After 12 gruelling events, three seasons of commitment and more than 21,000km of travel, Nick Brown finally tasted sweet success on the ABT Bass scene.
The Shepparton angler claimed his maiden BASS Pro Series event earlier this month at Lake Glenmaggie when he prevailed in the non-boater category.
Brown finished with a total bag limit of 2.592kg from the two-day competition, with his heaviest bass weighing a whopping 1.264kg and measuring 40.5cm — the biggest in his category and fourth biggest overall.
Following hours of dedication and commitment, Brown said there was a sense of relief to break through for his maiden tournament win.
“It’s just good to finally get a win. To win one out of 12 attempts is massive and it makes all of the long hours on the road, the money, the time, all of it, worth it,” he said.
“I’ve had five top-10 finishes, one runner-up finish and I’ve driven more than 17,000km ... the kids are getting older and it’s getting harder to compete.
“It’s a pretty special feeling.”
Using his NOIKE Kaishin Blade rod and adopting a slow roll method with a diving lure between a depth of 6-10ft around snags, Brown began the event in scintillating fashion.
Brown landed his two heaviest bass on the opening day and surged ahead to a commanding lead — one that surprised himself.
“I went into the event with the worst attitude and mindset. My two best rods ended up between my car door,” Brown said on reflection.
“But I got off to a real good start and my mindset changed, I thought ‘far out, I could win this thing’.
“I headed into the final day with a pretty good lead and had pressure coming from other people saying ‘don’t let this one slip’ and a few other things. My plan was to keep things simple. Just catch three fish no matter how big or heavy and hopefully it would be enough.”
Brown’s win at Lake Glenmaggie hands him automatic qualification for the grand final later this year in Queensland.
What made the win that extra bit special for Brown was the company he was with during the two-day event.
Brown partnered up with friend and the nation’s best bass angler Matt Langford.
The pair practice fish at every tournament and Brown’s son Nate helps draw a map of every location to assist the two anglers.
Langford capped a memorable weekend with a bag weight of 6.172kg in the boater category which handed him victory.
“Matt is one of the best in the country at what he does,” Brown said.
“It was special to share that win with him.
“Big shout out to my supporters, Trellys, Shepparton Fence & Gates, Miller Rods, Bassman Spinnerbaits, Hot Bite, Vic Fishing Monthly Magazine, Dizzy Scent and Tonic Eyewear for everything.”
Fellow Goulburn Valley fisherman Nelson Rouw enjoyed a strong showing at Glenmaggie and finished seventh overall in the non-boater category.