Fishing Tales

New season – New tactics Before you get too excited about what’s biting where, when, what and how, keep in mind us fishing journos are doing no more than pretending to be fortune tellers, guessing at what’s going to happen in the future. The beauty of our “guessing” is we have a bit of experience on our side. That said, as a Cod specific writer this is the hardest report of the year to write as you the reader are looking for up to date info, especially as we enter a new Cod season. Unfortunately, as the ink dries on this report it’s only hours until we can go Cod fishing once again. Looking at the new season, it’s going to be interesting to see how the Murray Cod act as they have seen minimal fishing pressure over the past 18 months thanks to Covid. The main problem we are going to run into at “The Home of the Murray Cod” – Lake Mulwala is the ever-increasing amount of weed that’s slowly taking over the shallower sections of the lake. Your traditional shallow water fishing skills (1-3meters) will have to be re-honed on methods that target the deeper, less weeded up sections. Swim baits, plastics or the personal favorite the Mumbler / Chatterbait are a good “sinking” option to target Cod in deeper water. Hard bodies will go well trolled in the deeper sections while the good old spinner bait is always a top option regardless of water depth. Fishing over the top of weed beds with any type of surface lure will come into its own as we get into the warmer months. This is by far the most exciting way to temp a Cod or two and should be high on your preferences if you have not attempted it before. Low light periods, morning or evening are your prime times. Do not discount throwing around top water lures if you get some decent cloud cover also. Fishing below the weir early in the season generally produces plenty of undersize Murray cod, the protected Trout cod and the fun to catch Silver Perch. Throw in numerous Carp and good numbers of Yella’s, the Murray is more often than not, a better option for the family if they are looking to put the kids onto a fish or two. Looking back, November provided a bit of action, mainly for the local kids fishing at the Train Bridge and around the mouth of the Mulwala Canal. Lake Mulwala Fish Camp Ski star employee Ryan McMaster had an unlikely experience while fishing the Mul Canal for Yellas. Upon hooking a 45cm+ Yella on a ZX40 blade / 8lb line / 1-2kg spin rod his fish was devoured by a monster Murray Cod. After a 20-minute battle Ryan landed both fish. A quick measurement of the Cod stretched the tape out to a mighty 113cms. Unable to pry the Yella from its mouth, it was released along with his lure inside the Yellas gob! I welcome all anglers visiting Yarrawonga / Mulwala for the Cod Classic. I urge you to pop in and say hello at Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski – the official Cod Classic store and the only local store who supports YOU through its involvement with the event. Find Fish Camp Ski opposite the Mulwala Post Office or located between Rivers and One Zac in the main street, Yarrawonga. We are your local tackle specialists and specialise in all things “Green”. I’m sure we can put you onto a fish or two and make your visit to the region a rewarding and memorable one. I wish everybody all the best for the upcoming season. May all your Cod be big and green!