Damiki Bjelke-Petersen Team Bash

THE first Queensland round of the Haswing Marine and Bluefin Boats B.A.S.S. Australia Nation Team Series saw anglers from all corners of the state competing in this single-day event that involves competitors from all walks of life.

We have husband and wife teams, fathers and sons and the serious high-level pro anglers teaming up to compete in this shootout-style event. Adverse weather prevailed, with the wind nearing 50km/h at times, but Bjelke-Petersen Dam still produced some incredible bass fishing.

Team Suzuki consisting of Barry Reynolds and Allan Price claimed the prize with a convincing four out of four limit of 5.29kg using a Keitech Swing Impact plastic presentation on the windy side of the lake. Catching bass through the entire session, the pair worked the plastics off the bottom with 3/8oz Bassman jig heads and slowly rolled them back to the boat.

Some strikes came close to the bottom but others were near the boat, so Barry mentioned how it’s important to keep focused until the lure is out of the water. The guys took home over $2000 worth of cash and prizes and have instantly qualified for the Team Championship where they can win a $30,000 Bluefin boat powered by an Evinrude E-TEC outboard.

In second place, Team Gamakatsu comprising Joe Allan and Adrian Melchior used 3” Megabass Counter Grubs in Ayu colour to weigh 4.34kg of bass. These little grubs have a small solid ball on the end of the tail that keeps them working even when the retrieve slows right down.

This paid off for Team Gamakatsu because the guys have also qualified for the Haswing Marine and Bluefin Boats Team Championship later in the year. Rounding out the top three in the teams event was Team Renegade, with Jeremy McConnell at the helm and Jack Gold joining the team as a late inclusion.

The pair worked plastics off the edges and through schools and constantly caught bass through the session, showing the form Bjelke-Petersen is in at the moment. Next month I will go over the Abu Garcia Rockhampton Barra Rumble and JML Anglers Alliance Boondooma Brawl, both held during June.

These two events are shaping up to be majors on our calendar year. If you are interested in the tournaments, you can catch more info on www.bassaustralia.com.au