The Bream Fishing Project

Andrew Death

A weekly podcast for keen Bream anglers who like to catch Bream on lures, especially within a competition setting. Each week we will talk with successful bream fishermen and woman who have achieved excellent results in the art of catching bream on lures. We will be covering tips and tricks that will help you to catch more bream on lures around the country.

  1. From ABT to Electronics – Nabeel Issa on Modern BREAM Fishing  EP194

    1D AGO

    From ABT to Electronics – Nabeel Issa on Modern BREAM Fishing EP194

    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.

    1h 24m
  2. NSW Tournament Series Grand Final Recap – Botany Bay | EP193

    APR 20

    NSW Tournament Series Grand Final Recap – Botany Bay | EP193

    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

    1h 2m
  3. Action Fishing Tournaments Grand Final – Camden Haven Recap | EP192

    APR 16

    Action Fishing Tournaments Grand Final – Camden Haven Recap | EP192

    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

    55 min
  4. EP191: Gippsland Lakes Grand Final Recap – 1.82kg Big Bream & Team Interviews

    APR 13

    EP191: Gippsland Lakes Grand Final Recap – 1.82kg Big Bream & Team Interviews

    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!

    1h 4m
  5. Lake Macquarie Tournament Breakdown (Winning Patterns & Tactics) | Episode 189

    MAR 30

    Lake Macquarie Tournament Breakdown (Winning Patterns & Tactics) | Episode 189

    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.

    1h 18m
  6. Vic Bream Classics 2026 Breakdown with Bill Hartshorne (Full Season Preview) | Episode 188

    MAR 26

    Vic Bream Classics 2026 Breakdown with Bill Hartshorne (Full Season Preview) | Episode 188

    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.

    1h 5m
  7. Sydney Harbour BREAM Breakdown 🔥 | NSW Tournament Series Round 6 (EP187)

    MAR 25

    Sydney Harbour BREAM Breakdown 🔥 | NSW Tournament Series Round 6 (EP187)

    🎣 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

    53 min

About

A weekly podcast for keen Bream anglers who like to catch Bream on lures, especially within a competition setting. Each week we will talk with successful bream fishermen and woman who have achieved excellent results in the art of catching bream on lures. We will be covering tips and tricks that will help you to catch more bream on lures around the country.

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