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Murray Cod Basics

Dave Brace

With the Murray cod season re-opening from the 1st of December, after they have completed their spawning rituals, it only seems fitting to share some information on what lures, techniques and equipment could be useful to the novice who hasn't experienced the euphoria that surrounds targeting these iconic Australian species.

A species endemic west of the Great Dividing Range within the Murray Darling Basin, these fish are Australia's largest freshwater species. Generally adult female fish will grow to between 80 and 100cm in length, however records have proven that they can grow to an astounding 1.8 metres in length and can weigh in excess of 110kg. Catching larger breeding fish these days is a rarity, due to various factors, so there is an emphasis on releasing these fish back into their natural environment after a few happy snaps to remember that momentous occasion. This is paramount for their survival.

NEW REGULATIONS

The New South Wales and Victorian Fisheries have recognised the importance of nurturing their existence and new regulations have been implemented and will be enforced from the 1st of December 2014 regarding the upper and lower size and take limits of Murray Cod. Be mindful also that these new regulations are also imposed on the river systems that are the QLD/NSW border and that you are also required to obtain a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence when fishing these same stretches of water.

RODS, REELS, LINE & KNOTS

Although these fish can be caught on lighter gear, using rated equipment large enough for when that superior fish strikes is recommended. A 6-10kg spin or baitcasting rod, with a reel that acquires approximately 7kg of drag pressure to pull these belligerent fish to a standstill, will be more than sufficient. When choosing a line to spool your reels for the new season, Platypus's new range of Platinum Plus Braid in 20 or 30lb would be best suited for this application. This new line has been manufactured using a unique braiding process whereby the PE fibres have been woven closer together, which has not only decreased the diameter size, but has enhanced the strength by up to 25%. It is also recommended to use a leader with high abrasion resistant qualities. A 50-100cm length of 40lb fluorocarbon Stealth Leader is suggested to be attached to the mainline.

There are several knots that I have personally tried and tested over time whilst targeting various species and there is one thing for certain that I have learnt and that is that all knots are not the same. Having self-assurance in the types of knots you use, where it is used and how it is tied is something that shouldn't be taken lightly and is somewhat overlooked as being important. After all these are the small links that could possibly keep you connected to that fish of a lifetime... or not.

Be vigilant in checking your knots throughout the session. Don't be complacent, check your line for abrasion and be sure to retie these knots if you think they'll jeopardise you landing more fish. When joining the main braided line to the leader I advocate an Improved Albright knot to be used. The Improved Albright knot once tied correctly is a slim knot that has incredible strength and won't let you down.

Once you begin to use leader strengths of a thicker diameter, 40lb or higher, a Centauri knot is preferred to attach lures such as spinnerbaits to your leader line. The only other knot worthy of mentioning is a loop knot, which is used for attaching jigheads rigged with soft plastic lures for instance. This allows the lure to be swum more freely, ascetically replicating a real life baitfish.

SPINNERBAIT LURES

While many different lures can be used for targeting this particular species, pursuing them in the very heavily laden timber and rocky environments where they live can be problematic. Using TT Lures wide range of spinnerbaits minimises any concern of lures being snagged or fouled. They are an insanely productive and effective tool to utilise and are a fantastic fish attractant. In issue #8 of the Tackle Tactics Fishing Magazine I covered the attributes of the Vortex, Striker and Tornado range of spinnerbaits.

TT have released their FroggerZ Jnr and FroggerZ Snr spinnerbait ranges, which are an equally potent lure. These lures are constructed using a heavy duty wire frame, equipped with a heavy gauge chemically sharpened hook and fitted with quality silicone skirts. Exceptional quality hardware, such as ball bearing swivels and gold and nickel plated double Colorado blades are fitted as standard, allowing the lure to radiate vibrational characteristics for maximum attraction. As the name suggests, the lure replicates a frog and takes on the amphibian's appearance due to the lures moulded frog-shaped head and ZMan's FrogZ trailers, which amplify the spinnerbaits profiled shape. The FroggerZ range comes in a variety of colours and in three sizes at present, with the two junior models weighing 3/8oz and 1/2oz and the senior model being 3/4oz, which is perfect for luring those larger fish in deeper water.

WHERE, HOW & WHEN

Working on the theory that spinnerbaits will be utilised, there are many techniques that can be implemented to attract these fish, however the closer you can project your lure to the structure where the fish wait in an ambush mode, the more likely that you'll be successful. Vary your retrieval of the lure, from a slow rolling retrieval pattern, to burn and killing the lure with short pauses in between, allowing the lure to flutter amongst the labyrinth of timber.

If you require the lure to be swum higher in the water column raise your rod tip whilst winding. This will allow the lure to be swum closer to the surface. Don't be shy in permitting the lure to hit the submerged structure within the intertwined maze of branches. The lure will glide over the snags, dragging the settled sediment with it and leaving a trail for the fish to follow.

Read the water, targeting eddies and backwaters; water flowing in the opposing direction of the main flow of the river, especially adjacent to structure along the timber lined banks. There is also a perception that Murray cod are only caught in deeper holes, however this is only a myth. Targeting these fish at night on a new moon, in less than half a metre of water, is unbelievably exciting and entertaining as they hunt away from their lairs in more open water and within less structured areas, feeding on small crustaceans such as shrimp and yabbies in the cover of darkness.

Now that you are equipped with some knowledge to set yourself up for the upcoming Murray cod season, I hope that you experience that adrenaline filled rush when it all transpires. There is nothing more exciting than witnessing a hard-hitting Murray cod engulfing your lure close to the surface... sounds and visions that will be etched into your memory and keep you returning for that insanely addictive rivalry between you and the fish. Best wishes!

Kind regards
Dave Brace

Check out TT Lures range spinnerbaits below...

TT Lures Vortex
TT Lures Striker
TT Lures Tornado
TT Lures FroggerZ Jnr
TT Lures FroggerZ Snr