That means that you can’t catch and keep cod in both Victoria and NSW.
The only exception to this will be Lake Eildon.
Cod caught in Eildon can be taken and kept.
But the size limit and bag limit for cod caught in rivers and streams will still apply.
The closure is to allow cod to breed, which happens at this time of year.
This week I had a flashback to my early days of fishing: in fact, back to the time I caught my first fish.
It was a small redfin, which I hooked on a baited line beneath a small red and white float.
My dad and I had spent a couple of hours at a spot at Studley Park in Collingwood, and like most pre-teens, I became bored and decided I would try my luck at another spot, which was just a bit further away.
Bad luck for the redfin, I must have landed my bait right on top of him, because lo and behold, the float bobbed and in the blink of an eye it landed on the bank behind me.
Angler one, fish nil.
While the boy cod and girl cod do their thing, you can still fish for yellowbelly, which it is quite legal to fish for and keep within the bag and size limits.
In fact, as the wattles bloom in the bush, their yellow colour is a reminder to specifically target yellowbelly, which are a good table fish with a firm white flesh.
Of course, you will want to trim off the yellow layer of fat — you can do this by freezing the fish and cutting off the fat.
It is the fatty layer that tastes bad; the rest is quite good.
Fishing in Eildon provides opportunities to catch not only cod, but yellowbelly, redfin and trout.
It is one of the most versatile waterways in the state — and it is close to home, with plenty of boat ramps and shoreline accommodation.
Most fishing can be done using bait such as worms, shrimp and yabbies, but lures are also an acceptable option.
One of the best lures for yellowbelly is the Jackall. It has a rattle in it and works by making noises, as well as being visually attractive.
The best method is to fish towards the bank, cast to structure, and retrieve in a jerky motion.
Speaking of firsts, the best redfin fishing was the first time I ever had a fishing trip on Waranga Basin.
I was invited on a boat trip by my local tackle shop, and boy did we catch some nice redfin, about 40 or so, all of a good size, all of them on a Celta-style lure and all between the water pumps at Harriman Point and the caravan park.
Since then I have fished the basin a number of times, but never with the same success.
Time now to look at saltwater fishing, and Rod Lawn from Adamas Fishing Charters at Queenscliff said snapper fishing was slowly getting better, as well as whiting, flathead and leatherjacket.
He said this was one of the best years for ‘leatheries’ he has had.
North of the NSW border at Eden, John Liddell said when the weather allowed boating, the fishing was good, with snapper, morwong, big flathead and kingfish.
John said the best action was near Green Cape on the Victorian border.
Graham Cowley at Narooma said it was the same around Montague Island, and inside the bar, with flathead, bream and blackfish around the oyster leases.
Well, that’s it for this week.
Stay safe and good fishing.
10°C