New South Wales angler Greg Crebert put on a masterclass at round one of the 2026 Hobie Kayak Series at the Bemm River, leading from start to finish with a six-fish total of 6.14 kilograms — almost a kilogram ahead of his twin brother David (5.17kg).
East Gippsland’s Leon Leong impressed in just his second year in the series, finishing third with 4.94kg in a field of 89 competitors. Bairnsdale’s Ruth Beeby made a triumphant return after a serious ankle injury, claiming the women’s title with 4.30kg and finishing ninth overall.
The Lakes Entrance father-and-son duo, Steven (4.30kg) and Lindsay Pryke (4.23kg), once again showed their local prowess, placing 10th and 11th, while Nicholson Angling Club’s Nikki Bryant had a strong day one to sit in the top five before dropping to 62nd after day two. The biggest fish of the tournament — a massive 1.15kg specimen — was landed by New South Wales angler Cameron Cole.
Youth angler Riley Whelan claimed the junior division with 2.62kg, while New South Wales veteran Patrick Byrne topped the veterans’ division and finished eighth overall with 4.33kg.
Day one delivered postcard conditions, though the bite was selective, testing anglers’ skill, strategy and patience. A total of 216 fish weighing 126.57kg were landed, with Crebert’s three-fish bag alone tipping the scales at 2.97kg.
Day two brought overcast skies and blustery conditions, pushing competitors to adapt. Those who unlocked the fishing pattern improved their standings, contributing to a total of 225 fish weighed at 143.28kg and highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of the field.
