The recreational fishing season for Murray cod in Victorian waters re-opens on 1 December.
Fisheries Victoria Executive Director, Travis Dowling, said there had never been a better time to wet a line for Murray cod thanks to record fish stocking levels and great access opportunities.
“Fishing for Murray cod is a key part of State Government’s Target One Million plan for recreational fishing, which aims to get one million Victorians fishing by 2020,” Mr Dowling said.
“The opening of Murray cod season is widely celebrated by anglers given the species’ iconic reputation and popularity as a native sportfish.
“We want to remind anglers about the new catch limits for Murray cod that were introduced last year to improve sustainability and long term fishing opportunities in our lakes and rivers.
“The minimum size for Murray cod is 55 cm and the maximum size is 75 cm.
“In lakes, the daily bag limit is two Murray cod per person while in all rivers the limit is one.
“These regulations protect large breeding fish year-round and contribute to more trophy size Murray cod, which are highly valued by anglers.
“The catch limits also enable anglers to harvest low numbers of smaller Murray cod, should they wish to take one home for the table.
Inland Fisheries Officers report that most freshwater anglers they inspected last summer were aware of the changes and abiding by the new rules.
Senior Fisheries Officer at Alexandra, Russell Strongman, said feedback on the water suggested the majority of anglers welcomed the size limit changes, particularly their joint adoption by Victoria and New South Wales, providing cross-border consistency.
“When it comes to fishing, most people just want to do the right thing, which was made easier by the common slot limit of 55-75 cm,” Mr Strongman said.
All of Victoria’s Murray cod fishing rules are outlined in the Recreational Fishing Guide, which is available free from most tackle shops or by calling the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Alternatively, anglers can download the free smartphone app called ‘Vic Fishing’.
Freshwater fish length rulers are also available and outline the minimum and maximum sizes for commonly caught inland species. Funded by recreational fishing licence fees, the rulers are also free of charge.
