The 2025 Samaki BREAM Queensland Open, held on the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay on June 28 and 29, showcased the excitement and intensity of elite bream tournament fishing. Brisbane native Luke Rogan etched his name into the annals of the sport by claiming his maiden Queensland Open title, earning the coveted bronze trophy known as "Geoff." Rogan's triumph was marked by an impressive two-day haul of 6.79kg, which included one of the heaviest bags ever recorded in a tournament on the Gold Coast.
Rogan's victory was spearheaded by his phenomenal Day 1 performance, where he amassed a staggering 4.676kg bag, a feat that set the tone for the event. While his second day proved less eventful, his opening round was sufficient to secure a commanding lead, showcasing his skill, strategic execution, and in-depth knowledge of the local waters.
"After years of consistent top-five finishes, finally securing the win feels incredible," said Rogan, reflecting on the culmination of his hard work and determination. "All the pieces came together perfectly this time."
The foundation for Rogan's success was laid at Sovereign Islands, renowned among bream fishing enthusiasts for its rich structural environment. Opting not to pre-fish, Rogan instead relied on his well-honed instincts and strategies from previous competitions. He began his day scouring the outskirts for fish, albeit with little success, until he made a critical decision to shift to a trusted milk run spot.
"If it wasn’t a big one, it was a little one—and it was just spewing everywhere," Rogan recalled, describing the thrilling morning session when the fish began to bite aggressively.
His first encounter of the day came forth with sheer ferocity, initially causing him some gear trouble. To mitigate this risk, Rogan frequently re-tied his rig. His persistence paid off when he landed a 35cm forker, a substantial catch on any day. However, the pinnacle of his session was still lurking below the water's surface.
When pulling in what he assumed to be a smaller trevally, Rogan was stunned to realize it was a massive white bream that flashed beneath the surface. "I was holding my breath as I brought it boatside," he expressed, describing the anticipation of landing what would turn out to be one of the largest bream ever caught in an ABT Gold Coast event.
Weighing in at approximately 1.48kg, this 40.5cm forker nearly broke the long-standing record of 1.54kg but became a centerpiece of Rogan’s record-setting catch nonetheless.
Rogan’s gear choices were vital to his success. He utilized Edge Rods combined with Toray braid and leaders. Beginning his day with lighter setups, he quickly recognized the need for more durable tackle to avoid losing bigger fish in snags.
"I think I was running 12lb Toray braid with 8lb leader. By the end of the day, I was up to 14lb leader. I’ve been using the extra-hard Toray leader—it's stiff and tough, and it does the job," Rogan explained, underscoring the importance of adjusting his gear during the event.
The rod’s softer action played a crucial role in ensuring treble hooks remained lodged during intense fish fights. Among the lures, the heavy olive Cranka Crab proved particularly effective, responsible for both of Rogan’s largest catches in the canals, with estimates of up to 20 used throughout the first day. This investment quickly justified itself with a prize pot of $5,000 on the line.
"Crabs on the outside, cranks and minnows on the inside," said Rogan, summarizing the diverse approach that characterized his fishing strategy.
As the tournament came to a close, the event reflected both the competitive spirit of bream fishing and the personal journey of the anglers involved. Rogan’s victory not only signifies his skill and knowledge but also sets the stage for future competitions as he looks to build on this success.
Looking ahead, the next event on the Australian Bass Tournament calendar is the 2025 Zerek Barra Series at Molix Awoonga Dam, scheduled for September 19 and 20. Anglers will undoubtedly be eager to see how the competition unfolds as they seek to capture their own victories in the challenging waters.