General News
9 December, 2024
Cod bonanza time: season underway
THE BATTLE is on for the mighty Murray cod with the beginning of the season last weekend. The Loddon River is one of the key spots in Victoria for catching the cod, with Bridgewater an especially popular fishing location. Members of the Kyneton...
THE BATTLE is on for the mighty Murray cod with the beginning of the season last weekend.
The Loddon River is one of the key spots in Victoria for catching the cod, with Bridgewater an especially popular fishing location.
Members of the Kyneton Angling Club will hold their annual cod season opening camp on the river at Salisbury West this weekend.
Wedderburn’s Steve Giorlando is one of the keenest anglers at Bridgewater during cod season.
Steve said he often fished at night and his biggest catch had been a 110cm giant, which he released back into the river.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said the Loddon River and other freshwater spots provided terrific fishing opportunities after the three-month closed season which allowed the cod to breed.
“These waters are go-to spots for families, with riverfront camping spots at a premium, caravan parks packed, people eating at local pubs and cafes, filling up and buying bait at service stations and enjoying all that regional Victoria has to offer,” he said.
“We’ve stocked more fish than all other Australian states and territories combined, including more than three million Murray cod each year thanks to the Victorian Government’s Go Fishing and Boating Plan, to make sure events like cod opening are circled in people’s calendars.
Mr Dowling said Murray cod could be caught on relatively simple gear and were often found among woody habitat such as submerged logs and fallen trees. “Cod are readily caught on lures like StumpJumpers and spinnerbaits, cast from a boat or the shore. Alternatively, bait fishers enjoy success using yabbies, bardi grubs, worms or just a bit of cheese or chicken,” he said.
“Persistence and patience are the keys to success when chasing Murray cod, whatever method of fishing you choose to tempt them. Our fisheries officers will be out across northern Victoria helping people care for their catch with the right handling techniques and ensuring anglers let fish go that are outside the 55 to 75cm slot limit.”