Now Taree angler Brian Everingham is already planning his title defence after taking out the Bass Cat BASS Pro grand final fished on the Coraki on the Richmond River in Northern NSW.

Everingham, 43, won the championship by the closest possible margin – just 10 grams, following the two day decider, when he produced a 3.37kg limit to the scales in the final session to clinch the title. 

He admits the final weigh-in was ‘pretty tense’ with little between the final top three anglers.

“I was in third place after the second session,’’ he explained.

“And I knew it was going to be close at the end.’’

Everingham admits his nerves were tested as the weigh-in drew to a conclusion before it was confirmed he was the new champion. In the end just 80 grams separated the top three.

He’s been fishing in bass tournaments ‘off and on’ for the past 15 years. The finalists are decided on results from six preliminary rounds held through the year. The top 33 boat anglers qualify for the big dance. However, Everingham has been able to give the competition more attention in recent times.

“It’s only been in the last two years that I’ve fished the lot of the rounds,’’ he said.

“The kids are in high school now, so I don’t have to worry about them as much, so I’ve concentrated on the tournaments.’’

He described fishing the final as a ‘grind.’

“I tried to get one fish an hour, but it was tough going,’’ he said.

He has fished the Richmond in the past.

“But I’m still getting to know the place,’’ he added.

The six rounds are split between fishing dams and river systems. Everingham said the rivers are his preferred places. He qualified for the final in ninth place.

Everingham has been fishing since he was a lad but said he doesn’t have as much time these days for social fishing as he put all his energies into the bass rounds. He also occasionally dabbles in the bream fishing tournaments.

His new Bass Cat Margay powered is by a Mercury Pro XS 115hp outboard and takes pride of place at his home. However, it hasn’t made it to the water yet.

“There are a couple of modifications I want to make on it first,’’ the new Australian champion said.

He’s super-keen for the 2018 championship to start to defend his crown.

“They’ll be releasing the calendar in the next month or so. I’ll start to prepare for next year then,’’ he said.