Brendon Hogg
From his early days on the Iron Pot Wharf in Napier to wrestling Makos from a kayak, Brendon ‘Krakka Yakkas’ Hogg lives for the "buckle." As part of the Black Magic Tackle Pro Team, Brendon brings a lifetime of Trans-Tasman experience to the crew. Whether he’s hunting trophy Gummy Sharks in Western Port or pushing the limits offshore on his Jet Ski, his approach is fueled by adrenaline and technical precision. A firm believer in the reliability of KLT® hooks, Brendon is a dedicated fisho always on the hunt for his next big PB.
HOW DID YOU GET HOOKED ON FISHING?
Brendon: It all started at the Iron Pot Wharf in Napier, NZ. I was four years old, standing there with my Granddad chasing Yellow Eyed Mullet. The best part? We’d take our catch down to the local aquarium to feed the fish and they’d give us free entry! As a young fella, that was the ultimate reward. When I wasn’t at the wharf, my brother, mates, and I were usually found waist-deep in the creek next to primary school, wrestling eels. I’ve had the itch ever since.
SHARE A STANDOUT FISHING MEMORY WITH US.
Brendon: It’s hard to beat the adrenaline of a kayak hook-up with a Mako Shark. Spotting that fin offshore and knowing exactly what’s about to go down is a rush like no other. I remember frantically rigging a steel trace, loading it with as much bait as I could, and just waiting for that explosive strike. When that reel starts screaming and you’re sitting at water level with a shark, your blood starts pumping!
WHERE’S YOUR TRADING POST? TELL US ABOUTYOUR HOME WATERS.
Brendon: For me, it’s all about the Western Entrance of Western Port, Victoria. It’s a legendary stretch of water. You’ve got giant Squid, thumping King George Whiting, and solid Snapper. But the real drawcard? The big Gummy Sharks. There is nothing like tangling with a heavy Gummy from the Kayak or JetSki in those Western Port currents—it’s world-class sport fishing right on the doorstep.
WHAT DRIVES THE PASSION?
Brendon: Pure adrenaline. There’s the love of fresh seafood, of course, but nothing beats the sight of a rod fully buckled over and the chase to better your PB every single time you launch. Plus, you can't beat those glass-out sunrises and sunsets; being on the water is where I’m most at home.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO STYLE AND TECHNIQUE?
Brendon: I’m a bait fisherman at heart when it comes to Gummy Sharks and Snapper—I live for the sound of a drag tearing off! But I love the variety. There’s something special about fishing light gear in just one metreof water for big Whiting; you must be clinical. I also love the "search and destroy" mission of casting jigs for Squid—ripping cast after cast,waiting for that sudden, heavy weight of a squid grabbing hold. It’s addictive.
WHY BLACK MAGIC TACKLE? WHAT’S IN YOURKIT?
Brendon: Confidence. You have to trust what you’re pinning your bait on, and for me, that’s KLT® hooks. I’ve never had one fail onme, even under massive pressure. For the smaller stuff, the Mini Pillie Whiting Snatchers are a weapon, and the Banana Smash Snapper Snacks are a must-have in the tackle box. And of course, I never hitthe water without my lucky Black Magic cap—it’s seen some serious fish!
WHAT’S ON THE HIT LIST FOR THE NEXT 12MONTHS?
Brendon: I’m chasing PBs across the board. The big goalis to land a Bluefin Tuna from both the Kayak and the JetSki. I’m also on thehunt for the "Double 50"—a 50cm Squid hood and a 50cm King George Whiting. Tournament-wise, I’m aiming for a Top 10 finish in both the Western Port Whiting Challenge and the Bay To Bay Snapper Challenge.
THE ULTIMATE FISHING DREAM?
Brendon: A blue calm, 30-degree day offshore on the Yak or Ski, leaning into a 30kg Bluefin or a trophy Kingfish. Ending the day by heading home to prep a massive seafood feast for the friends and family—that’s the dream right there.
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEWBIES?
Brendon: Master the basics first. Learn how to bait your hooks properly so they actually stay on when the pickers are around and learn how toread the weather—it makes the difference between a miserable day and a cracker. Don’t be afraid to explore and find your own "secret" spots. Most importantly: never give up. Keep the lines wet, keep trying, and the fish will come!
