The quiet waterways of Marlo are set to come alive in early May as the Vic Bream Classic rolls back into town, bringing with it a wave of anticipation, competition, and community spirit.
Round two of the 2026 series will be held on May 2–3, with anglers from across Victoria and beyond expected to descend on the coastal village in pursuit of one of sportfishing’s most sought-after prizes — a winning bag of black bream.
Now in its 21st year, the Vic Bream Classic has grown into one of the state’s premier catch-and-release fishing series, blending high-level competition with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The season opened in late March at Metung, where Melbourne father-and-son duo Brad and Cooper Hodges set the tone with a commanding performance, landing a record 14.030-kilogram haul of 10 bream across two days.
That result has only heightened expectations heading into Marlo — a venue widely regarded as one of the crown jewels of the circuit. Known for producing some of the biggest black bream in the country, the system regularly teases anglers with the possibility of a “magic” six-kilogram bag from just five fish — a benchmark that keeps competitors coming back year after year.
There is already a sense that conditions could favour big catches, with reports suggesting the bream stocks this season are in exceptional condition. For seasoned competitors and newcomers alike, Marlo offers both opportunity and challenge in equal measure.
Beyond the competition itself, the event delivers a significant boost to the local community, as visiting anglers and their families settle in for the weekend. For many, it marks the beginning of an annual pilgrimage — a chance to combine serious fishing with time away, often returning year after year to the region’s laid-back charm.
Part of the enduring appeal of the Vic Bream Classic lies in its accessibility. The team-based format allows anglers to fish alongside a partner of their choosing — whether that be a parent, child, sibling, or close friend. Junior anglers are actively encouraged, with provisions allowing younger participants to join teams and gain firsthand experience on the water.
Competition rules are straightforward but demanding. Teams fish using lures, fly, or soft plastics, aiming to present a live bag of five legal-sized bream at the end of each day. The combined weight across the two days determines the winner, placing a premium on consistency, strategy, and local knowledge.
For those new to the sport, the series also serves as a learning ground. With some of the country’s most skilled bream anglers in attendance, the weekend offers a rare opportunity to observe techniques, discuss tactics, and refine skills — often accelerating a newcomer’s development in a matter of days.
While the stakes on the water remain high, the atmosphere off it is just as important. The Vic Bream Classic has, over two decades, built a reputation for camaraderie as much as competition.
Lifelong friendships are forged between teams who travel the circuit together, sharing stories, advice, and the occasional tale of the one that got away.
As the countdown to May begins, Marlo is once again preparing to host not just a fishing tournament, but a celebration of angling culture — where big fish, big
stories, and a strong sense of community go hand in hand.
