EVENT DETAILS
EVENT COMPLETE
EVENT HOST: ABT TOURNAMENTS
EVENT WEBSITE: https://abt.org.au/2026-rapala-bass-pro-series-calendar-rules-forms-entry-lists-and-info-sheets/
DETAILS:
The Richmond River in New South Wales is a challenging and dynamic Australian Bass Tournament (ABT) arena, known for its “drain-fest” style of fishing and the need for anglers to adapt to changing water clarity. It frequently hosts rounds of the Rapala BASS Pro Series and served as the venue for the 2025 BASS Grand Final. This is an Individual event with the winner determine by the best 5 Bass by Length/Weight Curve.
EVENT DATE(S): 21/3/2026 – 22/3/2026
LOCATION: RICHMOND RIVER, NSW
EVENT TYPE: BOATER/NON BOATER
TARGET SPECIES: BASS
NO CATEGORIES: 2
NO COMPETITORS: 80
EVENT LOGISTICS & RULES
- Launch Point: Tournaments typically start at Coraki Beach in Coraki.
- Format: Events are 100% app-based, utilizing the ABT Tournament Series App for a catch-measure-photo-release system with live scoreboards.
- Limits: Boaters have a 5-fish limit per session, while non-boaters have a 3-fish limit.
- Speed Restrictions: Anglers must observe a 10-knot speed limit when traveling under bridges.
FISHING CHARACTERISTICS AND WINNING TACTICS
The Richmond River is often a “tough grind” where finding cleaner water is a primary key to success.
- Drain Fishing: A signature tactic for this river involves targeting drains that run into the main river proper. In 2024, winner Mick Johnson used this strategy to secure a massive 8.37kg day-one bag.
- Lure Selection:
- Surface & Topwater: Frogs and other surface baits are highly effective, especially in the drains and during early morning bites.
- Structure Fishing: Anglers like 2026 non-boater winner Anthony Winters have found success hitting structure with crankbaits and drifting the river.
- Reaction Baits: Blade lures and vibration baits, such as the TT Lures Switchblade, are reliable for deeper water or triggering reaction strikes.
- Conditions: The river can be heavily affected by rain; successful anglers often spend pre-fish time hunting for cleaner “pockets” of water to escape mud or debris.
| Year | Event | Winner (Boater) | Winning Weight | Key Strategy / Lure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Rapala BASS Pro | Matthew Langford | 9.086kg (10/10) | Hunted cleaner water during pre-fish; consistent 4.5kg+ bags daily. |
| 2025 | BASS Pro Series | Mick Johnson | 8.120kg (10/10) | Focused on deep-diving crankbaits and vibration lures around rock piles. |
| 2024 | 13Fishing BASS Pro | Mick Johnson | 8.370kg (10/10) | Dominated by throwing topwater frogs into drains on the falling tide. |
FORM GUIDE
ROUND 1 - BOATER TOTAL BAG WEIGHT
| RANK | FISHER | SCORE |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
DYLAN WALSH |
8/8.271 |
|
2 |
MATTHEW LANGFORD |
10/7.448 |
|
3 |
HARRY HARDMAN |
10/7.070 |
|
4 |
JOEL MCKENZIE |
8/6.919 |
|
5 |
MIKE NELSON |
9/6.900 |
RESULTS
BOATER SCOREBOARD
NON BOATER SCOREBOARD
