The Hawkesbury River delivered another outstanding round of the 2026 Daiwa BREAM Series, and in this episode of The BREAM Fishing Project, Andrew Death reviews all the action from the Bait Junkie Hawkesbury River Round held on May 16–17.
With six detailed interviews covering both the non-boater and boater divisions, this episode provides a complete breakdown of how the event unfolded, the techniques that produced results, and the lessons learned from one of Australia's most iconic BREAM tournament waterways.
The non-boater division produced a remarkable story, with first-time ABT competitor Sam Di Mauro taking victory in his very first event. Having followed tournament fishing for years through podcasts and media coverage, Sam finally took the plunge and entered an ABT event on his home water. His account of the experience, from meeting anglers he had listened to for years through to landing a tournament-winning bag, is one of the highlights of the episode.
You'll also hear from Rodney O'Sullivan, who backed up last year's Hawkesbury success with another podium finish, and Jesse Rotin, whose consistency continues to make him one of the most dangerous non-boaters in the country.
In the boater division, Captain Risky returned to winning form with an impressive two-day total of 9.545kg, ahead of Judd Kirkland and Steve Morgan. Their interviews provide valuable insights into pattern development, adapting to changing conditions, and extracting quality fish from the Hawkesbury system.
Across the six interviews you'll hear discussions covering:
- Wash fishing with Cranker Crabs
- Fishing Hybrid Shrimp presentations around rocky shorelines
- Pontoon and marina tactics using soft plastics
- Monster Rolling Cranks and crankbait strategies
- Working river rock walls and current lines
- Vibe fishing techniques for quality BREAM
- Tidal influences and bite period timing
- Rod, reel, braid and leader selections
- Pre-fish strategies and tournament preparation
- The realities of fishing from the back deck as a non-boater
- Lessons learned from experienced ABT competitors
Rodney O'Sullivan details how he built both of his bags fishing wash zones with Cranker Crabs and Hybrid Shrimp presentations, while Jesse Rotin dives deep into his approach using Bait Junkie Risky Critters, 295 Flicks, Monster Rolling Cranks and finesse presentations around pontoons and rock structure.
First-time competitor Sam Di Mauro shares his tournament journey, including landing a 1.25kg fish early on day one and learning firsthand how different anglers approach the Hawkesbury system. His story is proof that newcomers can be competitive when preparation meets opportunity.
Whether you're preparing for your own Hawkesbury trip, looking to improve your tournament fishing, or simply enjoy hearing Australia's best BREAM anglers break down their techniques, this episode is packed with practical information and tournament insights.
2026 Daiwa BREAM Series Hawkesbury River Results
Boater Division
🥇 Kristoffer Hickson – 9.545kg
🥈 Judd Kirkland – 8.740kg
🥉 Steve Morgan – 7.705kg
Non-Boater Division
🥇 Sam Di Mauro – 4.590kg
🥈 Jesse Rotin – 4.485kg
🥉 Rodney O'Sullivan – 4.450kg
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