2026 Rapala BASS Pro Series | Clarence River (21/22 March) Event Information

Walsh Breaks Through: First ABT Win on the Clarence River

Winning your first Australian Bass Tournament (ABT) is a milestone every angler chases. It’s the moment where persistence, learning, and opportunity all collide—and for Dylan Walsh, that moment has finally arrived. At the Maui Jim–sponsored opening round of the 2026 Rapala Bass Pro Series on the Clarence River, Walsh delivered a composed and calculated performance to secure his maiden ABT Boater victory and stamp himself as a serious contender for the season ahead.

For Walsh, the win carries extra significance. After going close in previous events - including a near-miss on his home water at the Richmond River—this result represents both redemption and validation. It also marks a powerful start to the 2026 season, with Walsh immediately qualifying for the Grand Final at Glenbawn and building momentum that could shape the entire year.

A Fast Start Sets the Tone

The foundation of Walsh’s victory was laid on Day 1, where he executed a near-perfect game plan in the Coldstream system. Running straight to the upper reaches early, Walsh wasted no time getting into quality fish, finding his first bites within the opening 40 minutes of competition.

From there, the bite only improved.

Targeting aggressive bass holding in productive water, Walsh capitalised on a strong surface-style reaction bite, building a standout five-fish limit of 5.411kg. The bag not only put him in the lead but created a valuable buffer over the chasing pack—close to a kilo ahead of second place.

In a tournament field stacked with experienced anglers, that margin proved critical.

Walsh’s Day 1 performance wasn’t just about numbers—it was about efficiency and confidence. He identified the right zone, committed to it, and executed cleanly. With fish actively feeding and responding to his presentation, he was able to maximise his opportunities and put together a bag that would ultimately define the tournament.

The Buzzbait Bite

Central to Walsh’s success was a single lure choice that did the bulk of the damage—a Bassman 3.8 buzzbait in a red and black colour combination.

Armed with a slightly modified version of the lure, Walsh leaned heavily on its ability to trigger reaction bites from aggressive fish. The addition of a stinger hook proved particularly effective, accounting for the majority of his hook-ups across the event.

“It was something a little bit different,” Walsh explained, noting that subtle changes to presentation can often make all the difference in pressured systems.

Paired with a Daiwa Zillion reel, 8-16lb Samurai Infinite rod, and 14lb fluorocarbon leader, the setup allowed Walsh to maintain control while fishing the lure confidently through productive water.

Importantly, Walsh kept things simple. While he experimented briefly with other techniques—including picking up a small fish on a soft plastic late in the event - the buzzbait remained his primary weapon throughout the tournament.

It was a classic case of committing to what was working - and trusting it.

Day Two: A Test of Nerve

If Day 1 was about execution, Day 2 was about resilience.

Returning to the Coldstream with a strong lead, Walsh expected the system to fish tougher - and that’s exactly how it played out. Increased angler pressure, combined with the natural tendency for the bite to slow, meant conditions were far less forgiving.

Early plans were disrupted almost immediately. Upon reaching his intended area, Walsh found other non-tournament anglers already working the water, forcing him to adjust on the fly.

That adjustment proved pivotal.

Shifting back into alternative water, Walsh managed to secure a solid 42cm fish early, followed shortly by another quality bass measuring 39cm. At one stage, he connected with a larger fish that could have sealed the event—but it came unstuck during the fight.

From there, the bite shut down.

What followed was a grinding session, with Walsh unable to complete a full five-fish limit. Instead, he returned to weigh-in with three fish for 2.86kg - a modest bag by Day 1 standards, but one that would ultimately prove enough.

Holding Off the Field

As Walsh headed to the check-out, uncertainty crept in.

Without a full limit, and with a field of highly capable anglers chasing him down - including the likes of Matthew Langford -there was no guarantee the lead would hold.

“I was worried,” Walsh admitted, reflecting on the pressure of the final score check.

But in the end, his Day 1 buffer did exactly what it was designed to do.

Despite the challenges of Day 2, Walsh’s early dominance ensured he stayed just ahead of the pack, securing a well-earned victory and a winner’s cheque of $3,350, including bonuses.

Preparation Pays Off

While Walsh didn’t undertake extensive pre-fishing for the event, his preparation was far from accidental.

A club round on the Clarence River several weeks prior gave him valuable insight into the Coldstream system, where he encountered quality fish and identified productive water. Rather than overworking the area, Walsh made a deliberate decision to leave those fish alone - saving them for tournament time.

It was a calculated move that paid dividends.

“I knew they were there,” Walsh said, highlighting the importance of restraint and timing in tournament fishing.

That confidence allowed him to commit fully to his strategy once the event began.

Momentum Building

Walsh’s Clarence River victory doesn’t exist in isolation - it forms part of a broader run of form that has him firmly on the radar as a rising force in the ABT ranks.

Heading into the event, Walsh had already secured a win in a Queensland Freshwater Tournament, meaning he now boasts back-to-back victories across two different competitions.

That kind of momentum is rare - and dangerous.

With the next round of the series set to take place on his home water at the Richmond River, Walsh will carry both confidence and local knowledge into the event. However, he remains grounded in his expectations, acknowledging that conditions can shift rapidly and that no result is guaranteed.

“Tough,” he said when asked how the Richmond is likely to fish, noting the unpredictable nature of tournament conditions.

Still, the opportunity is there.

A third consecutive win would be a remarkable achievement—and one that would instantly elevate Walsh into elite company within the ABT scene.

A Breakthrough Moment

For any angler, the first ABT win is a defining moment. It’s the culmination of years of effort, close calls, and incremental improvements.

For Dylan Walsh, that moment has now arrived.

From a dominant Day 1 performance to a nerve-testing Day 2 grind, Walsh showcased the full range of skills required to succeed at the highest level of tournament bass fishing -decision-making, adaptability and composure under pressure.

Just as importantly, he demonstrated belief.

Belief in his preparation, belief in his strategy and belief in his ability to get the job done.

Looking Ahead

With a Grand Final berth already secured and confidence at an all-time high, Walsh now finds himself in an enviable position early in the 2026 season.

The pressure shifts from chasing results to managing expectations - but if the Clarence River performance is any indication, he’s more than capable of handling what comes next.

As the Rapala Bass Pro Series rolls on, one thing is certain - Dylan Walsh is no longer a name to watch.

He’s a name to beat.

Damien Winters Claims Nail-Biting Non-Boater Victory on the Clarence River

In a tournament where every gram counts, Damien Winters etched his name into the ABT record books with a thrilling Non-Boater Division win at the Maui Jim sponsored round of the 2026 Rapala BASS Pro Series on the Clarence River. In one of the tightest finishes of the season, Winters secured victory by a razor-thin margin of just six grams, capping off a remarkable turnaround performance and a breakthrough moment in his tournament fishing journey.

A Tough Start Sets the Stage

Day 1 of the event didn’t hint at what was to come. Fishing as a non-boater, Winters found himself battling early adversity, including mechanical issues with his boater’s electric motor that left them stranded mid-river near Grafton. It was far from an ideal start, disrupting rhythm and limiting opportunities during crucial early hours of the session.

Despite the setbacks, Winters managed to grind out two fish for a total of 800 grams. While it kept him in contention, it was a modest bag by Clarence River standards and left him with work to do heading into Day 2. At that stage, a podium finish seemed unlikely, let alone a win.

But tournament fishing is often defined by resilience - and Winters had plenty of it.

The Day 2 Turnaround

Heading into Day 2, Winters knew he needed a strong performance to climb the leaderboard. What followed was a composed and calculated session that showcased both his adaptability and growing confidence.

He secured a full limit of three bass for 1.667 kilograms - more than doubling his Day 1 weight and launching himself into contention. The bag included quality fish measuring 38cm and 31cm, backed up by what would become one of the most important fish of his career - a 19.5cm bass that ultimately proved decisive.

While it wasn’t the biggest bag of the tournament, it was exactly what was required. Consistency, combined with a critical late upgrade, saw Winters edge past his closest rival, Trent Blake, by just six grams.

The Fish That Won the Tournament

In hindsight, the moment that defined the event came in the final stages of Day 2. With time running out and the pressure mounting, Winters hooked into the fish that would secure the win.

The 19.5cm bass was caught less than 200m from the boat ramp, with only around 20 minutes remaining before the end of the session. It was a last-minute opportunity, executed to perfection.

Catching a fish that small might not normally turn heads - but in this case, it was everything. That marginal upgrade was enough to bump Winters up the leaderboard and ultimately deliver the victory.

It’s a classic example of tournament fishing’s fine margins, where even the smallest fish can carry enormous weight - literally and figuratively.

Dialling in the Right Approach

Fishing conditions on the Clarence River during the event played a significant role in shaping techniques. Clear water made fish more cautious, requiring finesse presentations and precise lure placement.

Winters leaned heavily on a combination of proven techniques and trusted gear to get the job done.

One of his standout lures was a small crankbait, described as a “Monster Crank,” which accounted for key bites - including the crucial final fish. Its tight action and effective diving profile made it ideal for targeting bass holding structure in clear water conditions.

Equally important was his use of soft plastics, particularly Daiwa Kikker Curly frogs. These lures were widely used across the field, but Winters’ execution set him apart. By working them tight to the bank and incorporating subtle twitches into his retrieve, he was able to trigger reaction bites from fish that may have otherwise followed without committing.

“The first little twitch - 90% of the time they just smack it,” he noted, highlighting the importance of small adjustments in presentation.

This attention to detail proved critical, especially in a system where fish could be seen tracking lures from a distance before deciding whether to strike.

Precision Gear and Setup

Winters’ tackle selection reflected a balance of finesse and reliability, tailored to the demands of the Clarence River.

For his crankbait work, he relied on a Samaki Zing Extreme rod paired with a Daiwa baitcaster, spooled with 12-pound braid and matched to a 12-pound fluorocarbon leader. The setup offered both casting accuracy and enough strength to handle larger fish in tight structure.

For his soft plastic presentations, he used an Atomic Arrowz ultralight rod matched with a Shimano spinning reel, loaded with 10-pound braid and a slightly heavier 12-pound mono leader. This combination allowed for subtle presentations while maintaining control during the fight.

The gear choices weren’t overly complex - but they were well-matched to the conditions, and more importantly, executed with confidence.

Fishing Smart on Home Water

Despite being familiar with the Clarence River, Winters’ victory was far from a simple “home water advantage.” In fact, he admitted that success on familiar systems can often be more challenging due to heightened expectations and pressure.

Interestingly, this win also marked a milestone moment - it was the first time Winters had achieved a full limit of fish in a competition session on his home river as a non-boater.

That makes the result even more significant. Not only did he secure his first ABT win, but he also overcame a personal hurdle on a system he knows well.

His ability to adapt, stay patient, and make the most of limited opportunities ultimately proved more valuable than any local knowledge advantage.

Lessons in Tournament Fishing

Winters’ victory offers a number of key takeaways for tournament anglers at all levels.

Firstly, persistence is critical. A tough Day 1 doesn’t mean the event is over. By resetting mentally and executing a solid Day 2 plan, Winters turned a modest start into a winning performance.

Secondly, every fish counts. The importance of that 19.5cm bass cannot be overstated. In a sport where margins are often razor-thin, upgrading even the smallest fish can be the difference between winning and missing the podium entirely.

Thirdly, attention to detail matters. Subtle changes in lure action, casting accuracy, and retrieve technique can make a significant difference - especially in clear water conditions where fish are more selective.

Finally, preparation and confidence in your gear play a major role. Winters’ setups were simple but effective, allowing him to focus on execution rather than second-guessing his approach.

A Breakthrough Moment

For Winters, this victory represents more than just a trophy—it’s a breakthrough moment in his ABT career.

Claiming a first win is always special, but doing so in such dramatic fashion makes it even more memorable. Add to that the fact it came on his home river, and it becomes a result that will stand out for years to come.

It also secures his qualification for the ABT Grand Final later in the season, where he’ll have the opportunity to test himself against the best in the country on an even bigger stage.

Looking Ahead

With momentum now on his side, Winters heads into the remainder of the season with confidence and a proven ability to perform under pressure.

The Clarence River round has once again highlighted the unpredictable and exciting nature of tournament bass fishing. From mechanical issues and slow starts to last-minute heroics and six-gram margins, it delivered a story that perfectly captures what makes the sport so compelling.

And at the centre of it all was Damien Winters—calm under pressure, precise in execution, and ultimately rewarded with a well-earned victory.

Click here for 2026 Rapala BASS Pro Series event entry form. 
Click here for 2026 ABT Membership form. 

VENUE:

Clarence River, NSW

DATES:

21/22 March 2026

ENTRY FEE:

Boater $275, Non Boater $150. ABT Membership Required.

EVENT TYPE:

This event will run 100% on the ABT Tournament Series app, with length/weight curves allocated to Australian Bass. 

Here is the link to the instruction video for the app, which can be downloaded for free at the Apple App Store or from Google Play:

Click here to download the ABT Tournament Series App for iPhone. 
Click here to download the ABT Tournament Series App for Android. 

The App gives us real, live scoreboards throughout the event and is an important part of marketing this event to spectators, so it’s important to become familiar with it.  

PRE FISH BAN:

No fishing from Monday 9th March until first light Friday the 20th March 2026.

PRE FISH:

From first light, Friday 20th March 2026. 

EVENT START LOCATION:

Corcoran Park, Grafton.

NO GO ZONES:

No fishing/boating around designated Port Security areas at Goodwood Island and Harwood Dry Docks.
No fishing working ferry lines. 

SPEED LIMITS:

Note speed limits around the cable ferries at Lawrence and Ulmarra.

Under bridges in NSW there’s a 10 knot speed limit.

SESSION TIMES:

Saturday: 7:00am to 2pm

Sunday: 7:00am to 1pm

BRIEFING:

Friday, 20th March 2026
Registration from 4pm
Briefing at 5pm
Grafton Firearms and Fishing Tackle
16/40 Hyde St
South Grafton NSW 2460

PRESENTATION:

ASAP after final catch card is verified and angler catches are cross checked at Corcoran Park, Grafton.

EVENT TACKLE STORES:

Grafton Firearms and Fishing Tackle
1640 Hyde St, South Grafton NSW 2460

Ballina Bait and Tackle
Shop 19, Ballina West Shopping Centre, Pacific Hwy, Ballina NSW 2478

Casino Outdoors & Disposals Bait and Tackle
171 Centre St, Casino NSW 2470

Entry list current as at 19 March 2026