2026 Samaki Saltwater BARRA Open

The Samaki Saltwater Barra Open is set to make waves this June as it hits Queensland’s iconic Fitzroy River for an all-new Australian Bass Tournaments showdown. Proudly sponsored by Samaki, this exciting addition to the ABT calendar brings tournament barramundi fishing back to big tidal water — where current, structure and timing separate the good from the great.

The Samaki Saltwater Barra Open invites anglers ready to test themselves against powerful river barra in a fishery that has thrived under it's Net Free Zone status. With winter conditions creating prime opportunities for big bites against the Rockhampton City backdrop, competitors will need strategy, precision and nerves of steel to stay in contention.

Adding to the intensity, the event features LIVE scoreboards, giving anglers and spectators real-time updates as fish are logged and positions change throughout the day. Every upgrade matters. Every capture counts.

If you thrive on pressure, love chasing barra in wild tidal systems, and want to be part of something new on the ABT stage — the Samaki Saltwater Barra Open is your next challenge.

Click here for the 2026 Samaki Saltwater BARRA Open Event Entry Form

Note that ABT membership is not required to fish the Samaki Saltwater Barra Open. 

ABT BARRA Event Rules available - click here

VENUE: 
Fitzroy River, Rockhampton QLD

DATES: 
20/21 June 2026

ENTRY FEE: 
$550 inc GST per team

SESSION TIMES: 
6:45am - 2:00pm

START ORDER:
Start position will be based on order of entry.  Session two is a chasing start based on scoreboard position at the conclusion of the prior session.

EVENT FORMAT: 
Teams event.  A team will consist of two anglers.  Anglers may choose their own teams.  

This event is being run 100% on the ABT Tournament Series App.   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:

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. The week before the Open you will be able to practice with it and make sure it works well on your smartphone.

Glory Photos from the app will be used in the live coverage and are a mandatory part of the event.

BRIEFING AND PRESENTATION:

The event briefing and final presentation will both be held at the Frenchville Sports Club. 

Frenchville Sports Club
105 Clifton Street
North Rockhampton QLD 4701, Queensland 4701

Pre-Event Briefing will be held on Friday of 19th of June.
Registration from 4pm
Briefing at 6pm. 
Following the briefing a sit-down dinner will be provided for anglers. 

Final presentation will be held on Sunday the 21st of June at 4pm. 

START & AFTERNOON CHECK IN LOCATION:

Anglers may launch for any of the ramps within the Rockhampton City reaches.  
All boats will start from one location in front of the North Rockhampton Boat Ramp. 
At the end of the session anglers will key-tag in and cross-check catches at the North Rockhampton Boat Ramp. 

EVENT COVERAGE:

AThe ABT media crew will be on the water across the sessions covering the event.  On-water coverage combined with the live scoreboard and photos coming through from teams will make for a great weekend of BARRA viewing for family and friends.  

Entry list current as at 16 June 2026