Welcome to Episode 172 of The BREAM Fishing Project, our first Monthly Fishing Report of the year, with Andrew and Brett Geddes covering a huge range of fishing, gear, community updates, and milestones from around the country. This episode blends real-world fishing sessions, lure tinkering, tournament updates, and the lighter side of the sport with plenty of Boofhead Moments — plus an important conversation around mental health and the Fly Program. In this episode we cover: January tournament updates with Action Fishing Tournaments(Raby Bay QLD, Parramatta River NSW, and Port Macquarie) A major milestone as The BREAM Fishing Project turns 3 years old Growing the YouTube channel and why listener comments and engagement matter Andrew’s recent sessions on the Cooks River, focusing on bridge fishing with forward-facing sonar Lure talk and experimentation, including Cranka Crabs, mussels, Baby Vibes, Squidgies grubs and bugs Tinkering with rigging ideas for surface and shallow applications Brett’s bass fishing update, including stocked fisheries, surface bites, and local sessions Flathead and BREAM sessions under pressure from holiday boat traffic What Cheeses Me Off and a stack of classic Bullhead Moments A wrap of sponsors and supporters who helped make the Collective challenges possible The Fly Program – More Than Fishing Andrew also shares his recent experience with The Fly Program, a men’s mental health retreat wrapped in fly fishing, connection, and time in nature. A fundraiser has been launched with a goal of $2,800 to help support two participants who may not otherwise be able to attend. 👉 Fly Program Fundraiser:https://flyprogram.org.au/campaigns/the-fly-program-more-than-fishing/?updated=1 Every contribution helps — big or small. Join The BREAM Fishing Project Collective The Collective gives you access to: Early and bonus podcast content Past and current challenge replays Member-only discussions and updates Join here: breamfishingproject.supercast.com Support the show Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee/andrewdeath If you enjoy the Monthly Reports, please consider subscribing, rating the show, and sharing it with a mate — it genuinely helps keep the project moving forward. Tight lines,Andrew

We’re heading to Western Australia for Western Australian Tournament Anglers (WATA) – Kayak Round 3 of 2025, held 7 September 2025 on the Moore River (Guilderton, WA). This round dished up some of the nastiest conditions you’d choose to fish in — heavy wind, driving rain, and a river mouth that’d been open for weeks, pushing current and foam through the system. Despite the grind, we still saw a standout winning bag and some really interesting insights into how the top anglers adjusted their approach to get bites when it counted. In this episode, you’ll hear from: ✅ Travis Newland (3rd) – talks through tough winter fishing on the Moore, working contours and drop-offs, and how the open mouth + dirty water changed everything.✅ Joseph Gardner (2nd) – breaks down his competition plan, the reality of slow fishing in brutal weather, and exactly how he works a pygmy mussel in current.✅ Matt DeBoer (1st) – a massive win with 2.52kg for three fish, including a 1.19kg big BREAM. Matt explains how he kept his lure presentation natural with wind/tide fighting each other — and how that big fish came unstuck on the day. You’ll also get the quick rundown of the Fish Activity Wheel and the key bite window for the session. Sponsor shout-out A big thanks to Getaway Outdoors  for supporting the WATA kayak series — and for anglers travelling over, there are kayaks available for hire so you can jump into a WA round without dragging your whole setup across the country. Want more than the free show? Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective for extra content, challenges, replays, and more:👉 https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com If you enjoy the episode, a follow/subscribe and a quick rating helps more than you’d think. 🤝  

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to East Gippsland to review the 2025 Mega Bass East Gippsland Bream Classic, brought to you by Vic Bream Classics. This is one of Andrew’s favourite venues at Marlo, a system that can completely separate the field. Some teams grind for bites, while others put together standout bags, and this weekend delivered plenty of big fish stories. Andrew opens with a run-through of the bite periods and tides across both days, then breaks down the key divisional awards and major highlights from the weekend, including: Sunline Best Bag: Team Zero Technique Winners: Josh Jeffrey & Connor Jackson – 5.905kg Day 2 and 11.065kg total Big Bream: Brad & Harry Young – 1.755kg Monster Movers (ZipBaits): Team Hummingbird – a huge Day 2 climb Junior Angler Prize: Team Berkley (Scuba Hodges) Mulloway Road: Team Two Odd Legends – a 1.2kg perch From there, it’s straight into full interviews with the podium teams: 3rd Place – Team Prestige Worldwide (Steven Emerson & Damien Dwyer) A great breakdown of their weekend, including: How their prefish shaped (and didn’t shape) their comp decisions Finding quality fish in the slips and why the area stayed more consistent Fishing light leader (around 3lb) and grinding out bites through the day Their go-to plastics approach (including SPRs) and jighead weights A key upgrade fish around 1.29kg, and how it ate Their LiveScope/sonar setup and how they used it in shallow water 2nd Place – Team Samurai Rods (Dan & Declan) Dan and Declan return with plenty of banter and detail, covering: How they approached Marlo without a big lead-up prefish Working key areas with plastics, and how fish positioning changed from Day 1 to Day 2 Jighead choices and adjusting presentation for flow and boat traffic Managing crowded water and making the most of sporadic bites A few classic moments (including a very memorable fish that ended up hooked in a “creative” spot) Shoutouts to sponsors, boat setup, and the gear that helped them stay effective all weekend 1st Place – Team Zero Technique (Josh Jeffrey & Connor Jackson) The winners break down exactly how they did it, including: Their prefish approach: moving efficiently, confirming fish, and not overcomplicating it Why they leaned into plastics/creature baits over vibes Running 1/12oz jigheads even in shallow water to manage current and keep the bait in the zone Targeting edges early, then shifting to deeper schools using side scan / down scan Fishing 4–5lb leader, staying confident in their strengths, and landing nearly everything they hooked How they built a massive Day 2 bag (5.905kg) to secure the win This episode is stacked with tournament lessons: decision-making in a tough system, how to adjust with current and pressure, and what it looks like when teams execute cleanly across two days.

We’re off to South Australia for the BREAM Masters SA Onkaparinga Round, held 31 October 2025 — and it produced an absolute standout winning bag. In this episode, I’m joined by the Top 3: Ben Gibbs (3rd) breaks down a “slow roll” bite that surprised him — starting with motor oil Slim Swims, then upgrading with blades… and losing both of his best colours to snags on the way back. Josh Bland (2nd) shares a fascinating read on how rain and freshwater layering can change fish behaviour in the Onkaparinga, plus how he found consistent bites up river on motor oil 2.5” Bait Junkie minnows with a 1/20oz jighead and a slow roll approach. Paul Cook (1st + Big BREAM) talks through a day that started with gear failures (power pole + livewell issues) and long dry spells… before landing the goods on small profile hardbodies, including a critical bite on the Daiwa Rolling Crank (Blue Suji) and a 1.28kg Big BREAM, finishing with a massive 3.05kg winning total. If you want more structured learning and extra content, check out The Bream Fishing Project Collective:breamfishingproject.supercast.com

Action Fishing Tournaments – Brooklyn, Hawkesbury (20 July 2025) In this episode we head to Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury with the crew from Action Fishing Tournaments, for a memorable round held on 20 July 2025 and one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. We break down three very different tournament journeys — each one packed with lessons, timing windows, missed opportunities, upgrades, and one of the most remarkable fish ever landed mid-competition: • Glenn Allen places 3rd with 39, 28.5 and 28.5 cm fish (96 cm total) after a hot early bite window around racks, poles and rock walls.• John Sharp secures 2nd with 30.5, 33 and an impressive 46 cm PB brim for a 109.5 cm bag — taking just three bites all day and converting every single one.• Joshua Richards takes the win with a jaw-dropping 34 / 46 / 51 — totalling 131 cm including a 51 cm yellowfin brim, hooked deep around bridge pylons and landed against all odds. A true unicorn fish. Andrew wraps up with a personal update on training for the Fly Program, discussing a week of walking, physical reset, momentum, and encouragement for anyone wanting to start moving again — even short efforts count and confidence builds quickly. 💛 Support the Show ☕ Buy Me a Coffee — support The Bream Fishing Project👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/AndrewDeath 🎣 ARK GENESIS – 15% OFF with code: BFPAustralian-designed, eco-friendly lead-free jig heads & sinkers built for precision, performance & sustainability.Listeners get 15% off using code BFP at checkout.👉 https://arkgenesis.com.au/ 🔗 Stay Connected 🌐 breamfishingproject.com🎧 The Collective – bonus content & live sessions: breamfishingproject.supercast.com📸 Instagram: @thebreamfishingproject📩 Email: andrew@breamfishingproject.com

In this December Monthly Report, Andrew is joined once again by Brett Geddes for a full wrap-up of the month in bream fishing, tournament results, big fish stories, tackle talk, and a few trademark Boofhead moments. This episode covers the end-of-year comps, including the Vic Bream Classics Grand Final at Gippsland Lakes, the WA Boat Grand Final, and recent events at Brooklyn. Andrew and Brett break down why the fish behaved the way they did, how the lakes system is fishing late in the year, and what stood out about the Grand Final — including a number of big fish over 1.7 kg. There’s also plenty of discussion about giant bream, the 50 cm debate, measuring techniques, and fish movement in spawn-mode conditions. Andrew and Brett also talk through Andrew’s recent jewfish trolling efforts on the Georges River, including stories of metre-plus mulloway taken on light gear, rock-wall sessions, and how mapping, boat speed, and lure depth all play a role. The episode also includes: A bass session update A tailor with two lures in its mouth EcoGear Aqua catches SX-40 style crankbait fish ARK Genesis lead-free jigheads and sinkers Leader treatment, light-line finesse, and tackle tweaks “What Cheeses Me Off?” Boofhead stories and gear mishaps Info about Andrew’s upcoming trip with The Fly Program Details about the Daiwa Reel Connections Day A look back at one full year of Monthly Reports If you'd like to check out the ARK Genesis lead-free jigheads and sinkers, you can visit:https://arkgenesis.com.auUse the code BFP at checkout for a listener discount. If you enjoy these episodes and want to support the show, you can buy Andrew and Brett a coffee at:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/andrewdeath  

This week on The Bream Fishing Project we’re headed to the Gold Coast for TT Round 6 of the Hobie Kayak Fishing Series 16, held on the 9–10 August 2025. Normally this round is all sunshine and flat water… this year, the anglers got absolutely belted by wind and swell. Arena zones were cut, Sunday was shortened by an hour, and anyone heading wide had to really earn it. Even with the tough weather, the 47-angler field still turned on quality fish and a genuine shootout between the reef specialists and the canal and bridge guys. I kick things off with a look at the tides and bite periods for both days, including: Saturday fish activity score of 97, with a major bite mid-morning and a high tide around 7:49 am Sunday still at 94 on the activity wheel, with another strong late-morning major bite and low tide just after lines-out From there we run through the division results: Overall 1st: Simon Morley – 6/6 for 4.01 kg (1.80 kg + 2.21 kg) fishing the reef off Wavebreak Island 2nd: Andrew Krushka (TAS) – 6/6 for 3.40 kg (1.44 kg + 1.96 kg) out of the Nerang bridges and canals 3rd: Stephen Maas – 6/6 for 3.33 kg, just 10 grams ahead of 4th place Big Bream: Andrew Kraka with a 0.78 kg lump Monster Mover: Brack Guru with 1.72 kg on day two after a day-one donut Youth: Riley Whelan – 6 fish for 2.26 kg Masters: Greg Cooper (WA) First-Timers: Travis “Leg” with 6 fish for 2.02 kg We also keep score in the unofficial “Batman & Robin” Hurricane Lures rivalry. With Tony Pettie sitting this one out, Simon’s win on the reef firmly cements him as Batman for now. Then it’s into the angler interviews: 3rd – Stephen Maas:Stephen has barely sat in a kayak over the last two years, but turns up and finds a pattern the old-fashioned way – no sounder, just reading water, wind and structure.On day one he pedals up the Nerang River, abandons a dead bridge bite, then finds a sandy canal loaded with legal bream on unweighted Aquas and light plastics and crabs. He sneaks in behind pontoons in a foot of water, fishing 3–4 lb leaders, ripping fish out before they can bury him on the poles.On day two he commits to a massive 12 km pedal to Lake Intrepid behind the casino, gets his bag in three casts, then enjoys one of those magic sessions where almost every cast gets eaten. A phone call from his wife turns into back-to-back 37-fork upgrades as he leans on Hurricane crabs and Gulp Crabbies on light jigheads. 2nd – Andrew Krushka (Tasmania):Andrew flies up from Tassie, hires a Hobie Compass from Sunstate and has his “pre-fish” cut short when the wind pours waves over the bow and soaks him. With almost no practice, he leans on past knowledge, old Morgo highlights and this podcast to build a plan around bridges and pontoons.Day one, he fills a small bag on crabs and Aqua prawn plastics before slowly upgrading on Gold Coast pontoons. Day two starts brutally with no fish until mid-morning, when a key bridge bite turns on. An olive crank crab hopped across the bottom produces his Big Bream contender (just under a kilo), then a clever tweak – adding split shot to his unweighted Aqua rig – lets him punch under wind-blown pontoons for a crucial late upgrade.He runs Samurai Premium custom rods (built by BK Custom Rods) matched with Daiwa TD Black reels and 5 lb leader, and takes home 2nd place, Big Bream cash, prize packs and an invite to the Australian Championship. 1st – Simon Morley:Simon finally converts years of near-misses on the Gold Coast into a dominant win, finishing over 600 g clear of the field.After a wild pre-fish on the Wavebreak reef where he dodges standing waves and still finds a 37-fork model on a crab, he commits to the reef both days despite zone cuts and a nasty forecast.Day one, he rides out rising wind and tide on the 5–8 m reef, rotating between weighted Hurricane crabs and a Hurricane Sprat on a 1/6 oz jighead to post 1.80 kg. Day two, with glued-on weights, 7 lb X-link leader and super-sensitive St

In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project, we head to one of Andrew’s favourite waterways — Forster — for the NSW Tournament Series, held July 12–13, 2025. This round had it all: clear weather, light winds, and a bite period that lined up perfectly with the fish catches. Andrew breaks down the tides and bite periods for both days, then dives straight into detailed angler interviews from the top of the leaderboard. You’ll hear how each team approached the racks, what lures worked, and how subtle changes in technique made all the difference. 🎣 Top 3 Teams 🥇 1st Place – Team Stratosphere: David MastersDavid backed up his Lake Mac win with another impressive result, going back-to-back with 7.46kg over two days. He fished solo and dominated the rock wall using small crabs on light braid-to-leader setups. 🥈 2nd Place – Team Tackle Addiction / Dizzy Scent: Rick King & Ryan Honeybrook.The pair christened their new Triton 165 bass boat in style, finishing with 6.08kg and landing the only kilo fish of the comp. Their key baits were Aqua and Gulp Crabby soft plastics, fished precisely through the racks. 🥉 3rd Place – Team Skeeter: Hayden Wadsworth & Chris SmithA consistent performance across both days with 5.71kg, working grubs and crankbaits through the racks. The duo capitalised on calmer conditions after recent floods, fine-tuning their approach with Bait Junkie 2.5” grubs in “Mud Blood”. 🌊 Bite Period Highlights Saturday: Minor 7:08–8:38 AM | Major 11:46 AM–2:16 PM Sunday: Minor 7:45–9:15 AM | Major 12:38–3:08 PMFish activity aligned perfectly with these windows — worth noting for anyone fishing Foster in similar conditions. 🧠 Techniques & Tactics Grubs & Crabbies dominated across both days Rack edges and outer poles produced quality fish Key leaders: 8–12lb fluorocarbon Common thread: patience, precision, and timing around bite periods 🙌 Thanks & Shoutouts Big thanks to Grant Oliver and the NSW Tournament Series crew for running another great event.And congratulations to Collective members who made podiums across recent comps — including Rick King in this one! 🔗 Connect & Support Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective for live sessions, deep-dive challenges, and bonus content: breamfishingproject.supercast.com Follow on Instagram: @thebreamfishingproject #BreamFishing #Foster #BreamTournaments #LureFishing #TheBreamFishingProject #NSWTournamentSeries #BaitJunkie #CrabbyLures #FishingPodcast #KayakFishing #EstuaryFishing #RackFishing #FishingAustralia

EP164 — November Monthly Report w/ Brett Geddes:  In this month’s report, Andrew is joined again by Brett Geddes to break down November across the bream fishing scene. They talk tournaments, upcoming finals, squid sessions, flathead on blades, old lures making a return, and what’s been happening around the traps. This one has plenty of laughs, stories and good info if you like your bream fishing news, reports and tackle chat. Episode Highlights✅ Squid mission success✅ Flathead talk✅ Old-school lures making a comeback✅ Tournament scene updates✅ What’s been happening on the water✅ A few tangents and the usual laughs Mentioned in the show: Tournaments and events Squid gear Flathead lures General conditions and reports If you enjoy the Monthly Report, hit like, subscribe, and drop a comment with what you’ve been catching or what you want covered next month. Join The Collective (early access, bonus shows, live streams):https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com Follow on Instagram:https://instagram.com/thebreamfishingproject

Part 2 of our ABT Grand Final 2025 coverage: the winner’s report with Mark “Crommo” Crompton. We dig into mindset, how he consistently filled a limit across Marlo → Bemm River → Marlo, super-slow presentations, jig-head choices, leader lengths, and using live imaging without spooking fish. Plus a chat on ShineAway line mattifier, the rods/reels/lines he trusted, power-pole tactics, and the moment his family realised he’d won the boat. Hosted by 2019 Hobie Kayak Fishing World Champion, Andrew Death.

🎣 ABT 2025 Grand Final – Marlo & Bemm River | Non-Boater & Boater Podiums In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project Podcast, host Andrew Death kicks things off with a quick look back at the standout ABT winners from throughout the 2025 season, before diving into the action from the Daiwa BREAM Series Grand Final, held across Marlo and Bemm River in Victoria from October 14–16. Anglers faced shifting tides, strong winds, and testing conditions — but the country’s best still found ways to make it happen.This episode features the top three non-boaters and the third-placed boater, followed by ABT’s Steve Morgan, who finished second overall. Each guest shares their lures, retrieves, and tactical decisions that defined their Grand Final results. 🏆 Non-Boater Division 🥇 Samuel Rako – Four fish for 3.34 kg while fishing with Ian Nielsen and Scott Sauna.Samuel explains how listening to past podcast episodes helped him prepare, and how crank crabs, plastics, and Clone Prawns produced when the bite was tough. 🥈 Lance Marsh – Five fish for 3.20 kg using Z-Man Prawns, brown Chubbies, and Hybrid Shrimps.He breaks down the lure tweaks and patient retrieves that delivered late-day upgrades. 🥉 Chris Hokin – Four fish for 3.155 kg, including a key 1.25 kg bream on a Gulp Baby Prawn at Marlo, then switching to the Daiwa Hybrid Shrimp with Steve Morgan at Bemm River to finish his limit. 🚤 Boater Division 🥉 Mario Vukic – 12.37 kg across three days using bloodworm Wrigglers, VX35/40 blades, and Z-Man Grubs.Mario shares how he worked the sand-edge drifts, downsized to 2 lb fluoro, and relied on proven soft plastics for consistency. 🥈 Steve Morgan – 12.775 kg total, combining Garmin Perspective Mode and Humminbird Mega Live 2 to find scattered fish and tempt them with the Daiwa Hybrid Shrimp.Steve talks through live-sonar strategy and pays tribute to Nicole Smith and the ABT team behind the scenes. 🎧 Episode Highlights ABT 2025 Grand Final – Marlo & Bemm River recap Podium interviews: Samuel Rako, Lance Marsh, Chris Hokin, Mario Vukic & Steve Morgan Lures: Daiwa Hybrid Shrimp, Z-Man Prawns & Grubs, VX Blades, Bloodworm Wriggler Live-sonar tactics & tide-driven bite patterns Behind-the-scenes ABT insights from Steve Morgan 🎙️ Hosted by: Andrew Death📍 Event: ABT BREAM Series 2025 Grand Final – Marlo & Bemm River📆 Recorded: October 2025 👉 Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective for bonus content, live-stream replays & monthly challenges:breamfishingproject.supercast.com 📢 Next episode: Don’t miss the winner’s interview with Mark “Crommo” Crompton, coming up next on The Bream Fishing Project Podcast.

🎣 ABT Victorian Open – Gippsland Lakes (Oct 11–12 2025) | Winner: Dan Kent (13.419 kg) Episode Summary A huge Victorian Open at Gippsland Lakes with monster bags and wall-to-wall action. Andrew recaps event stats (tides, bite periods, weather) and then dives straight into angler interviews: winner Dan Kent (13.419 kg for 9 fish), 2nd Mitchell Blomquist (13.020 kg for 10 fish), and 4th Peter Breukel (12.008 kg for 10 fish). Hear how they located fish, the lures that did damage, how live imaging and sight-casting came together, and why rock, weed edges, and timing made all the difference. Andrew also shares a quick note about new sponsors and encourages listeners to support the brands that support the show — and to check out The Collective for upcoming challenges. 🗓️ Event Overview Event: ABT Victorian Open Venue: Gippsland Lakes Dates: Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 October 2025 Saturday: Fish Activity Wheel 46 | Minor Bite 7:57 – 9:27 a.m. | Low 5:21 a.m. (0.55 m) | High 12:13 p.m. (1.11 m) Sunday: Fish Activity Wheel 33 | Minor Bite 8:52 – 10:22 a.m. | Low 4:40 a.m. (0.63 m) | High 1:07 p.m. (1.09 m) 🎣 Interview 1 – Peter Breukel (4th Place, 12.008 kg total) Bags: Day 1 – 7.005 kg | Day 2 – 5.003 kg | 10 fish total. Approach: Started in the Mitchell River, then moved to reef + weed-edge zones packed with fish on perspective mode. Lures: Sickle 85 Sprat (1/30 jighead), Spike 44, Slam deep hardbody, RBX 66, Fat 37 UV, Naughty’s vibes. Technique: Cast tight to the weed edge, fish on bottom, constant contact key. Tackle: 3–4 lb Yamatoyo Harris Fighter leader | PE 0.4 mainline. Notes: Dozens of 36–41 fork fish; defended productive spot once scores appeared. Payout: ≈ $2,000 + plaque + badge. Thanks: Nicole Smith & Steve Morgan (ABT), Hurricane Lures (“Naughto”), Kris Hickson, Manning River Marine, and Kath for her support. 🎣 Interview 2 – Mitchell Blomquist (2nd Place, 13.020 kg total) Bags: 6.565 kg + 6.455 kg = 13.020 kg (10 fish). Prefish: Checked Mitchell River / ILT jetties → moved to Eagle Bay (timber + rock wall, big tides holding water). Lure: Single SX-48 #390 (clear with green stripes) for the entire event. Method: Slow-rolling hardbody; “if you think you’re winding slow, wind slower.” Combined sight casting and perspective mode. Fish Size: Smallest ≈ 34 fork; many 37 fork fish. Gear: 6’9” Shimano rod | 2500 reel | PE 0.6 | Yamatoyo Harris Fighter 4 lb leader. Shoutouts: JML Angler’s Alliance (Tony), Shimano (event sponsor), Josh Carpenter & Starlo (event coverage), Dad (pre-fish partner), travel crew (Scott, Peter Breukel, Jamie McEwen), ABT (Steve Morgan & Nicole Smith), and Andrew’s podcast for the road trips. 🥇 Interview 3 – Dan Kent (Winner, 13.419 kg total) Bags: Day 1 – 6.792 kg (5) | Day 2 – 6.627 kg (4) = 9 fish @ ~1.49 kg average. Prefish: Hollands Landing (no fish) → Paynesville canals (back-up bag fish ≈ 32 fork). Day 1: Launched Paynesville → Mitchell Flats rock bar; deep-diving Chubby scratched through rocks in ~1–1.2 m; dirty water, heavy scent; steady upgrades all day. Hooks: Decoy Y25 Size 10. Rod/Line: Custom Miller Rod Control Freak (1–3 kg) | 9 lb Yamatoyo PE Resinate | 5 lb Yamatoyo leader. Day 2: Glassed-out start; moved back outside the Silt Jetties; side-scan lit up with fish in 2.2 m; switched to Hurricane Sprat 75 on 1/8 oz painted motor-oil TT jighead | 6 lb leader. Landed four fish over 40 fork (43 fork ≈ 1.8 kg) in one-hour window (12–1 p.m.). Payout: $7,000 cash + ABT trophy (Vic Open Champion) + exclusive patch. Business: Runs Apollo Bay Fishing Charters (31’ Noosa Cat – snapper, flatties, gummies, school sharks, tuna). Summer spots open now via website calendar. Thanks: Mates Alex, Fran, Matt, Kit & Declan, ABT (Steve Morgan & Nicole Smith), family for support, and the ABT community for a great event. 💡 Key Takeaways Dirty water + rock: A deep chubby crashed through rock was the bite

In this episode, we return to Lake Macquarie for Hobie Kayak Round 4, held on 24–25 May 2025 — an event shaped by major flooding across the region in the lead-up. With the system running high, dirty, and cold, anglers were forced to adapt quickly, reading the salt wedge, adjusting lure weights, and finding cleaner water zones to stay in the game. Andrew kicks things off by breaking down the fish activity wheel, tide times, and key bite periods for both days. He also reflects on his own weekend — including the rare decision not to fish on Day 2 — and how misreading the system initially shaped his approach. From there, we dive into three full-length podium interviews packed with tactical gold: 🥉 Jared Hickman (4.01 kg total) — makes his first podium with a shallow crankbait bite on a wind-blown rock wall, using a Pro Lure F36 in matt black and carefully working rough water with 5 lb leaders and 0.6 PE braid. 🥈 Joseph Gardner (4.09 kg) — travelling from WA, Joseph adapts brilliantly to the salt wedge line, targeting fish in 2–3.5 m over reef edges with Bait Junkie Wave Minnows and grubs. His detailed insight into tracking the salt/fresh boundary is a masterclass in reading post-flood systems. 🥇 Greg Crebert (4.84 kg) — the local angler dominates Day 1 with a 2.73 kg bag on a Jackall Chubby Vibe fished deep in rough, dirty water. He locks into a handful of quality bites over a 50 m stretch, then switches gears on Day 2 to work Clone Prawns and Hurricane Fats along the drained edges to secure the win. This episode is loaded with tactical takeaways on cranking rock walls, deep-vibe presentations, salt wedge positioning, and adjusting to post-flood systems. Whether you fish Lake Macquarie regularly or just want to sharpen your tournament skills, this is a must-listen recap.  

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

Today’s a special one: Chris Purnell joins me to wrap Series 16, explain the big Hobie ownership change, and reveal the 2025 Hobie Kayak Fishing Series (Series 17) calendar — including a mid-week Bemm River opener, a Tassie double-header, and Mallacoota in October leading into a Victorian AC. What we cover Hobie ownership update: context on the restructure and the brand’s move under Bass Pro’s White River Marine Group, and what that means for AU/NZ dealers, parts, and anglers. Series 16 takeaways: tough late-season fishing (e.g., Wallaga Lake), standout bags, and why some arenas deserve a second look. Series 17 (2025) calendar & key notes (dates/locations below). Shout-outs to anglers (the heart of the series) and sponsors (incl. naming-rights partner Daiwa). 2025 Hobie Kayak Fishing Series (Series 17) – Dates & Locations (AC = Australian Championship; pre-Fish and lay day marked where relevant) Early Feb — AC (Australia): exact dates/location TBA (announcement ASAP). Feb 17–18 (Tue–Wed) — Bemm River, VIC (mid-week) Feb 16 (Mon) — pre-Fish Feb 19 (Thu) — lay day Feb 21–22 (Sat–Sun) — Marlo, VIC Feb 20 (Fri) — pre-Fish Mar 20–21 — Wallaga Lake, NSW Apr 8–9 (mid-week) — Little Swanport, TAS Apr 10 — pre-Fish Apr 11–12 — Swan River, TAS Tassie travel option: indicative Spirit of Tasmania sailings discussed (in via Geelong→Devonport ~Mon Apr 6, out Sun Apr 13). Most anglers base in Swansea. Local partners: Tasmanian Kayak Fishing Series & Launceston Angling Club (local bump tubs/scales). Limited loan kayaks likely; details to be confirmed via Hobie AU. May 2–3 — Forster, NSW Jun 20–21 — Georges River, NSW Jul 18–19— Lake Macquarie, NSW Aug 15–16 — Gold Coast, QLD (Broadwater Tourist Park launch as per usual setup) September — No round (spring transition month) Oct 10–11 — Mallacoota, VIC November — AC (Victoria) TBA (southern venue; details to follow) Start / Briefing times: Events typically run a briefing ~6:30am with start ~7:00am — please confirm each round’s official times on the event listing. Why these dates? Targeting better tides/moons than Series 16’s back-half. Tassie double-header to make travel worthwhile (Little Swanport → Swan River). Forster in early May (historically strong window). Gold Coast mid-August to avoid clashes and school-holiday pressure. Mallacoota in October to set up a Victorian AC in November. Quick acknowledgements (from Chris) Anglers: there’s no series without you. Sponsors: especially Daiwa (naming rights) and the many family-run partners backing the tour. Hobie AU team behind the scenes: Brad, Darryl, Zoe, Tamika, Scotty, Mick, Shane, and more. If you’re looking at Tassie, start scoping accommodation around Swansea and keep an eye out for the Spirit of Tasmania details mentioned in the episode. For loan-kayak availability and local logistics, contact the Hobie AU media team via the email referenced in the show. —Guest: Chris PurnellHost: Andrew De (2019 Hobie Kayak Fishing World Champion)Show: The Bream Fishing Project

Swan River, WA — Kayak Round 2 Recap (26–27 July) | Hobie qualifier This episode returns to Western Australia for a deep dive on Kayak Round 2 on the Swan River, held 26–27 July in conjunction with Hobie Fishing (a qualifying round for the Hobie Kayak Fishing Series). Andrew opens with bite windows and tides, then steps through the podium interviews with Matt McCarthy (3rd), Joseph Gardner (2nd), and winner Travis Newland (1st)—including how they adapted to a brutal weather change on Day 2. Tides & bite periods mentioned Saturday: Minor bite: 7:35–9:05 AM Major bite: 12:33–3:03 PM High tide: 10:12 AM (~0.7 m) → Low tide: 7:27 PM (~0.3 m) Sunday: Minor bite: 8:06–9:36 AM Major bite: 1:19–3:49 PM High tide: 10:39 AM → Low tide: 7:39 PM (0.35 m) Big Bream & awards Day 1 Big Bream: Paul Siemaszko — 1.18 kg Day 2 & Overall Big Bream + Monster Mover: Rick Raynham — 1.27 kg Podium interviews 3rd — Matt McCarthy (6/6 for 3.970 kg; 2.26 kg then 1.71 kg) Approach: Started near Garrett Road Bridge, then worked down to the Belmont stretch. Found stacked fish on live/side scan but many were shut down. Key bites: Early flurry on an old jetty/marker line; upgraded along a two-metre contour where fish moved up and down “like a highway.” Tackle notes: Mixed confidence baits (including mussel/crab profiles and light plastics); went as light as 3 lb straight-through fluorocarbon when bites were subtle. Day 2: Weather made visual line control hard; persisted, left with a full bag late after grinding through rain and wind. Takeaway: Commit to zones holding life (even when fish are lock-jaw) and cycle proven confidence baits patiently. 2nd — Joseph Gardner (6/6 for 4.660 kg; 2.310 kg then 2.350 kg) Prefish: Four sessions with patchy results from upriver to downriver; no firm pattern before the event. Day 1 route: Tried Garrett Road Bridge (no eaters), then picked fish from Maylands Yacht Club/old jetty area and opposite banks; added reaction upgrades on small vibes when mussel bites were too slow. Day 2 pivot: In severe cold/rain, timed a window at Claisebrook Cove—casting a pygmy mussel to the waterfall/drain edge before the drain began pumping hard again—pulling three key legals in ~90 minutes. Tackle notes: Ran heavier leaders (6–8 lb) with prawn/mussel profiles; used a single rear hook on baby vibes to reduce weed/snags. Result: Another consistent runner-up finish, crediting patience, timing and a crucial drain bite window. 1st — Travis Newland (6/6 for 5.230 kg; 2.53 kg then 2.70 kg; kicker 1.14 kg) Game plan: No recent prefish; trusted a down-river milk run and slow, heavy bottom work with compact yabby/creature profiles. Day 1: Early fish from a creek mouth drop-off, then built a quality bag along the Belmont banks, working the drop-off methodically in current/wind. Day 2 (storm): Paddled straight to the key stretch; landed a “kegger” behind an overhanging tree, then another big fish later. Finished with a strong third fish (~33 fork) to seal it. Tackle notes: Predominantly a yabby/creature (“Bruce”) on a heavier jighead; 12 lb braid to 4 lb fluoro leader, light, soft-tipped rod to let big fish play out on clean ground. Outcome: Win by ~700 g, plus Hobie AC qualifying spot and $650. Emphasis on patience, line control and repeated passes over a short, productive 50 m lane. Episode themes you’ll hear Reading wind/current lanes and depth contours (2 m “highways”). When to stay ultra-finesse (straight-through light fluoro) vs. forcing a reaction with small vibes. Timing drain/flow windows (bite flurries before outflow surges). Managing mindset and decisions when it’s cold, wet, and slow—especially in kayaks. Hosted by: 2019 Hobie Kayak Fishing World Champion Andrew Death.If you enjoyed this recap, please subscribe and leave a rating. Andrew also mentions The Bream Fishing Project Collective for anglers who want extra tactics, live sessions and c

Welcome to the Bream Fishing Project — October Monthly ReportWith Brett Geddes back on the mic, we cover a huge month: national comp calendar, honest session breakdowns (the good, the bad, and the donuts), tackle and tech that moved the needle, and bigger-picture news that matters to kayak lure anglers. Around the Grounds (October comps) Hobie — Burrill Lake (Thu 2 Oct, AOY points only, mid-week round) Hobie — BurleyPro Fish Tech, St Georges Basin (4–5 Oct) — Andrew will be there NSW Tournament Series — Grand Final, Botany Bay (25–26 Oct) ABT — Vic Open, Gippsland Lakes (11–12 Oct) ABT — Grand Final, Bemm & Marlo (14–16 Oct) Action Fishing Tournaments — Grand Final, Camden Haven (25–26 Oct) Vic Bream Classics — Round 5, Warrnambool (18–19 Oct) WATA — Boat Rd 3, Swan River (Perth, 5 Oct) ECBS — Grand Final, Sydney Harbour (19 Oct) Segments What Cheeses Me Off —  New segment tease — “I think I did a dumb thing”  Sessions, Tactics & Lessons Waller Lake — Stunning, but savage: 55 donuts Day 1 (of 75); Jason Marshall ~3.5 kg. Andrew scratched two late Day 2 near the launch — lesson: don’t overrun the obvious. Grubs Month (Collective focus) Georges River — ActiveTarget on boat-holes/mooring blocks; Squidgy Wrigglers on 1/16 oz & lighter in 2–3 m; watched fish rise to the drift. Standout fish 36 fork, 32, 30, plus a salmon called on sonar. Tunks Park — All-day grubs, great FFS interactions… and the missed photo that cost places. St Georges Basin prefish — Salmon schools “called” on FFS (cast-to-distance trick worked for Stewie Dunn). Only one legal bream for Andrew. Stewie tangles with a very big mulloway on 5 lb/light gauge — compelling FFS footage shows scale vs bream. Brett’s update — Windy spring, bream moody; perch to the rescue. From ~1400 to 1700 EPs, often 30–40/session on blades (Sprat/Tomahawk 85 style). Squid mission ongoing. Big Bite & Big Picture Yellowfin tuna (stickbaits) — Electric surface rushes, chaotic ramps; single stinger hook setups; airborne follows and missed bites provide insane visuals. South Australia fish kill — Coastal oxygen event; tough for communities and tourism. Nature will rebound, but it’ll take time. Community shout-outs Andrew “Andy” Kettle — Land-based, night-only EP specialist; surface walkers/high-stick retrieve; “EP ninja” dedication. Leon — Strong Hobie Day 1; three kayak rules: mussel, mussel, no flatties aboard. Gear we mentioned  Jabbers travel rods (6-piece) & Upper Cut trebles (12/14/16; strong, sticky; 100-pack jars). BurleyPro HDS Pro visor (better screen & battery headroom); Connector Protectors (stop wet-plug corrosion). Braid 0.4 PE white (rated 8 lb; higher measured break); considering bite-marker dots for strike watching (inspired by Joseph Gardner using multi-colour jigging braid). Shyne Away leader treatment — Degloss + decontaminate to reduce visibility (most effective to up to 10–12 lb leaders). Lovig Bay Boots — Warm/dry, easy winter wear; trying full size run at St Georges Basin. Hobie news — Ownership update discussion; 180 drive aftermarket ceramic roller solution mentioned (alternative when out of warranty). K-spike kayak power pole (Greg Rook; with Tony “Batman” Petty); lightweight 6/8/10 ft; drift chute attachment idea is clever. Regional outlook (VIC/NSW) Early spring bream remain fickle (Aug–Oct lull). Expect ramp-up as temps lift; dusky flathead to become a major play. Daylight savings adds post-work windows. Timestamps / Chapters (Adjust once your final audio export sets exact times.) 00:00 Intro — why this month matters 02:10 Around the Grounds — October comp calendar 08:45 Segment: What Cheeses Me Off (the 10 mm spanner) 12:20 New segment tease: “I think I did a dumb thing” 16:00 Wallaga Lake wrap — donuts, context, and late salvage 20:05 Georges River — grubs + ActiveTarget (fish rising to the drift) 25:10 Tunks Park — the missed photo les

Hi everyone, and welcome to The Bream Fishing Project. In this episode we’re off to Nelson on the Glenelg River reviewing the 2025 TT Glenelg Shire Bream Classic, brought to you by the Vic Bream Classics. This one was held on 21–22 June 2025. One of the things I like about the Vic Bream Classics is they have all the divisions — juniors, Big Bream, Best Bag — heaps to dig into. Roll the intros and let’s get straight into it. What’s inside this episode:• Why the Vic Bream Classics format shines (juniors, Big Bream, Best Bag and more).• Full event stats: fish activity wheel, major bite windows and tides for both days.• Division highlights.• Interviews:– Team Blackfin (3rd overall): Steve Wheeler on mudflats vs edges, vibes vs plastics, and managing perch by-catch.– Team Nomad BKK (1st overall on countback): Peter Bouquet Jr on structure, vibes, prototype plastics, and straight-through light leaders. The Collective (subscriber group):Quick reminder: the Collective (private subscription group for The Bream Fishing Project) is focusing on grubs this month. We pick a lure or lure style, fish it as a group, then reconvene to compare notes and dial it in together. There are a couple of exciting things coming in the next months (even Collective members don’t know yet).Join or support the show: https://breamfishingproject.supercast.com Event stats (as discussed on the show):Dates: Saturday 21 June & Sunday 22 June 2025Location: Nelson, Glenelg River Saturday:• Fish Activity Wheel: 47• Major bite: 7:03–9:33• Low tide: 1:04 AM @ 0.40• High tide: 10:59 AM @ 0.71 Sunday:• Fish Activity Wheel: 59• Major bite: 7:58–10:28• Low tide: 1:48 AM @ 0.34• High tide: 11:19 AM @ 0.84 Division highlights (as discussed on the show):• Sunline Best Bag: Team Sniper (Ray & Brandon Doman) — 5/5 for 5.005 kg• Ecogear Big Bream: Team Sniper (Ray & Brandon Doman) — 1.345 kg• Monster Movers: Team Weedless (Matty Katon & Byron Blaine) — 5 for 3.325 kg on Day 2, up 23 places to 28th• Junior Angler: Jarvis Kent (Team Apollo Bay Fishing Charters) — finished 8th• Miller Rods prize: Team Slow Rollers (Darren Lock & Quentin) — 1.625 Full results are at: https://vicbreamclassics.com.au Interview 1 — Team Blackfin (3rd overall)Weights:• Day 1: 5 for 3.580 kg (Big Bream 1.27)• Day 2: 5 for 4.025 kg (Big Bream 1.175)• Total: 7.605 kg (3rd) Notes from Steve Wheeler:• Prefish: launched at Dry Creek; checked rock-wall edges, reeds and mudflats. A 36 fork fish on a mudflat set the plan.• Boat placement let them reach reeds in ~0.5–0.75 m and the drop into ~4 m; picked fish in that 4 m zone.• Day 1 edges were quiet; moving wider with vibes (Cranka Vibe, Bivi Vibe) and small hops in 2.5–4 m produced bites. Added a heavy “muss” bite for an upgrade. Lots of perch mixed in.• Day 2 similar program on mudflats with one early ~36 fork and a bag of 32–33s.• Leader thinking: prefers thin-diameter 6 lb (and 8 lb on structure).Prize: $1,500 split. Interview 2 — Team Nomad BKK (1st overall, on countback)Weights:• Day 1: 5 for 3.980 kg (kicker 1.145)• Day 2: 5 for 4.015 kg• Total: 7.995 kg (tied with 2nd; won on Day-1 bag countback) Prefish & pattern (Peter Bouquet Jr):• Marked fish on Active Target (T1) before light; first ski zone edges dropping to 3–4 m with trees and rock.• Early bites on a prototype Nomad soft plastic (natural/brown-orange) and ZX35 vibe (black, assist hooks).• Structure (shacks & poles) produced 600–800 g fish on 1/16 hidden-weight jigs; saved it for comp. Day 1:• Two early ~700 g fish on the prototype plastic on structure.• Taylor Strait: Cranka Crab (olive) on 3 lb straight-through for ~750 g.• Donovans: mixed EP/bream school on side scan; heavier plastic (1/12) delivered a 1.145 kg kicker.• Finished bag near the mouth; ZX-style vibe (black) with assist pushed through weed. Day 2:• More pressure and tentative bites.• A foam/eddy on a pole produced three quick fish (~850 g, ~750 g, ~700 g) on the prototype plastic with stingers.

NSW Tournament Series – Round 4 (Lake Macquarie) | 15 June 2025 Welcome to The Bream Fishing Project. This episode covers Round 4 of the New South Wales Tournament Series held at Lake Macquarie (15 June 2025). After a quick housekeeping note about upcoming dynamic ads and a behind-the-scenes hosting platform change (no change to your listening experience—please reach out if you hit any issues), we dive straight into the results and angler interviews. Results covered Winners – Team Stratosphere (solo): 5/5 for 4.84 kg, including Big Bream of 1.40 kg. Guest: David Masters (how he located fish, why he stayed shallow with blades, coping with gear issues on comp day). 3rd – Team Flat Knacky: 5/5 for 4.26 kg, Big Bream 1.23 kg. Guest: Steve Cole (no-plan plan, hot-water outlet start, deep cockle-weed gutter, steady upgrades). Tactics & takeaways (as discussed by guests) Location & approach: Shallow blading near edges/cockle beds (Masters); deeper gutter with cockle weed and bait present (Cole). Lures mentioned: Crankbaits; Z-Man Slim SwimZ; Z-Man Prawn (motor oil); Gulp Prawn (camo); metal blades. By-catch & moments: Flathead runs, an 80 cm jewfish on a 2" prawn, and even an accidental hammerhead hookup near the boat. Lines/leaders (Masters): 6 lb braid with 3–6 lb leader, subtle bites, careful drag management. Tides & bite window (host notes) Fish Activity Wheel: 57 Minor bite period: 9:17–10:47 a.m. Low tide: 5:36 a.m. (0.26 m) High tide: 11:15 a.m. (0.77 m) Housekeeping You may hear the return of ads—now dynamically inserted so deals, lure releases, and tournament info stay current. If you’re in the fishing industry and want to get involved, reach out for a chat. Support & community Want to go deeper or support the show? Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective for community chats and extra content: breamfishingproject.supercast.com. After joining, please message me on Facebook so I can link you to the private group. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and rate the show on your podcast app. Thanks for listening!      

Hobie Kayak BREAM — Round 5, Georges River | 14–15 June (Anaconda Round) One of Andrew’s favourites! We’re on the Georges River in Sydney for Hobie Kayak BREAM Series — Round 5 (Sat–Sun, 14–15 June), proudly round-sponsored by Anaconda. We cover bite windows, tides, divisions and then dive into angler interviews with the podium—plus a shout-out to The Bream Fishing Project Collective crew for putting on the enhanced sausage sanga BBQ all weekend. 💪 Results & Guests 1st — Mitchell Taylor (6 fish, 4.91 kg | Day 1: 2.19, Day 2: 2.72) — Anaconda Big Bream 1.18 kg Finds a mid-river “hump”/rack-style structure and bridges; rotates metal vibes and Cranka Crab presentations for constant upgrades. 2nd — Jason Marshall (6 fish, 4.75 kg | 2.57 + 2.18) Smart call on safety and conditions; mixes Cranka Crab + Mussel on Captain Cook’s Bridge and makes the long haul to Cooks River for a flurry of keepers. 3rd — Mohamed “Mick” Farage (6 fish, 4.56 kg | 2.42 + 2.14) Versatile game: pontoons → deep blades → Como Bridge pylons → moored boats. Standouts: Cranka Crab UV, Ecogear VX40 (439) on 4–6 lb setups. Divisions & Notables Anaconda Big Bream: Mitchell Taylor — 1.18 kg Monster Mover / Big Bag: Blake Partington — 3.31 kg (Sun); Blake also weighed a 1.04 kg fish on Saturday Youth: Riley Whelan — 3.60 kg Women: Fiona Johnson — 1.90 kg Masters: Raymond Cooper — 3.52 kg First Timers: Kevin Nguyen — 1.30 kg Conditions (as discussed on-air) Saturday (Fish Activity 68) • Minor: 8:41–10:11 a.m. • Major: 1:07–3:37 p.m. • Low 4:41 (0.21 m) • High 10:37 (1.02 m) Sunday (Fish Activity 55) • Minor: 9:21–10:21 a.m. • Low 5:26 (0.19 m) • High 11:28 (1.03 m) Tackle & Techniques Mentioned Hard/Soft: Cranka Crab (UV/XL), Mussel, Ecogear VX40 “439”, metal vibes (Infeet/“metal vibes”), Gulp Crabby, Sprat 75, deep cranks. Structure: Como & Captain Cook’s bridges, Cooks River, moored boats (hulls & blocks), pontoons/wharves, shaded edges, mid-river “hump/rack” piece. Rigs/Lines: 4 lb straight-through for blades; 6–8 lb leader around pylons/boats; add belly weight to crabs (⅛) to pin them in current; cast up-current and let presentations track down the pylon face. Community Note Huge thanks to The Bream Fishing Project Collective members for funding & running the weekend BBQ (Jamie & Andy—legends). Also: yes, CCs on chip sambos… minds were changed. 😄 Early access & extras: Join The Bream Fishing Project Collective for early releases, live challenge sessions, and bonus content: breamfishingproject.supercast.com Instagram: @thebreamfishingproject