Episode 146:West Australian Tournament Anglers, Kayak Round 1, Blackwood River, April 12-13, 2025

In this episode, we’re recapping Round One of the 2025 Western Australian Tournament Anglers Kayak Bream Series, held on April 12–13 on the iconic Blackwood River. The event saw top anglers adapt quickly after a late venue change and battle it out under excellent bite conditions, with the river fishing brilliantly across both days.

🥇 Joseph Gardner takes us through his winning tactics and how he bagged 3.91 kg over two days using a combination of Blue Lip Baits’ Pygmy Mussels and Brim Prawns. He explains how key locations and wind direction played a major role, along with his rigging choices on six and eight-pound leaders.

🥈 Ben Oakes gives an in-depth look at how his upgraded triple-sounder setup and dedicated side scan mapping helped him pinpoint productive drop-offs and structure. He shares his successful lure rotation of Slim Swims, Dunks, Aqua Mussels, and Baby Vibes, and talks us through the heartbreaking big fish that got away.

🥉 Paul Burton rounds out the podium with smart use of tried-and-true Slim Swims on his favourite banks. He talks about adjusting his jighead weight to maintain feel, and the importance of early bags and key upgrades that ultimately landed him a spot on the podium.

We also touch on:

• Tide and bite periods from the Fish Activity Wheel (93/96 rating days!)

• What worked and what didn’t in a system filled with bream

• The Collective’s free rig and drop shot challenge update

• How bream behaviour changed across the river with current, wind, and pressure

• And why balance beams and barnacles made all the difference

🏆 Prize sponsors included:

• Shimano Australia

• Pro Lure Australia (featuring the new Hybrid Shrimp)

• Atomic Lures, Rapala, TT Lures, and Force Lures

• Special mention to Michelle from Getaway Outdoors Kelmscott and Kanga Brew Coffee Van for supporting the event

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📸 Big thanks to Dave Bennett for event photography and WA Tournament Anglers for running a great comp despite location hurdles.

📍Whether you're a comp angler or weekend warrior, this episode is packed with gold — from lure technique breakdowns to reading water and structure.

The Bream Fishing Project: Australia’s #1 podcast dedicated to helping you catch more bream on lures, with tips, tricks, and tournament insight from some of the best in the game.