Shades Fishing News

Steve Cooper

THE biggest event on the anglers’ calendar this summer is the opening of Murray cod season in Victoria and NSW on Monday, December 1.

In terms of publicity and public involvement, the Murray cod opening has developed into a more anticipated event than the trout opening.

Cod stocks in Victoria’s northern rivers and lakes have gone from boiled sweets to chocolates.

The fishery is testament to the determination of Fisheries biologists in Victoria and NSW to renew Murray cod.

In many waters, the species has been brought back from the brink of extinction to a dominance it held when white settlers arrived.

Almost three months after cod season closed, most native fish anglers are starting to think about where they will be heading.

Some anglers will take the first week of December off work to chase cod because early season fishing can be excellent.

If you are planning a cod trip, now is a good time to find where the cod are, and which rivers and impoundments hold enough water, so you can decide where to go.

Long-term stocking in Lake Eildon in Victoria has seen hundreds of thousands of Murray cod released and anglers trolling large bibbed minnows down deep in the Delatite Arm can do well. Cod in excess of 25kg have been caught in this water.

Victoria’s Kerang Lakes have been stocked with cod. Lakes Boga, Charm and Kangaroo, and Middle Lake don’t hold monsters, but they do have legal size cod.

Victorian rivers to try include the lower Goulburn, Broken River (Benalla to Shepparton) and the Loddon River, above and below Bridgewater.

The Campaspe River from Elmore to Echuca has cod but is a small boat or bank fishing option.

Along the Murray River, there are many opportunities.

The Mitta Arm at Lake Hume (classed as Victorian water) and Lake Mulwala at Yarrawonga (classed as NSW water) produce good results.

Lake Mulwala is generally regarded as the most productive cod fishery in Australia in terms of numbers of cod caught.

Gunbower Creek, near Cohuna, produces cod as does another anabranch, the Little Murray River near Swan Hill.

The Murray River upstream of Swan Hill to Pental Island is a consistent stretch of water.

Alternatively, the Wakool River at Kyalite or the Edward River upstream of Kyalite fish well for cod early in the season.

Other places along the Murray worth trying are Boundary Bend and further downstream from Euston Weir to Wemen.

The Murrumbidgee River at Balranald, Maude and Hay has earned a reputation for producing good numbers of Murray cod early in the season.

Tackling up for cod isn’t difficult. Most bait fishers prefer 6-8kg threadline outfits.

To rig up, use a running sinker to a No. 2-4 straight hook or a 6/0 Suicide pattern. A leader of a minimum 15kg breaking strain should be used in case you hook into a big cod, which will wear through lighter leader material.

Best cod baits include bardi grubs, shrimp, yabbies and scrubworms. Cheese baits also do well.

Lure trollers tend to use baitcaster outfits, with a large difference between the rod rating and the line used.

The popular rod is rated for about 6kg but the reel will be spooled with 15kg breaking strain braid to stand the wear and tear of timber.

When using an outfit configured this way, set your drag on the reel to suit the rod, not the line - otherwise you may end up the owner of a two-piece rod.

The same outfit can be used for casting lures into snags.

When you attach your lure, use a loop knot as clips or snaps have a nasty habit of opening up at inopportune times - like when you are hooked up.

As a rule of thumb, the most productive early season lures are in bright or fluoro colours.

Successful cod lures include Stumpjumpers, Mongs, Halco Poltergeists and Scorpions, AC Invaders and Oargee, and spinnerbaits and mumblers like those produced by Bassman.

* Steve Cooper can be heard on the Casting Off program on Radio Sport927 between 4.30am and 6.30am on Saturdays.

Source : Weekly Times Now

Scientists say increasing numbers of Murray cod are dying in the lower reaches of the river.

A scientist at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Dr Qifeng Ye, has been monitoring Murray cod numbers since 2005.

Dr Ye says the increase in cod deaths this spring has been noticeable.

She says the drought and low water levels could be to blame.

“The number of Murray cod is pretty low that we collected, so we still need to think about an improved mechanism of efficient and cost-effective way of assessing the Murray cod abundancy in the lower Murray,” she said.

Source : ABC News

The boys at Rapid Release have put out another DVD to follow up their first ‘Cod Almighty’, aptly named ‘Cod Almighty 2′, you can view the trailer and purchase here.

The gang take on some mighty Murray Cod in this their second foray in video of some of the biggest catches I have seen. With great tips and full of knowledge, both these DVD videos are a must have for any keen Murray Cod fisherman, chasing the legend.

It’s fast paced action coupled with insider education that brings you up to speed for the day you hook onto that monster your always chasing. Some of the biggest fish caught on film, don’t miss out.

Murraymonsters forums have slowly been revamped and a great new updated look. If your after good discussion, great tips, and a supportive cod loving community look no further.
Be sure to say hi if you join!

A big crowd is expected to head to Wyangala Reservoir this weekend for the annual Grabine Fishing Tournament being staged over three days, starting today.

There is a stack of prizes on hand for Murray cod, silver perch, golden perch, catfish and carp and there will be a lucky draw for the main prize, a Brooker boat, motor and trailer worth $10,500. Total prizes exceed $20,000.

Plenty of camping is available and anglers can fish anywhere within the reservoir, currently at about 10 per cent capacity.

There will be strong emphasis on conservation fishing during the tournament. Anglers will be encouraged to weigh their fish alive and then release them as soon as possible.

There also will be a nice touch, with local NSW Police at the camping ground offering free breathalyser tests for drivers before they drive home. A great safety feature that will be much appreciated by responsible drivers.

Felt soles banned

Anglers heading to New Zealand on annual trout fishing trips should note there will be a ban on the use of felt sole boots in trout fishing waters that comes into force on October 1.

The ban is to assist in slowing the spread of a nasty form of algae known as Didymo, and other micro-organisms, and applies to all forms of shoes or boots with felt, matted or woven fibre material.

It will initially apply to all trout fishing areas except the Taupo fishing region but that is also expected to be banned.

In the South Island, Didymo grows in streams and lakes and covers the bottom of waterways with a stifling algal mat, but it is likely to spread unless preventative actions are taken.

Anglers returning to Australia can expect strict quarantine measures to be followed at airports, including washing and cleaning of all fishing gear by Australian Quarantine staff.

Jindabyne’s browns

The good news in the mountain lakes is that Jindabyne is producing some great fish in some easily accessible areas.

Angler Rory, who has just returned from a residential stint in Jindabyne, reported catching huge browns night after night on small soft plastics, from the shore, right in the middle of town.

He said the best times were half an hour before dark and half an hour afterwards and the fish ranged from 1.5kg to 5kg, Well worth a look.

The bad news is that a prominent illegal setliner is active at Eucumbene again.

In recent months, anglers have retrieved dozens of his illegal lines from the lake at Seven Gates and tossed them in the fire. Last weekend he was back, setting at least a dozen lines which other anglers found and burnt.

They said they would like authorities to check out a fellow driving a white Toyoya Hilux with a canvas canopy and who prominently displays a Queanbeyan City Council witch’s hat at his campsite.

Redfin at Googong

There have been reports of big redfin in local waters and it is obvious the fish are on the move as water temperatures increase.

Some big fat fish were caught on spinnerbaits and celta at Googong. Nathan Walker landed an absolute monster on a Jackal lure in the Molonglo River.

The fish are bulging with roe and are well worth pursuing from now on.

Mallacoota worthwhile

If you are looking for a bit of new water to fish, consider a trip to Mallacoota. It takes about four hours to drive from Canberra and in recent times has provided some superb fishing.

Canberra identity Jim Seears went there recently and despite some inclement weather he had a ball catching bream on soft plastics and hard-bodied lures.

The best of the bream were great fish, some of them up to 50cm and they were testing opponents on light tackle.

Jim tells me the man with all the local info on where to fish and what to use is ”Bob” at the local Ampol Service Station.

Bryan Pratt is a Canberra-based ecologist

Source: Canberra Times

The Murray Darling cod season closes between September 1 and November 30 each year to protect the native species during their breeding season.

NSW Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said the Murray cod were a prized catch of freshwater anglers. He said when the season reopened on December 1, fishermen should note that the minimum size of Murray cod would increase to 60 centimetres.

NSW Department of Primary Industries Manager Fisheries Compliance Glenn Tritton said the Murray crayfish season would also close on September 1 and reopen on May 1 next year.

It is important anglers are aware that the Murray cod breeding season is just days away.

The news of some sensational fishing arrived on the desk of Dubbo Catches from the massive Murray Cod heartland of NSW, Copeton Dam, on a bitter note this week.

Managers of Copeton Waters State Park reported that four ‘fish of a lifetime’ Murray Cod were caught recently, weighing 52, 56, 60 and 90 pounds.

Unfortunately, all were killed for either human consumption or trophy purposes, meaning the loss of vital breeding stock for the upcoming breeding season.

The Murray cod has relatively low fertility compared to many other freshwater fish. Egg counts range from less than 10,000 eggs for a barely mature female to approximately 90,000 eggs for females about the 22kg mark. Large female Murray Cod in the 15 to 25kg range and “in their prime” are perhaps the most important breeders because they produce the most eggs and are also more experienced breeders that display optimal breeding behaviours.

Macquarie River

With spring officially only days away local anglers are expecting fishing to heat up in the Dubbo district along with the weather in the coming days.

Graeme and Nick Powel of Narromine enjoyed the superb weather at the weekend flicking lures on their local waterway.

Graeme reported that the cod didn’t start actively hitting lures until well into the afternoon, and were found in the faster-moving deep water. Six fish came to the bank between Graeme and Nick, with the average size about the 50cm mark.

Water temperatures rose between one and two degrees in the late afternoon sunshine, which could explain the feeding frenzy late in the day. Thanks to Graeme and Nick for their report.

Mick Coad, Brett Kleppe, Neil Duncan and I put in a solid day’s fishing at Trangie Ski Gardens on Sunday.

Casting hard-bodied lures, cod-botherors and spinnerbaits among snags complete with evidence of heavily worked waters saw just the one cod come to the boat at about 3.30pm after it decided to gulp a 75mm Oar Gee Plow in fluorescent green and black.

Jason Walters also wet a line over at Warren and picked up two Murrays casting spinnerbaits around structure. The fish went between 40 and 50cm on the brag mat and were caught during an early morning session.

Barwon River

Matt Campbell from Explore Outdoors enjoyed a week’s fishing on the Barwon River at Walgett with Dave, Graeme and Greg Campbell, Brett Owens and Jay Williamson.

Cod of about the 40 to 50 cm mark were actively taking baited lines with yellowbelly to 45cm providing plenty of fun on light gear. Hard-bodied lures, spinnerbaits and Jackall Mask Vibes cast at structure worked well in the dirty water.

Garden Hotel Fishing Club

The Garden Hotel Fishing Club enjoyed a trip out to Trangie Ski Gardens at the weekend with about 30 members and friends in attendance.

The brilliant team of cooks put a feed on the table that would put most restaurants to shame.

Nick Doran, Jamie Kennedy and Leigh McKeown hauled in the first fish which unfortunately turned out to be a nine pound mud marlin.

All in all fishing was slow with just a couple of small cod about, but a great time was had by all none the less.

Swain Reefs

Michael Coward dropped in a report of a recent trip to Swain Reefs aboard Australiana, along with an impressive photo of Greg McCann with a 12kg Coral Trout. The fish was caught on bait in 60 metres of water, and was put back in the drink to hopefully breed more trophy fish of this calibre.

The skipper noted it was the biggest trout he had seen come aboard. Mike reported a windy trip but still managed some decent fish with plenty of trout, sweetlip and a few mackies coming over the rail. For their efforts Mike and Greg pick up a Jaz Lures Prize Pack, including a selection of spinnerbaits, lipless crank baits, and hard-bodied lures.

Restocking Initiative

Rocla Rural Products this week donated a five-metre Rocla Square line 450 litre trough, complete with concrete valve cover, to the restocking initiative raising $400 for the purchase of native fish fingerlings.

Thanks very much to Greg and all the team at Rocla Rural Products.

Any local businesses who would like to contribute a product or donate to the initiative please contact Dubbo Catches.

Source : Dubbo Daily Liberal

The Riverland’s murray cod task force has welcomed an extension of the murray cod closed season.

The Department of Primary Industries and Resources changed the start date of the season from September to August 1 in an effort to preserve cod numbers.

The minimum size of the cod has also been extended by 10 centimetres and the cod boat limit has been reduced from six to three.

Peter Teakle from the task force says recreational fishermen must support the changes.

“The fishery must be available for our kids in the future and their children, so we don’t want to over-exploit the recreational take of native fish,” he said.

“We must be very responsible for the take of our native fish stocks.”

Source: ABC News

Controls on fishing for Murray cod in South Australia have been tightened to ensure the long-term future of the species.

Fisheries Minister Rory McEwen said the closed season for taking cod from the river would be extended by one month and bag and size limits would also be changed.

Under the new regulations Murray cod may not be taken between August 1 and December 31 each year.

The daily bag limit for each fisher will be reduced from two to one, while the boat limit will be cut from six to three.

The minimum size for legal cod will be increased from 50 centimetres to 60 cm.

Mr McEwen said recent research pointed to a lack of cod in the South Australian section of the Murray, as a result of low water flows and reduced turbidity because of the drought.

“It’s important that the current size of the Murray cod population is maintained to ensure that spawning success and recruitment to the fishery can occur when there are improved river flows and enhanced habitat conditions,” the minister said.

Source: The Independent Weekly

THE old rule of thumb for Murray cod was that the fish were best sought when the water temperature was up, and this meant summer.

Many anglers, working on the theory that you wouldn’t catch cod in winter, put away their fishing tackle and went chasing trout in lakes or bream or salmon in the surf.

The reality is that while you may not catch as many Murray cod in winter, those that you do hook will be bigger.

The critical issue for Murray cod is not so much water temperature as water levels. Cod come on the bite better when the water level is rising.

The best fishing often happens the day before the rise reaches the stretch of river being fished.

This fact was brought home to me again this week when Murray River cod guru Rod Mackenzie emailed me a picture of his latest catch, a cod of about 35kg caught near Mildura.

He isn’t the only angler doing well. Others have been taking reasonable numbers of large cod near Robinvale.

About three years ago, I was involved in a cod session on the Murray River near Wentworth. More than a dozen cod to about 30kg were caught, and there were no fish under 12kg.

The fishing was slow, given the time spent on the water, but it takes only one big cod to make a trip worthwhile.

At this time of year, many big cod are caught close to where small creeks and drains flow into the river.

The Murray cod doesn’t move at a great rate of knots and is an ambush predator.

Big cod take cover in snags and submerged timber, below overhanging trees or along rockbars. The fish hover almost motionless as they wait for a meal to swim past.

When this happens, cod open their mouths and inhale their victims. Known as implosion feeding, on still days or nights you will sometimes hear the “boofing” sound, like a shotgun firing, when a big cod’s gills slap shut as it exhales water inhaled with the unfortunate meal.

Winter cod are best sought with lures, either trolled or cast. Slow-trolling big lures or wide-body lures and working spinnerbaits or mumblers through snags are all productive methods.

An 8kg baitcaster outfit spooled with 15kg breaking strain braid will cover most lure applications. When rigging it is important to use a hard-wearing leader material of about 24kg breaking strain.

LURES

Many anglers have taken to working spinnerbaits and the similar mumbler lures.

The method is to cast the lure into a likely snag and retrieve it slowly through or alongside the timber.

The advantage of this type of lure is that you are less likely to hang up on timber. If you do, tighten the line and pull it as if you were loading a bow, and then let it go.

The subsequent shockwave down the braid will sometimes push the lure free.

A few successful trolling lures include the Stumpjumper, Halco Poltergeist and Predatek Boomerang.

When trolling lures, it is important to keep them close to the riverbed. Work braid lines of about 15kg and a nylon leader to act as a shock absorber to stop the hooks pulling out when you get a strike.

Trolling success comes by working lures close to snags. A benefit of braid lines is that you can feel when your lure is bouncing over submerged logs.

To avoid snagging, free spool quickly to allow the lure to rise, and then put the reel back in gear and the lure will dive down again.

Steve Cooper can be heard on the Casting Off program on Radio Sport927 between 4.30am and 6.30am on Saturdays.

Source : Herald Sun