RECREATIONAL fishers are gearing up for another strong Murray cod season which opens next week on Tuesday, 1 December 2015, following the annual three-month breeding closure.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) senior fisheries manager, Cameron Westaway, said the native species is a prized catch throughout Australia’s inland waters.
“Murray Cod is one of Australia’s largest freshwater fish, growing up to 1.8 metres and weighing more than 100 kilograms,” Mr Westaway said.
A prohibition on taking or attempting to take Murray Cod in NSW, Queensland and Victoria is in place annually between September and November to protect this important species during its breeding season, with South Australia’s season opening a month later on New Years Day.
Mr Westaway said recreational fishers also need to adhere to legal size limits and catch and release best practices.
“Fisheries officers will monitor inland waterways, to ensure fishers follow all recreational fishing rules and it is important that recreational fishers are fully aware of the fishing rules in relation to Murray Cod before dropping in a line.”
More information can be found on the NSW, Queensland and Victorian Fisheries websites.
