EP 236: AUSTRALIAN OPEN BASS LAKE ST CLAIR • 2026

From The Lure Fishing Project · 1:24:56

Show by Andrew Death

Just 395 grams separated first and third at the 2026 ABT Australian Open Bass tournament at Lake St Clair in New South Wales. Three anglers, three different approaches, and one remarkable final fish that helped decide the championship. In this episode of The Lure Fishing Project, Andrew Death catches up with the top three finishers to uncover how they approached the tournament, the techniques that produced their fish, and the decisions that ultimately determined the results. From incredibly slow i-Waver presentations around shallow timber to jerkbaits worked through weed beds, this episode offers a fascinating look at competitive Australian bass fishing. And for Andrew, it was enough to spark a renewed interest in heading to Lake St Clair to chase a few bass himself! The Official Results 🥇 1st – Matthew Langford: 8.865 kg 🥈 2nd – Mitchell Cone: 8.490 kg 🥉 3rd – Braden Schuch: 8.470 kg Just 375 grams separated first and second, with only 20 grams between second and third. The tournament was contested over three sessions across two days, with anglers weighing three bass per session. Third Place – Braden Schuch Braden finished with 8.470 kg, relying heavily on a slow-sinking i-Waver to target bass holding around isolated timber, weed and shallow structure. His approach combined patience, precision and forward-facing sonar to identify fish and trigger bites. We discuss: The transition from power fishing to extremely slow presentations. Fishing i-Wavers around submerged timber in just three or four feet of water. How small, sharp lure movements triggered following bass. Using forward-facing sonar to observe fish behaviour. Modifying hooks, leader strength and lure sink rates. The frustration of losing fish in a tournament decided by such small margins. How boat traffic influenced his choice of fishing locations. Braden also shares some fascinating observations from pre-fishing, including bass actively feeding on dragonflies. Second Place – Mitchell Cone Mitchell finished just 375 grams behind the winner, catching every fish he weighed on jerkbaits. Despite initially locating fish around shallow weed and structure, increasing fishing pressure forced him to rethink his approach. One of his most important decisions came during the second session, when he moved away from the crowded creek arm and into the main basin, upgrading his entire bag in the final 45 minutes. We cover: Why the Jackall 61 Squirrel was his preferred jerkbait. Adjusting jerkbait retrieves to fish different depths. Targeting weed pockets, rocky edges and shallow structure. The importance of nearby deeper water. How fishing pressure affected his decisions. Chasing windblown banks and slightly discoloured water. Why changing locations rather than techniques proved so effective. Mitchell also reflects on representing Australia at the World Black Bass Championships in Arkansas and the lessons Australian anglers can take from fishing overseas. First Place – Matthew Langford Matthew claimed his first Australian Open victory with 8.865 kg, collecting $6,250 in prize money. His tournament revolved around identifying productive weed beds, understanding how bass positioned themselves within that weed, and making the most of changing conditions. Using a Rapala XR6 jerkbait, Matthew targeted shallow weed edges, openings and windblown points, concentrating on fish around the one-kilogram mark. But his final session presented a completely different challenge. As the wind dropped away and the water became increasingly clear, Matthew adapted his approach, picking up a black chatterbait for an important upgrade before returning to his jerkbait. Then, with approximately 15 minutes remaining, he made one final move. Matthew watched a bass emerge from the weed, follow his lure and eventually eat it just metres from the boat. That fish provided an upgrade of approximately 400 grams — a remarkable moment in a tournament he ultimately won by just 375 grams. We discuss: Locating productive gaps, corridors and transitions in weed beds. Why wind and slightly dirty water were so important. Fishing the Rapala XR6 over shallow weed. When to move away from productive water. Adapting as conditions became calmer and clearer. The final fish that helped secure his first Australian Open title. What Can We Learn From These Three Anglers? Andrew closes the episode by comparing the approaches of all three competitors and identifying several important patterns. Shallow-water confidence All three anglers successfully targeted bass around shallow structure, even in extremely clear water. Wind and fishing pressure Windblown banks, dirty water and the number of boats fishing an area all influenced where the anglers chose to fish. Confidence versus adaptability Braden committed to his OSP i-Waver, Mitchell stayed with his jerkbaits while changing locations, and Matthew adjusted both his lure choice and fishing areas as conditions changed. It's a reminder that successful tournament…

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