July 07, 2025

Episode 142: ABT, 2025 Samaki BREAM Queensland Open, Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, June 28-29

1 hour 2 minutes

🏆 Samaki BREAM Queensland Open 2025 – A Battle on the Gold Coast & Moreton Bay | Full Recap + Angler Interviews

Welcome back to The Bream Fishing Project! In this episode, we dive deep into the 2025 Samaki BREAM Queensland Open, run by ABT and contested across two iconic Queensland fisheries: the Gold Coast canals (June 28) and Moreton Bay (June 29). This is the third year we’ve covered this prestigious event on the podcast, and we’re starting to see patterns, standout performers, and unforgettable moments emerge across the timeline.

With the event held under ABT’s fully app-based format, the focus was on results, tactics, and making the most of limited time on the water—and the anglers delivered. From motor breakdowns and monster fish to strategy shifts and tight leaderboard battles, this one has everything.

🎣 1st Place – Luke Rogan

Luke secured his first Queensland Open title with a monster 4.676kg bag from the Gold Coast on Day 1, anchored by a 40.5cm fork-length beast. He talks through his gear choices, including a heavy rotation of edge rods, zip baits, and crushed crab lures. Day 2 proved challenging in the bay, but a smart decision to finish in the canals helped lock in the win. Listen in for a raw, honest account of landing (and losing) trophy fish—and how 10 years of effort finally paid off.

🎣 2nd Place – Bernard Kong

Bernard’s story is one of pure grit and adaptability. After suffering a motor failure on Day 1, he fished the entire session on electric power alone and still came in 5th overnight. With support from mates in the community, he borrowed a boat for Day 2 and made the most of his time on the water, targeting the front ends of canals and fishing slowly with zip baits and crabby presentations. He credits the slower pace—and a couple of clutch fish in the final minutes—for one of his best results to date.

🎣 3rd Place – Mick Slade

Mick delivered a consistent two-day performance, weighing 3.317kg on Saturday and 2.8kg on Sunday for a total of 6.117kg. In this chat, Mick runs through a diverse bag of techniques, including crankbaiting pontoons, fishing Pro Lure prawns and crabs, and using topwater in the canals. It’s a classic tale of persistence, a bit of tech trouble with the app, and a well-earned podium finish.

🕘 We also cover bite periods, tide charts, and moon phases, and look back at past Queensland Opens from 2023 and 2024 to compare bag sizes and event conditions. Whether you’re chasing trends or just want to hear great stories from elite tournament anglers, this episode delivers.

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