Swan Reach local Brett “Big Burk” has turned his lifelong love for fishing into a growing online community through his YouTube channel, Burko’s Fishing Adventures.
With more than 1200 subscribers and 327 videos, Burko has built a loyal following of fishing enthusiasts across Australia, the USA and the UK.
Burko, 51, grew up in Melbourne and developed his love for fishing through childhood trips to Lakes Entrance with his father.
Some of his fondest memories include early morning drives to the Tambo River, where he recalls catching up to 30 bream in an hour.
After moving from Ferntree Gully to Swan Reach in 2018 with his wife and son, Mitchell, Burko started his YouTube channel as a way to recover from an ankle injury and encourage his son to explore the outdoors.
Although Mitchell, now 19, no longer joins him due to his ADHD, OCD, and autism, the channel has grown into a thriving platform where Burko shares his fishing experiences and interacts with fellow anglers.
Burko’s first-ever live stream aired on March 24, 2018, from the Swan Reach Bridge.
The three-minute video had no followers, but his dedication and passion have since attracted a strong community. His channel recently achieved full monetisation, marking a major milestone in his journey as a content creator.
Unlike many social media influencers, Burko remains exclusive to YouTube.
With around 20 moderators – 10 of whom are close mates – he ensures a positive and interactive environment free from online trolls. His Saturday night Q&A sessions have become a staple, allowing subscribers to connect with him in real time.
Burko’s fishing style and techniques
Burko is a dedicated bait fisherman, preferring natural bait over lures. His go-to rig setup includes braid with a running sinker down to a 1/0 or size two hook, tied with a double uni-knot.
While he owns a 4.2m tinny, he prefers shore fishing.
Unfortunately, due to his injury, he is unable to engage in his favourite style – beach fishing.
His dream fishing location is Exmouth, WA, but his favourite spots remain along the South East Coast, particularly Eden and Bermagui.
The biggest fish he has landed is a one-metre gummy shark at Somers Beach in Victoria – unexpectedly caught on a rig set up for Whiting.
His personal best (PB) bream is 45cm, but he continues to chase the elusive 50cm mark using bait.
Burko is also a strong advocate for ethical fishing practices. He primarily follows catch-and-release methods, keeping only enough fish for a meal while strictly adhering to “catch and kill” policies for invasive species like carp.
Burko also advocates for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and his greatest wish is to encourage people with mental health issues is to reach out to the many available online help centres.
Locally, the fishing industry has seen positive change with the cessation of netting in the Lake, but challenges remain.
Burko has voiced concerns over too many anglers taking undersized fish.
With bream taking approximately 10 years to reach 28cm, overfishing threatens the sustainability of fish populations.
Additionally, government cuts to Fisheries mean fewer officers are available to enforce regulations, exacerbating the issue.
Another major concern is pollution, particularly discarded fishing lines, which harm the environment.
Burko encourages all anglers to clean up after themselves and respect local ecosystems.
Advice for aspiring anglers
For those looking to start fishing, Burko recommends purchasing a basic combo setup without overspending. He advises newcomers to consult experienced anglers, research the local fish species and their habitats, and – most importantly – get out there and enjoy the experience.
Burko’s channel has become more than just a platform for fishing tips – it’s a community. Whether he’s sharing a new adventure, offering fishing advice, or engaging with subscribers in a live Q&A, Burko signs off each video with his signature phrases: “It’s a STONKA!” (for a big fish), “Tight Lines!” (as a greeting or farewell), and “See ya on my next adventure!”
For fishing enthusiasts looking for an engaging and knowledgeable guide, Burko’s Fishing Adventures is a must-follow. Check out his channel on YouTube and join his growing community of anglers.
If you, or someone you know is dealing with mental health issues, contact Lifeline, Mensline or Headspace.
