Click here for 2026 Shimano Flathead Australian Open Entry Form - entries open at 9am on Monday 29th June 2026.

Click here for 2026 Shimano Flathead Australian Open Rules.

DATES:

31st Oct / 1st November 2026

VENUE:
Lake Macquarie, NSW

START LOCATION:
Boats may launch from any ramp within the arena. 
Boat check out in the morning will be from dock at Wangi Point Reserve. 


SESSION TIMES:
Saturday 31st October: 6:30am to 1:00pm
Sunday 1st November; 6:30am to 1:00pm

ENTRY FEE:

$350 inc GST per team

EVENT FORMAT:

Teams of 2 where both anglers are over the age 12 and at least one of the anglers is over the age of 18.   
Teams may have third angler where the angler is under the age of 12. 

This event is being run on the ABT Tournament Series App.  Captures to be submitted via the App using the supplied Brag Mat and daily token. 

PRE FISH BAN:

No fishing from sunset on Sunday 25th October to first light on Friday 30th October 2026.

PRE FISH:

From first light, Friday 30th October 2026.

EVENT BRIEFING:

All teams will be sent a link to an online briefing on Monday the 26th of October which will include a quiz to confirm you have read and understood the rules.  At least one member from each team will need to have completed the quiz to be able to register and collect your team kit for the event. 

EVENT REGISTRATION:

Friday 30th October 2026
3pm - 7pm 
Hot Tackle - Morisset
Unit 1/18 Gateway Blvd, Morisset NSW 2264

Teams will be required to register and collect their team packs including event specific brag mat and present a valid NSW Fishing Licence for each team member.  Teams may visit Hot Tackle at any time within the 3pm-7pm registration window. 

PRESENTATION:

Sunday 1st November 2026
Wangi RSL Club
275 Watkins Rd Wangi Wangi, NSW 2267
2:30pm
Finger food will be supplied.  Anglers may purchase drinks from the bar. 
 

FORMAT:

The 2026 Shimano Flathead Australian Open will be run 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 event coverage.  It is mandatory for all teams to supply glory photos for catches that form part of their final bag. 

RULES

• Full, detailed rules for the 2026 Shimano Flathead Australian Open can be found by clicking here. 
• This event is 100% app based - run on the ABT Tournament Series App.
• 5 fish bag limit per angler per session.