highlighting key results and standout performances across all rounds leading into the decider. The Grand Final brought a competitive field together on a challenging system, with strong currents, long paddles, and key decisions around location and time management playing a major role in the outcome. 🥉 Third Place – Gareth Goodhew Gareth put together a consistent two-day performance to secure third place. He discusses: Covering water and exploring during pre-fish Targeting racks and broken structure Using deep cranks like the Atomic GGB and Jackall Chubby Adjusting retrieve speed to suit more timid fish Managing long paddles and limited fishing time 🥈 Second Place – Glenn Allen Glenn built his result around a simple but effective game plan. He covers: Fishing racks with crab presentations on light jigheads Transitioning to shallow flats and weed beds Using deep-diving crankbaits to work structure Identifying key areas holding better-quality fish Making crucial upgrades late in the session 🥇 First Place – Carl Dubois Carl secured the win with a strong two-day performance and a clear strategy. He shares: Backing his previous experience at Camden Haven Committing to long paddles to reach productive water Fishing shallow flats with crankbaits Adapting retrieves to trigger bites Managing time and conditions across both days Carl finished with a total of 214.5cm, taking out the Grand Final win. 🌊 Conditions & Key Factors Strong current throughout the system Long distances to key fishing areas Limited bite windows Importance of committing to a game plan Success in this event came down to: Time management Efficient movement between locations Executing when opportunities presented This episode provides a detailed breakdown of the Grand Final, including tactics, decisions, and insights from the anglers who made it happen. 🎧 Tune in now to hear how the 2025 Action Fishing Tournaments season was decided at Camden Haven. 🔗 Links & Sponsors https://fishin.com.au HWS Hobie Kayaks & Accessories Podium Marine Wraps 🎣 Follow The Bream Fishing Project Instagram: @thebreamfishingproject  

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head back to the Gippsland Lakes (Metung) for a full breakdown of the 2025 NS Rods Sunline Bream Classic Grand Final – the 20th anniversary event of the Vic Bream Classics. Big bags, tough conditions, wind changes, and some outstanding fishing made for a cracking finale. We cover the tides, bite periods, weather, and all the major prizes before sitting down with the podium teams for their exact strategies. 3rd Place – Team Bluefin Plumbing (Tyler Breust & Ben Hanscombe) They share how lightly weighted Clone Prawns, SPRs, and the Hybrid Shrimp worked on the weed edges at Eagle Point, plus their smart decision to launch from Paynesville. 2nd Place – Team Just Winging It (Chris Allwood & Jack Allwood) The father-and-son duo turned a slow start into the Sunline Best Bag (6.965 kg on day one) using a mix of hard bodies and plastics around the Tambo snags. 1st Place – Team JML Ecogear / Samaki (Scott Scicluna & Mitchell Blomquist) The Grand Final winners explain their two-bank plan: filling the bag early on the Hurricane Sickle 85 plastic, then switching to hard bodies when the wind picked up. Scott details how the Samaki MS40 Pearl Shrimp produced his PB 1.82 kg big bream (and a 1.5 kg upgrade), while Mitch used the Ecogear SX 48. We also cover the Team of the Year, Junior awards, Zip Baits Monster Movers, and more. Whether you fish bream tournaments or just want practical tips for weed flats, wind-affected days, and upgrading bags in pressured systems, this episode is loaded with real-world techniques from the top anglers. If you enjoyed the episode, head over to breamfishingproject.supercast.com and join The Collective for extra content, challenges, and more in-depth breakdowns. Listen now and get smarter on the water!

Watch the full video version here: 👉 https://youtu.be/c8DnXHOeXnE This is the April Report EP190 of The Bream Fishing Project. In this episode, Andrew is joined by Brett Geddes and Plinio Taurian to break down what’s happening across the country, with a deep dive into the upcoming Tasmanian events. The conversation covers key systems including the Huon River, Derwent River, Swan River and Little Swan Port, along with insights into lure choice, fish behaviour and tournament strategy.

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, Andrew breaks down the Atomic Tournament Series Round 1, held at Lake Macquarie on March 14–15. This was a standout event where numbers of BREAM were high, but consistently upgrading to better-quality fish proved to be the key to success. Across the two days, over 300 fish were weighed, with a noticeable drop in average size on day two, making decision-making and execution critical. The episode begins with a full breakdown of bite periods, tides, and tournament stats before diving into interviews with the top three teams. 🥇 1st Place – James Dunn & Mark Huisken (9.22kg + Big Bream 1.38kg) A dominant performance built around one key lure — the Samaki Reddick (40LC). Fishing shallow flats and edges in 1–3 metres, they focused on slow rolling their lures, keeping them close to the bottom and pausing when needed to trigger bites. Early in the session they identified a freshwater/saltwater line, which held fish and allowed them to quickly build a strong bag. Technique: Slow roll with pauses Depth: 1–3 metres Lure: Samaki Reddick (medium & deep) Key factor: Matching bait profile and staying in productive water They filled a bag quickly both days (including a 20-minute bag on day two) and spent the rest of the time upgrading, finishing with over 9kg and taking out Big Bream as well. 🥈 2nd Place – Mitch & Matt Simonis (7.52kg) A highly consistent approach built around 30mm vibes (matte black, no eyes). Fishing around 2–2.5 metres off weed edges, they worked vibes along the bottom with a hopping retrieve, with most bites coming on the drop. They secured a bag early and upgraded steadily throughout the day. Later in the session, they switched to topwater (Force Lures Ziggy), raising fish off structure and landing key upgrades. Technique: Bottom hopping vibes + topwater later Depth: ~2–2.5 metres Lures: 30mm vibes (matte black), Force Lures Ziggy Key factor: Locking in numbers early, then upgrading 🥉 3rd Place – Aaron Clifton & Simon Moore (6.91kg) A methodical approach starting on the flats before moving deeper to upgrade. They mixed hard bodies (chubby-style cranks) and plastics, working from shallow water out to 10–15 feet, upgrading fish gradually throughout the day. Technique: Rotating depths and lure types Depth: Flats out to 10–15 feet Lures: Hard bodies (chubby style), plastics Key factor: Patience and systematic upgrading A small but critical adjustment — switching from 6lb to 4lb leader — made a noticeable difference in bites. 🎯 Key Takeaways from Lake Macquarie Early bagging was critical Upgrading separated the field Hard bodies, vibes, and subtle presentations dominated Topwater played a role later in the session Small adjustments (leader size, retrieve, depth) made a big difference Fish were holding in specific zones, not everywhere This is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to improve their tournament BREAM fishing or understand how to break down a system like Lake Macquarie under pressure.  

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, Andrew is joined by Vic Bream Classics founder Bill Hartshorne to break down the full 2026 season, including all five rounds and the Grand Final. With over 20 years of history behind the Vic Bream Classics, Bill shares insights into how the series has evolved, the incredible statistics behind the events, and what anglers can expect from this year’s calendar. The conversation dives into each round in detail, including Gippsland Lakes, Marlo, Mallacoota, the Hopkins River, and Nelson. Bill explains how each location fishes differently, seasonal changes, and what anglers need to consider when preparing for each event. There’s also a strong focus on what makes Vic Bream Classics unique, from the team format and grassroots feel to the supportive community that helps new anglers improve quickly. Bill shares stories of how beginners progress through the ranks and how experienced anglers contribute to the growth of the sport. The episode also highlights: The structure of the 2026 Vic Bream Classics season Key locations and expected fishing conditions How the team format benefits anglers Sponsor contributions and prize structures Junior and female angler initiatives The importance of community and knowledge sharing in tournament fishing Bill also discusses the future of the series, including opportunities for growth, sponsorship, and ideas for expanding events. This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in tournament BREAM fishing, whether you’re looking to compete, improve your skills, or better understand how these events operate.

🎣 Sydney Harbour Showdown! | NSW Tournament Series Round 6 Recap In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to iconic Sydney Harbour to break down Round 6 of the 2025 New South Wales Tournament Series, held on September 14. This was a fascinating event with tough conditions, changing water clarity, and a strong mix of experienced anglers returning to the scene. From early bag limits to last-minute upgrades, this round had it all. We’re joined by the top three teams as they walk us through exactly how they approached the day, what worked, what didn’t, and the key decisions that shaped their results. 🏆 Top 3 Results & Interviews 🥉 3rd Place – Jason Graham & Craig Norbergen (Team fishing.com.au) A strong start west of the bridge saw them quickly secure a bag on soft plastics before upgrading with a crucial kicker fish on a crab in the Lane Cove River. They dive into how scent played a key role and how they balanced plastics vs crabs throughout the day. 🥈 2nd Place – Joshua Richards (Team Fanatics) Fishing shallow rock structure, Josh and his teammate put together an incredibly consistent day, catching fish right from the start and rotating productive zones. With over 30 fish landed, they explain how persistence and simple patterns paid off, plus insights into lure selection, leader choice, and fishing efficiency. 🥇 1st Place – Adam Hughes & Matthew Green (Team Edgy Bites) A late decision to fish the event turned into a winning performance. Targeting shallow flats in Hen and Chicken Bay, they secured an early kicker fish and built their bag quickly. Their strategy of sticking to strengths, fishing confidently, and making the most of subtle conditions proved the difference. 🎯 Key Takeaways from This Episode • The importance of getting a quick early bag to unlock upgrade opportunities • How scent can influence bite conversion in pressured systems • Adjusting leader strength based on water clarity and structure • When to commit to plastics vs crabs in Sydney Harbour • Why confidence and fishing your strengths can win tournaments 🌊 Conditions Overview • Location: Sydney Harbour • Date: 14 September 2025 • Low Tide: 6:45 AM (0.49m) • High Tide: 1:27 PM (1.53m) • Bite Window: Minor period from 11:19 AM – 12:49 PM 👏 Special Mentions A big thank you to the New South Wales Tournament Series team for running a fantastic event, and to all competitors who continue to support and grow the sport. 🎧 Listen Now If you’re looking to improve your tournament performance or better understand how top anglers approach Sydney Harbour, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply on your next session. 👍 Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with a mate who loves chasing BREAM on lures. #BreamFishing #SydneyHarbourFishing #TournamentFishing #FishingPodcast #NSWTournamentSeries #BreamOnLures #AustralianFishing

🎣 Hobie Fishing Series Australia – Marlo Round 2 (2026) | Full Breakdown + Angler Interviews In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project Podcast, we head to Marlo, Victoria for Round 2 of the Hobie Fishing Series Australia, held on February 21–22, 2026. Andrew was on the ground for this one, soaking up the atmosphere, catching up with mates, and diving deep into what turned out to be a fascinating and highly tactical tournament. Marlo is one of those iconic systems that can reward anglers with big BREAM—but it can also humble even the best. This round showcased exactly that, with strong bags, shifting bite windows, and a mix of finesse and surface techniques proving critical. 🏆 Tournament Overview We break down all the key results and standout performances from the event, including: Anaconda Big BREAM: Patrick Byrne – 1.4kg Monster Mover: Evan Leonard (Donut Day 1 → Huge comeback Day 2) Youth Division Winner: Riley Whelan Women’s Division Winner: Beth Harris Masters (60+) Winner: Lindsay Pryke (4.95kg – inside Top 10 overall) Top 10 Highlights: 1st – Joseph Gardner – 6.15kg 2nd – Brendan Pieschel – 5.93kg 3rd – Ben Hanscombe – 5.84kg 4th – Simon “Batman” Morley 5th – Dale Baxter 6th – Tyler Bruce 7th – Lindsay Pryke 8th – Leon Loeng 9th – Joe Crosby 10th – James Scott 🎙️ Featured Angler Interviews This episode includes in-depth interviews with the Top 3 finishers, breaking down exactly how they approached the event: 🥉 Ben Hanscombe (3rd Place – 5.84kg) Dialled in shallow water finesse bite Key lure: Pro Lure Hybrid Shrimp Fishing ultra-light (3lb straight through) Focused on lake edges and subtle presentations 🥈 Brendan Pieschel (2nd Place – 5.93kg) Incredible Day 2 comeback with the biggest bag of the tournament (3.56kg) Key lure: Hurricane Skimp (cleaver colour) Strategy built around tight casting into reeds and shallow structure Stuck to one lure for the entire comp 🥇 Joseph Gardner (1st Place – 6.15kg) First time fishing Marlo and takes the win Unique approach using surface (Bent Minnow) Long pauses and ultra-subtle retrieves triggered bites Focused on less-pressured water in Frenchs Narrows 🧠 Key Takeaways from Marlo Surface lures can dominate—even in tough systems Slow presentations and long pauses were critical Light line vs confidence—finding the balance Managing pressure and fish location over multiple days Adapting retrieves based on weather and light conditions 🎣 The Marlo Factor Marlo continues to prove why it’s one of the most exciting—and challenging—BREAM fisheries in the country. Big fish are there… but not easy Bite windows are short and crucial One decision (or one lost fish) can change everything 🤝 Thanks & Acknowledgements A big thank you to Hobie Fishing Australasia for running another outstanding event, and to all competitors who shared their insights throughout the episode. 🔗 Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective If you want to improve your fishing faster and learn from Australia’s best anglers, check out: https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com Inside the Collective: Monthly live streams Exclusive content Direct access to Andrew (AMA sessions) A community of anglers all working to improve 🎧 Listen Every Tuesday Make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss an episode of The Bream Fishing Project Podcast—your home for tournament insights, techniques, and stories from Australia’s best BREAM anglers.

Hobie Fishing Series 2026 Round 1 – Bemm River | Greg & David Crebert Go 1–2 | Leon Leong Breaks It Down In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to Bemm River in Victoria for Round 1 of the 2026 Hobie Fishing Series, held on 17–18 February 2026. This round was sponsored by St. Croix Rods and Strike Pro, and it produced one of the best stories you could ask for to start the new Hobie season. At the end of two fascinating days of fishing, the event delivered a remarkable result with brothers Greg Crebert and David Crebert finishing first and second, while Leon Leong rounded out the podium in third place after a very methodical and thoughtful tournament performance. This episode includes discussion about: • tournament strategy at Bemm River • fishing weed edges and flats • how wind direction shaped the event • lure choice for big BREAM • breaking down open water structure • the mental side of tournament fishing Hosted by Andrew Death, the 2019 Hobie Kayak Fishing World Champion, this episode is a great recap of a cracking tournament and a strong start to the 2026 Hobie season. Event Overview Event: Hobie Fishing Series 2026 – Round 1 Location: Bemm River, Victoria Dates: 17–18 February 2026 Round Sponsors: St. Croix Rods and Strike Pro Bemm River once again showed why it is such a respected tournament location, producing strong bags and interesting tactical fishing. The winning total weight was 6.14 kg, which works out to just over 1 kg per fish across the six fish weighed over the two competition days. Special Awards and Division Winners Big BREAM Cameron Cole – 1.15 kg Monster Mover Corey Lean Day 1 – 0.14 kg Day 2 – 1.96 kg Youth Division Riley Whelan – 2.62 kg Women’s Division Ruth Beeby – 4.30 kg Masters Division Patrick Byrne – 4.33 kg First-Time Competitor David Chapman – 1.97 kg Overall Podium Results 🥇 1st Place – Greg Crebert Total – 6.14 kg 🥈 2nd Place – David Crebert Day 1 – 2.29 kg Day 2 – 2.97 kg Total – 5.26 kg 🥉 3rd Place – Leon Leong Day 1 – 2.23 kg Day 2 – 2.71 kg Total – 4.94 kg Leon Leong – Third Place Leon Leong’s interview is one of the highlights of this episode. Andrew notes during the conversation that listeners should pay attention to the way Leon broke down the system and worked through the conditions, because his approach was very disciplined and thoughtful. Leon explains how his preparation included: • listening to previous Bemm River podcast episodes • researching the fishery online • testing the river during pre-fish before abandoning that plan • identifying a key five-foot zone with broken weed patches Using side scan, Leon located fish holding around weed patches and worked through the area very methodically. His key lures and tackle included: • Cleaver Sprat plastics • Wave Minnow • Clone Prawn • Atomic Deep 38 crankbait • three-pound leader • Atlas tungsten jigheads • Shine Away and S-Factor scent Leon describes how: • the fish wanted long pauses and subtle bites on Day 1 • on Day 2 they responded strongly to the Cleaver Sprat • broken weed patches in about five feet of water held the better fish • kayak positioning and wind direction were critical For third place Leon took home: • $895 cash • St. Croix Mojo Bass rod • trophy and sponsor prize pack • qualification for the Australian Championship Greg and David Crebert – Brothers Finish 1st and 2nd One of the best stories from the event was the Crebert brothers finishing first and second. Andrew interviews Greg Crebert and David Crebert together, which makes for a fun conversation as they talk about fishing together and competing against each other. They explain that: • every fishing trip between them becomes competitive • they record results when fishing socially • they share information but still want to beat each other • this result was special because it happened with family Pre-Fish Strategy The Creberts kept things simple during pre-fish. They headed toward Mahogany, where they quickly found fish holding close to the reeds. Key lures included: • Sprat 75 soft plastics • Baby Vibes During pre-fish the fish were sitting extremely shallow, right near the reeds. Day 1 Conditions changed slightly and the bigger fish were no longer right in the shallows. Both anglers moved slightly deeper to target fish around weed edges. David Crebert • early fish – 900 g • second fish – 540 g • third fish – 760 g Day 1 total – 2.29 kg Greg Crebert • early fish – 900 g • second fish – 450 g • third fish – 1.1 kg • later upgrade – 980 g Day 1 total – 2.97 kg Greg finished Day 1 in first place. Day 2 Stronger winds on Day 2 forced both anglers to adjust by moving to heavier jigheads while continuing to fish the same productive area. David Crebert Late upgrades pushed his bag to: 2.97 kg on Day 2 5.26 kg total Greg Crebert Greg found a late bite window and upgraded strongly with several quality fish. Final winning weight – 6.14 kg Key Lures and Techniques This episode includes lots of useful insight into lure selection and tournament tactics. Lures mentioned • Sprat 75 plastics • Cleaver Sprat • Wave Minnow • Clone Prawn • Atomic Deep 38 • Baby Vibe Key tactical themes • targeting broken weed patches • reading side scan for fish positioning • adjusting to wind direction • changing jighead weights for wind conditions • fishing productive depth zones rather than just banks • staying patient until feeding windows appear The Bream Fishing Project Hosted by Andrew Death 2019 Hobie Kayak Fishing World Champion The Bream Fishing Project brings you: • tournament recaps • interviews with top anglers • BREAM lure fishing tactics • kayak tournament strategy from around Australia New episodes every Tuesday. Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective Want deeper insight into tournament tactics and discussions around episodes like this? Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective for: • early access to episodes • live streams • bonus content • deeper tournament discussion Join here: breamfishingproject.supercast.com Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode please consider: • following the podcast • leaving a rating or review • sharing it with a mate who loves chasing BREAM on lures  

Hobie Fishing Series Round 9 – St Georges Basin | Grant Oliver Claims First Hobie Win | The Bream Fishing Project In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to St Georges Basin on the South Coast of New South Wales to recap Round 9 of the 2025 Hobie Fishing Series, brought to you by BerleyPro and Fish Tech Solutions. This was a tough two-day tournament, with only three full bags recorded across the entire field, but despite the difficult conditions there were still some standout performances, including a dominant win from Grant Oliver, who put together two full bags for a total of 4.57 kg and secured his first Hobie Fishing Series victory. Host Andrew Death, the 2019 Hobie Kayak Fishing World Champion, was also on the water for this event and sets the scene for a challenging but memorable weekend that included changing conditions, strong bite windows, a daylight savings time change, and a few big storylines — including the season-long Batman and Robin battle between Simon Morley and Tony Petty. If you enjoy tournament recaps, kayak fishing strategy, and hearing how top anglers break down difficult BREAM events, this is an episode worth listening to. Event Overview Event: Hobie Fishing Series Round 9 Location: St Georges Basin, NSW Dates: 4–5 October 2025 Sponsors: BerleyPro and Fish Tech Solutions St Georges Basin produced a very tough round, with anglers having to adapt to changing weather and low bag numbers across the field. Conditions and Bite Periods Saturday – 4 October Fish Activity Wheel: 60 Major Bite Period: 8:02 AM – 10:32 AM High Tide: 6:12 AM – 1.18 m Low Tide: 11:51 AM – 0.44 m Sunday – 5 October Fish Activity Wheel: 74 Major Bite Period: 9:49 AM – 12:19 PM High Tide: 7:49 AM – 1.29 m Low Tide: 1:39 PM – 0.32 m A couple of factors made the event even tougher: • A north-westerly wind came through on Sunday • Daylight savings changed on Saturday night, meaning anglers effectively started an hour earlier on Sunday The result was a challenging competition where every fish counted. Division Winners Anaconda Big BREAM Ben Harrison – 0.99 kg Monster Mover Luke Rogan – 1.95 kg After recording zero on Day 1, Luke came back strongly on Sunday to claim the Monster Mover prize. Women’s Division Leanne Cowen Leanne landed three fish for 1.97 kg on Saturday, which was enough to secure the women’s division and finish 12th overall. Masters Division Peter Nord – 2.62 kg Peter recorded 1.99 kg on Saturday and one fish for 630 g on Sunday. Overall Podium Results 🥇 1st – Grant Oliver Day 1: 3 fish – 2.27 kg Day 2: 3 fish – 2.30 kg Total: 4.57 kg 🥈 2nd – Adam Lalor Day 1: 3 fish – 2.15 kg Day 2: 3 fish – 1.35 kg Total: 3.50 kg 🥉 3rd – Rick King Day 1: 3 fish – 1.85 kg Day 2: 2 fish – 1.30 kg Total: 3.15 kg Only three anglers recorded full bags for the entire tournament, highlighting just how tough the fishing was. Rick King – Third Place Rick King continued what he described as a “purple patch” season, finishing third overall with 3.15 kg. Rick committed to fishing the islands, using shallow crankbaits and blades to grind out bites in difficult conditions. Key lures and techniques discussed in this episode: • Pro Lure Combat crankbaits • Stealth blades • Slow rolling crankbaits to avoid weed • Fishing 1–2.2 metres around the islands Rick finished the season 7th in Angler of the Year and walked away with: • $550 cash • Hobie trophy • Sponsor prize pack Adam Lalor – Second Place Adam Lalor had one of the most dramatic performances of the event. After struggling most of the morning on Day 1, Adam suddenly caught three fish in three casts to secure a bag over 2 kg. Key techniques Adam discusses in the episode: • Daiwa Rolling Cranks in brown suji • Fishing shallow structure around the islands • Switching to Hurricane Vibe 37 in camo crab • Fishing the entire event on 2 lb fluorocarbon Adam also talks about rod choices, including Millerods Flats Freak rods, and how long casts helped him cover water effectively. For second place Adam received: • $915 cash • BerleyPro Bottom Drawer storage system • Trophy • AC qualification • Sponsor prize pack Grant Oliver – First Place Grant Oliver delivered the standout performance of the tournament, catching two full bags for a winning total of 4.57 kg. Grant relied on years of accumulated marks around St Georges Basin and focused on a consistent pattern fishing 2–2.5 metres around the islands. Key lures and techniques: • Jackall Chubby Deep – brown suji • Pro Lure Clone Prawn • Gulp Nemesis soft plastics • Slow rolling crankbaits into weed and sand patches • Targeting known fish-holding structure After filling his bag early both days, Grant upgraded multiple times to secure a winning margin of just over one kilogram. First place winnings included: • $1,500 cash • Hobie trophy • Sponsor prize pack • Australian Championship qualification Batman vs Robin – The Season Result For years, Simon Morley and Tony Petty have jokingly been called Batman and Robin, a nickname given by Peter Nord. The rule is simple: Whoever finishes highest becomes Batman. The other becomes Robin. Round 9 Result Simon Morley – 7th place (2.58 kg) Tony Petty – 8th place (2.57 kg) Just 10 grams separated them, meaning Simon Morley was Batman for the round. 2025 Angler of the Year Joseph Gardner Simon Morley Tony Petty Jack Gamy Ryan Honeybrook Adam Lalor Rick King Brendan Pieschel Greg Cooper Peter Nord This means Simon Morley was Batman for the 2025 season as well. Why This Episode Is Worth Listening To This episode is packed with insights for anglers interested in: • BREAM tournament fishing • Hobie kayak fishing events • St Georges Basin fishing strategies • lure selection in tough conditions • two-day tournament tactics • how top anglers adapt when fish are hard to catch When only three anglers manage full bags, every decision becomes important — and that’s where the best lessons come from. The Bream Fishing Project Hosted by Andrew Death, 2019 Hobie Kayak Fishing World Champion. Each week the show features: • tournament recaps • interviews with top anglers • lure fishing strategies • kayak fishing insights Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective Get more from The Bream Fishing Project: • bonus content • early access to episodes • live discussions • deeper tournament analysis Join here: breamfishingproject.supercast.com Enjoying the Podcast? If you enjoyed this episode: • Follow the show • Leave a rating or review • Share it with a mate who loves chasing BREAM on lures

Hobie Kayak Fishing Series 2025 – Power-Pole Round 8 | Burrill Lake | Luke Rogan Takes the Win In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to the south coast of New South Wales for the Power-Pole Round 8 of the 2025 Hobie Kayak Fishing Series, held at Burrill Lake. What started as a calm, mill-pond morning quickly turned into an absolute washing machine of wind and waves, making for a very challenging day of tournament fishing. Despite the tough conditions, the anglers still managed to find some quality fish, with Luke Rogan rising to the top with a winning bag of 2.58 kg, ahead of Corey Lean in second place and Daniel Quarmby in third. Host Andrew Death (2019 Hobie Kayak Fishing World Champion) sits down with the podium anglers to break down exactly how they approached Burrill Lake, the key decisions they made throughout the day, and the lures and techniques that ultimately produced their fish. Event Overview Location: Burrill Lake, NSW Series: Hobie Kayak Fishing Series 2025 Round Sponsor: Power-Pole With strong winds forecast later in the day, the event launched early at 6:00 AM to give anglers the best possible window to fish before conditions deteriorated. Bite Periods Major Bite Window: 6:22 AM – 8:52 AM Tides for the session: High Tide – 4:26 AM (1.05 m) Low Tide – 9:38 AM (0.68 m) Even with a good bite window early in the morning, Burrill Lake fished very tough, with only a small number of anglers managing to secure full bags. Tournament Results 🥇 1st Place – Luke Rogan 3 fish – 2.58 kg 🥈 2nd Place – Corey Lean 3 fish – 1.88 kg 🥉 3rd Place – Daniel Quarmby 3 fish – 1.82 kg Big BREAM: Wade Walker – 1.17 kg Daniel Quarmby – Third Place Daniel travelled five hours from Orange in Central West NSW to compete in the event and went into the tournament without a pre-fish. Starting on the edges with crankbaits, Daniel initially struggled to find BREAM and instead caught several pinkie snapper and flathead while searching the lake. Eventually he located fish holding deeper off a point and switched to soft plastics, using: Keitech Easy Shiner Z-Man Grub (motor oil) Light jigheads with a long fluorocarbon leader By anchoring in shallow water with his Power-Pole and casting into deeper water around six metres, Daniel slowly worked his plastics along the bottom and secured three scoring fish. His biggest fish measured 37 cm, helping him claim his first Hobie podium and his first tournament trophy. Corey Lean – Second Place Corey focused on deeper structure and drop-offs early, finding fish holding slightly off the edges rather than up shallow on the flats. Fishing lightly weighted soft plastics and prawn-style lures along a drop-off, he secured two fish early before landing his key fish for the day. One of his best BREAM came from beneath a pontoon boat sitting over deeper water, where he skipped a soft plastic under the structure and hooked a 41 cm fish on light line. As the wind intensified, Corey made the decision to head back early for safety, finishing the day with three fish weighing 1.88 kg and securing second place. Luke Rogan – First Place Luke’s winning strategy involved committing to fishing upstream in the creeks, despite hearing reports from other anglers that the area hadn’t been producing fish. Fishing crab-style crankbaits around deeper snags, Luke found BREAM holding slightly off the bank in deeper water rather than tight to structure. Once he located the fish, he quickly secured his bag, landing multiple quality fish to finish with 2.58 kg, giving him a clear win in the tough conditions. Gear and Techniques Discussed During the episode the anglers discuss a range of gear and techniques used during the event, including: Samurai Infinite rods Samurai Reaction rods Shimano Stella reels Atomic X8 braid Soft plastics and prawn-style lures Crab-style crankbaits Long fluorocarbon leaders Power-Pole anchoring systems Listen to The Bream Fishing Project 🎧 New episodes every Tuesday Hosted by Andrew Death – 2019 Hobie Kayak Fishing World Champion The Bream Fishing Project brings you: • Tournament recaps from around Australia • Interviews with elite competition anglers • Techniques to help you catch more BREAM on lures Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective Become part of the community through The Bream Fishing Project Collective, where members get: • Early access to episodes • Monthly live streams with anglers from around the country • Extra fishing content and discussions Join here: https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider: ⭐ Subscribing ⭐ Leaving a rating or review ⭐ Sharing the show with a mate who loves BREAM fishing

In this episode of The BREAM Fishing Project Podcast, we head to Action Fishing Tournaments Round 8, held at Berowra Waters on September 21, 2025, for a fascinating look at how this event unfolded and how a standout bag of fish separated one angler from the rest of the field. This was a cracking little tournament, with plenty of storylines right through the top placings. Ben Gillespie put together an incredible winning bag of 123.5cm, built around fish measuring 44cm, 42cm and 37.5cm, to take a commanding win by a huge margin. Warren Allen returned to the show after finishing second with 107.5cm, while James Tran continued his strong run of form with another podium finish, taking third with 106.5cm. The episode also rounds out the top five, with Jose Lopez on 105.5cm, including a 48cm Big BREAM, and Josh Richards on 101.5cm. As always, the episode opens with the key conditions for the day, including the bite periods, fish activity and tides. On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the fish activity wheel sat at 97, with a major bite period from 10:11am to 12:41pm. The tide information for the event saw a high at 7:53am (1.55m) and a low at 1:53pm (0.25m), helping paint the picture of how the day set up and why certain patterns came into play. The first interview is with James Tran, who backed up another strong result with a smart and disciplined performance to finish third. James talks through a valuable pre-fish session where he spent time sounding out fish and experimenting with deeper presentations, including blades and soft plastics, before ultimately trusting his instincts on tournament day. He explains how he found fish holding away from the edges during pre-fish, but then abandoned that plan once competition day began and instead committed to his confidence technique around hard structure. James goes deep into his use of the Cranka Crab, explaining how he cast tight to rocky edges, pontoons and gnarly structure, often placing the lure right into tight gaps and holes. He describes a day built on accurate casting, slow lure movement and confidence in fishing close to the bank. He also shares details of his gear, including his move to 4lb straight-through fluorocarbon, fishing with near locked drag, and using a Shimano Raider rod paired with a Vanford 2500. It’s a detailed discussion about commitment, accuracy, confidence in light line, and how a simple edge-fishing pattern can still produce under pressure. James also shares some entertaining stories from the day, including the chaos of the launch, some on-water banter with fellow competitors, and a frantic late rush back to the ramp to avoid another costly late check-in. It adds a lot of personality to the episode and shows just how much happens in a comp day beyond simply catching fish. Next up is Warren Allen, who finished second by fishing to his strengths. Warren explains how he skipped pre-fish and instead relied on past experience from fishing Berowra Waters in previous events. After trying a few different approaches early, including fishing boats, blades and other lure options, he eventually settled on one of his confidence techniques: a Hurricane Sprat on a hidden-weight 1/28 jighead. Warren breaks down a really interesting pattern, where he found fish set up not behind the rocks, but actually on the front of the rocks in the current pressure wave. He talks about visually spotting the structure, reading clearer water in the shallows, and making repeated casts to likely ambush points. He also explains how small details like current flow, rock positioning and bait movement influenced where the BREAM were sitting. For anglers who love finesse fishing, this section is full of practical insights, especially around lure weight, hook selection, leader choice and the importance of understanding where fish position themselves in current. To finish the interviews, Ben Gillespie joins the show after a dominant win. Ben did not pre-fish, but used a mix of past experience, map work and sounder research to develop a plan around likely productive edges and drop-offs. Once on the water, he stuck to that plan, eventually finding a section of rocky edge and broken structure that held multiple quality fish. Ben talks through how he cast his Cranka Crab hard against the bank, let it settle, and then worked it back slowly with tiny movements and occasional shakes. The fish were often hitting within the first few winds, and he was able to repeat the pattern again and again across the right type of structure. Ben’s interview is packed with detail on how that winning bag came together, including the type of banks he preferred, why steeper drop-offs were less effective than rocky edges with rubble and back eddies, and how critical confidence in the lure was on the day. He also explains his tackle setup, including 8lb braid and 8lb leader, and talks about the rod he trusts most for crab fishing. His winning fish did serious damage to his lures, flattening trebles and destroying the crab bodies, which gives you a fair idea of how hard the better fish were eating. This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in kayak tournament fishing, Australian BREAM fishing, Cranka Crab techniques, edge-fishing patterns, light-line structure fishing, and the fine details that often separate a good bag from a winning one. It also captures the community side of kayak comps, with plenty of laughs, on-water stories and appreciation for the people who make these events happen. If you’ve been sitting on the fence about fishing a tournament, this episode also highlights why the Action Fishing Tournaments format is such a good entry point. It’s a friendly and welcoming scene, and this round is a perfect example of how simple patterns, smart decisions and a bit of commitment can put you right in the mix. In this episode: Action Fishing Tournaments Round 8 at Berowra Waters Event date: September 21, 2025 Top five results and standout bags Bite period and tide breakdown James Tran on another podium finish Warren Allen’s finesse soft plastic pattern Ben Gillespie’s dominant crab-fishing win Cranka Crab retrieves, structure choices and gear setups Light line versus heavier leader discussions Tournament strategy, pre-fish preparation and on-water adjustments Top 5 Results: Ben Gillespie – 123.5cm Warren Allen – 107.5cm James Tran – 106.5cm Jose Lopez – 105.5cm Josh Richards – 101.5cm If you enjoyed this episode of The BREAM Fishing Project, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the next show. There’s a flurry of episodes coming, and plenty more tournament breakdowns, fishing stories and tactical insights on the way.

The BREAM Fishing Project – March 2026 Monthly Report March is here and the tournament scene is starting to fire back up around the country. In this Monthly Report episode of The BREAM Fishing Project, Andrew is joined by Brett Geddes to look ahead at what’s coming up in the next few weeks, reflect on the Marlo round, and dive deep into some technical discussions that will help you catch more and better BREAM. We kick things off by running through the March tournament calendar, including the BREAM Masters SA event on the Glenelg River, the Hobie round at Wallaga Lake (including the Saturday night talk session), WA boat rounds, the NSW Tournament Series event at Lake Macquarie, and Vic BREAM at Gippsland Lakes. There’s also a bit of exciting news around the first official BREAM Fishing Project Team heading to Vic BREAM — something we’ll be watching closely. From there we unpack the listener survey results, with over 140 responses from the community. We talk through what listeners are enjoying, what they want more of, and some of the feedback around species coverage and content direction moving forward. A big portion of this episode is dedicated to a full Marlo recap, including Brett’s last-minute trip down, pre-fish observations, the challenges of a boom-and-bust fishery, and some honest reflections on how quickly a session can unravel when you miss key details like hydration and preparation. There are some great takeaways here for anyone fishing systems that can turn on and off quickly. The second half of the episode shifts into a detailed soft plastics and rigging session. We explore: Using heavier jighead weights and a more aggressive retrieve to trigger bites How different jighead weights can completely change lure action and presentation Rigging a prawn-style soft plastic multiple ways (forward, backward, and mid-body hook placements) Weedless rigging options and when they’re most effective How subtle rigging adjustments can change your hook-up rate and presentation in pressured systems Brett also shares his flies eyes / dumbbell eyes concept, originally adapted from fly fishing, and how it can be used to control sink rate and lure orientation when targeting fish in shallow water. This leads into some really interesting discussion around sight fishing opportunities and how to present plastics in front of actively feeding BREAM. We also touch on Andrew's recent session at Towra Flats, a quick chat about Arc Genesis hooks (use code BFP to support the show and grab a discount), and finish up with a wrap on a sight fishing session at Lake Tyers and some gear insights including Hobie sunglasses. This episode is packed with practical takeaways, honest reflections from recent tournament experiences, and plenty of ideas you can apply on your next session. 🎣 Join The Collective If you want to take your fishing further, join The BREAM Fishing Project Collective — a growing community of anglers sharing ideas, techniques and experiences, with bonus content and regular live streams. 👉 Join here: breamfishingproject.supercast.com 🤝 Support the Podcast If you enjoy the show, the best way to support it is to: Share the episode with a mate Leave a rating or review Check out our partners and sponsors Thanks for listening to The BREAM Fishing Project — we’ll see you on the water.

🎣 Mallacoota ABT 2026 Wrap-Up | Mark Healey’s 3-Peat, Non-Boater Battles & Tactical Breakdowns In this episode of The BREAM Fishing Project, we head to one of Australia’s most iconic tournament arenas — Mallacoota, Victoria — to wrap up the Victorian leg of the ABT Road Show for 2026. Held across February 7–8, this round delivered classic Mallacoota conditions — glassed-out mornings, spooky fish, heavy prawn activity, and a brutal 40+ knot northeaster that turned the final session into survival mode. And at the top of it all… Mark Healey makes history with a three-peat at Mallacoota. This is a deep-dive tournament breakdown packed with real-world tactics, lure selection, decision-making under pressure, and the subtle details that separate top-10 finishes from the rest of the field. 🏆 EVENT RESULTS SNAPSHOT Non-Boater Division 🥇 1st – Robert Bluemink – 4.997kg 🥈 2nd – Michael Sammut – 4.601kg 🥉 3rd – Darcy Clifton – 4.524kg Boater Division 🥇 1st – Mark Healey – 10.131kg (Three-peat winner) 🥈 2nd – Mario Vukic – 9.707kg 🥉 3rd – Jarrod Healey – 9.372kg 🌊 CONDITIONS & KEY PATTERNS Glass-out mornings with highly visible fish on edges and flats Spooky fish behaviour – requiring finesse presentations Heavy prawn influence across both days Mid-water fish holding identified via live sonar Strong northeaster (up to 40 knots) impacting final-day strategy Tidal timing critical for access to larger yellowfin down the front 🧠 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE This episode is loaded with practical, tournament-level insights you can apply straight away: 🔹 Non-Boater Strategies Fishing deeper water behind boaters to find untouched fish Adjusting lure profiles when fish are present but not feeding Using LiveScope/sonar feedback to refine presentations Managing pressure and upgrades across two days 🔹 Boater Winning Tactics Mark Healey’s two-zone strategy (lake system + front system) Timing tide windows for big yellowfin BREAM bites Using topwater, twitch baits, and prawn imitations to match conditions Adapting to wind, current, and boat pressure 🔹 Key Lure Patterns SPRAT plastics on light jigheads (1/16–1/12) Hybrid prawn imitations for mid-water fish Bent minnows for early topwater fish Chubbies & twitch baits for structured edges Crabs and shallow minnows as upgrade tools 🧵 GEAR & TECHNIQUE INSIGHTS Light leaders: 3–6lb fluorocarbon for natural presentation Ultra-light rod setups for finesse lure control Adjusting jighead weight to match wind, depth, and current Watching fish behaviour on sonar to guide retrieve style The importance of slow presentations and patience in pressured systems 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MALLOCOOTA 2026 You didn’t need numbers — you needed quality bites Prawn imitations were the dominant pattern across both divisions Sight-casting and subtle presentations were critical in clear water Mid-water fish played a bigger role than bottom-holding fish Timing the front system correctly was the difference maker 🔗 LINKS & COMMUNITY 👉 Join The BREAM Fishing Project Collective Early episode access, live streams, bonus content and challenges: https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com 📸 Follow along on Instagram @thebreamfishingproject 🌐 Website & community updates https://breamfishingproject.com 🙌 THANK YOU Massive thanks to all the anglers who took the time to jump on the mic after long tournament days — your willingness to share knowledge is what makes this project possible. And to everyone who filled out the recent listener survey — your feedback is helping shape the future of the show. 🎧 Subscribe, share and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode — it helps grow the BREAM community and keeps these stories coming. The BREAM Fishing Project Informing, inspiring, and entertaining Australia’s BREAM anglers every week.

ABT 2026 Season Opener – Gippsland Lakes | Winning Techniques, Gear, and Tournament Breakdown The 2026 ABT season is officially underway — and it starts with a cracker event at Gippsland Lakes. In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project Podcast, we break down the ABT Gippsland Lakes Round (February 3–4, 2026) with full tournament results, in-depth angler interviews, bite period analysis, and the exact techniques that produced winning bags. If you want to catch bigger BREAM in tournaments or recreationally, this episode is loaded with practical insights from anglers who were right at the top of the leaderboard. 📍 Event Overview – ABT Gippsland Lakes Dates: February 3–4, 2026 Location: Gippsland Lakes, Victoria Conditions: Tough bite periods, shifting wind, and subtle presentations required Winning weight (boaters): 12.81 kg Winning weight (non-boaters): 5.413 kg 🌊 Key Bite Windows & Conditions We break down the fish activity wheel, tides, and major/minor bite periods, including: Major bite windows late in both sessions Low tide early morning, rising into strong late-session periods Subtle bites and structure-oriented fish behaviour Understanding this pattern was critical to unlocking the better fish during both competition days. 🥇 Top Performances – Non Boater Division 🥇 Simon Krause – 1st Place (5.413 kg) Slim Swims rigged weedless on light jigheads River fish holding 1.5–1.8m off banks Slow bottom hops and subtle rod shakes Last-minute upgrade on a Jackall Chubby sealed the win 🥈 David Morris – 2nd Place (5.318 kg) Hardbody spike bite on shallow flats Hurricane Sprat upgrade fish Ultra-fine copolymer leader for extra bites 🥉 Allan Morrison – 3rd Place (5.187 kg) Heavy mussel patterns on jetties Slow bottom presentation with long pauses Over-1kg average fish across his bag 🥇 Top Performances – Boater Division 🥇 Steven Pryke – 1st Place (12.81 kg) Bloodworm grubs and dock fishing High water-column fish holding around pontoons Final-hour upgrade fish each day secured the win Strong hook-sets on heavier gear to control big fish 🥈 Mark Healey – 2nd Place (12.152 kg) Cranka Crabs all tournament Fishing deep structure and jetty bases Slow presentations — bites coming off the bottom Precision casting within inches of structure 🥉 Mario Vukic – 3rd Place (11.404 kg) Soft plastics (Wave Minnow, Bloodworm) Livescope + structure fishing in Mitchell River Tide-driven fish movement and schooling behaviour 🎣 Key Techniques Covered in This Episode ✔️ Fishing slim plastics weedless from the back of the boat ✔️ Using Cranka Crabs on structure for big BREAM ✔️ When to fish light leaders vs heavy leaders ✔️ How to adjust when fish are sitting high vs on the bottom ✔️ The importance of last-hour upgrades in tournaments ✔️ Using side imaging and Livescope to locate fish ✔️ Managing pressure, nerves, and decision-making across two days 🧰 Lures & Gear Mentioned Jackall Chubby Crankbaits Daiwa Spikes & Wise Minnow Hurricane Sprat Zman Slim Swim soft plastics Bloodworm grubs Cranka Crabs Atomic jigheads (weedless setups) Shimano Vanford  Daiwa reels and Infeet rods 🧠 Big Takeaways from Gippsland Lakes 2026 Structure was key — jetties, docks, river edges Light lines = more bites, but heavier gear = better control in structure Fish often required slow, patient presentations The last hour of each day was critical for upgrades Anglers who adapted quickly to conditions finished at the top 🔥 Want More Like This? If you want to improve your BREAM fishing and learn directly from Australia’s top tournament anglers… 👉 Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective 🎣 Early access to podcast episodes 🎣 Monthly live streams & coaching sessions 🎣 Exclusive tutorials, challenges & bonus content Join here: 👉 https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com 🎙 About The Podcast The Bream Fishing Project Podcast is your weekly deep dive into Australian BREAM tournament fishing, featuring: Elite anglers Winning techniques Tackle breakdowns Tournament reports And everything you need to catch more and bigger BREAM Hosted by Andrew Death, 2019 Hobie Kayak Fishing World Champion. ⭐ Enjoying the show? If you enjoyed this episode: ✔️ Follow the podcast ✔️ Leave a rating/review ✔️ Share it with a mate who loves BREAM fishing It helps the show grow and allows us to keep bringing you more content like this. 🎧 Next Episode: We head to Mallacoota for the next ABT round — don’t miss it.  

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to South Australia to review the BREAM Masters South Australia (BMSA) Tackle Tactics Championship Round 2025, held on the Port River on November 2nd, 2025. This was a strong finish to the season with good numbers of legal BREAM weighed in, and it also rounded out a standout year for Paul Cook, who capped things off with a huge result across the season. Results – Top 5 1st: Paul Cook – 2.17kg 2nd: Josh Bland – 2.09kg 3rd: Ben Harrison – 2.01kg =4th: Craig Richards – 1.81kg =4th: Ryan Ottens – 1.81kg What you’ll hear in this episode Ben Harrison (3rd – 2.01kg) breaks down a strong pre-fish session, how the day changed with tide movement, and how he mixed Crabbies, Hurricane Skimps and a late hardbody upgrade run — with lightning, rain, and a couple of painful late mistakes. Josh Bland (2nd – 2.09kg) talks through a no pre-fish approach, fishing a central Port River structure zone, and his lure rotation including the Spike 53 medium running, Bait Junkie Prawn 2.35” (Clear Gold) on a 1/30 jighead, and a bite window on mussel-style lures around pylons — plus his thoughts on the wider impacts of the toxic algal bloom in SA. Paul Cook (1st – 2.17kg) rounds out the show, reflecting on a rough pre-fish a month out, how conditions improved in the weeks leading in, and the “less is more” mindset that helped him lock in a tight gameplan — focusing on edges, small profiles, and maximising time fishing rather than travelling. He also covers the season wrap-up, prize packs, and what it means to take the championship and season achievements. The Collective (community + challenges) If you’re looking to connect with more anglers and get involved in challenges, Zoom sessions, and community chat, check out The Bream Fishing Project Collective (now running on Discord): breamfishingproject.supercast.com Big thanks to the volunteers behind BREAM Masters South Australia for putting in the work to run the series, and to the sponsors supporting the season.