2026 Shimano Flathead Australian Open | Runner’s Up Interview with Team ‘Grumpy Old Men’

They might be called the Grumpy Old Men, but Adam Hurlings and James Read had plenty to smile about after claiming second place at the inaugural Shimano Flathead Australian Open at Lake Macquarie, NSW! After storming into the lead on Day One with a massive 88cm dusky flathead, Team Grumpy Old Men looked like the team to beat heading into the final session. Their opening-day bag of just four fish weighed an impressive 7.876kg, with James's monster flathead proving that quality can be just as important as quantity! But tournament fishing is never that simple. Day Two delivered a tougher bite, with the boys managing three fish, including an early 64cm flathead. Despite sticking to their big-fish strategy, they couldn't quite hold off the charge from eventual champions Team Crumpet Hunters. The result? Second place, $2,000 in prize money and a $500 Hot Tackle voucher for their Day One monster! In this interview with ABT's Steve Morgan, Adam and James reveal: How they found their tournament-changing 88cm flathead in six metres of water. Why a five-inch Berkley Gulp! Shrimp was the key to their biggest fish. Their strategy of targeting trophy flathead rather than simply chasing a five-fish limit. The rods, reels, braid and leaders they trusted throughout the tournament. How they reacted when they discovered Team Crumpet Hunters had landed another monster on the final day. Why they'd encourage anyone to have a crack at an ABT Flathead tournament. With 24 teams competing across two days on beautiful Lake Macquarie, the inaugural Shimano Flathead Australian Open delivered plenty of big fish, exciting moments and great stories. And while the Grumpy Old Men didn't quite take home the championship trophy, they certainly proved they know how to find the big girls!