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How to Catch Murray Cod Fishing Guide
When it comes to freshwater fishing in Australia, there's no bigger target than our apex inland predator - the mighty Murray Cod. Revered in indigenous folklore, these impressive creatures are capable of growing in excess of 100 kg and over 1.5m in length.
Each year, countless fishos are bitten by the Murray Cod bug, which sees them destined for a lifetime of addiction to catching these magnificent beasts. There's no known cure, no matter how many you land, and the worst symptom is that you insatiably hanker for your next big hit on your line.
Fortunately, for those looking for techniques and Murray Cod fishing gear recommendations to help you reel in the catch of a lifetime, we've put together all the Murray Cod fishing tips and tricks you'll need to satisfy your cravings.
Quick Links
- What's The Best Time To Catch Murray Cod?
- Where's The Best Place In Australia To Catch Murray Cod?
- What Equipment Do You Need To Catch Murray Cod?
- Shop Quality Murray Cod Fishing Gear at Anaconda
What's The Best Time To Catch Murray Cod?
Fishing for Murray Cod tends to vary by season. The best time of year to catch Murray Cod is typically summer and the lead into autumn, as the warmer water keeps them active. The closed season in most waters is typically 1 September through 30 November, but be sure to check local and state regulations before you go fishing for Murray Cod at any time of year.
Strike times are best at dawn and dusk, when the low light helps Murray Cod hunt. They can also be fished at night for the same reason.
Where's The Best Place In Australia To Catch Murray Cod?
Obviously, the Murray River is one of the prime places to catch Murray Cod, and with its course stretching over 2,500 kms, there's no shortage of spots to try your luck. Sections around Mildura, Echuca, Albury/Wodonga and Renmark in particular offer excellent Murray Cod fishing.
Further afield, the Goulburn River, Lake Hume, Lake Mulwala, and Lake Eildon are among the best places to catch Murray Cod. But across southeastern Australia there are a range of rivers, dams, and lakes that provide ample opportunities to catch a Murray Cod, so don't be afraid to go off the beaten track and try your luck.
What Equipment Do You Need To Catch Murray Cod?
As their size would suggest, Murray Cod are incredibly powerful (and heavy!) fish, so you'll need some specialised Murray Cod fishing gear to reel one in. You'll want to ensure you've got a heavy-duty setup to successfully catch a Murray Cod, so you can avoid watching in disappointment as the big one gets away!
Which Rod Setups Are Best For Murray Cod Fishing?
The best Murray Cod rod setup will consist of a medium to heavy action spinning rod or baitcasting rod made of fiberglass or carbon fibre that's between 2.1 to 2.4m long, so you have a good balance between casting distance and control, and rated for 6 to 10 kg line or stronger. For your reel, you can use a spinning reel or baitcasting reel, though many anglers prefer the latter for better line control and the ability to cast heavier lures. Your reel should have capacity for 200 to 300m of 9 to 13 kg braid or monofilament line, and a smooth, strong drag system. Braided line is best, but if you prefer monofilament fishing line then use a 9 to 13 kg test. For your leader, use 22 to 36 kg fluorocarbon or nylon.
What Is The Best Rig For Catching Murray Cod?
The best fishing rig to catch Murray Cod depends on your fishing method:
- Bottom Rig: A running sinker rig with a strong leader and large hook works well for fishing with live or dead bait near the bottom.
- Spinnerbait Rig: Used with a fluorocarbon leader, this rig is great for casting or trolling to attract cod through vibration and flashes.
- Jig Head Rig: Soft plastics on a heavy jig head are good in deep water or around structures.
- Trolling Rig: Use large, deep-diving lures to cover large areas and targets cod at different depths.
- Live Bait Rig: A float rig or hook-and-sinker setup with live bait like small fish or yabbies is very effective.
What Is The Best Hook Size To Catch Murray Cod?
To catch Murray Cod, the best fishing hook size to use generally ranges from 4/0 to 8/0, depending on your bait and the size of the cod you're going after. For larger live baits or whole fish, a 5/0 to 8/0 hook is perfect. For smaller bait, a 4/0 to 5/0 hook is better. When using lures, the size of the hook depends on the size of the lure, but a 4/0 to 6/0 hook is typically suitable for larger cod-targeting lures like swimbaits or spinnerbaits.
What Are The Best Lures For Murray Cod Fishing?
The best lures to catch Murray Cod mimic their natural prey, like small fish and yabbies, and create movement or vibrations in the water. They include:
- Hard-body Lures: These deep-diving lures mimic struggling fish, and are great for trolling or casting. Choose natural shades like gold, silver, black and green.
- Spinnerbaits: these are effective in murky water and around structures, with large blades for vibration. Colours like chartreuse, red/black, and gold work best.
- Soft Plastics: choose large swimbaits in black, green pumpkin, silver, and chartreuse. These lures imitate injured baitfish, and they're great for slow retrieves.
- Jerkbaits: Soft or hard jerkbaits with erratic movements are ideal for cooler months or slow retrieves. The best colours are gold, perch, and silver.
- Surface Lures: Yellow, black and white topwater lures are good for early morning or evening fishing when the cod are closer to the surface.
- Swim Jig Heads: These are ideal for rigging soft plastics and fishing in deep or snaggy areas. Choose black, green and natural tones.
What Is The Best Bait For Murray Cod?
The best baits for catching Murray Cod are live bait like yabbies, golden perch, small carp and bony bream. They work well because they closely resemble the natural prey cod hunt in the wild. Otherwise, dead bait such as whole fish or chicken wings can work well, particularly when you're targeting less active cod. Remember, the fresher your bait is the more likely it is to entice a Murray Cod, and presenting it to mimic how a real fish or crayfish would move will increase your chances.
Shop Quality Murray Cod Fishing Gear at Anaconda
Now that you know all the ins and outs of catching Murray Cod, you're ready to get out there and reel in a whopper! But before you head off, make sure you have all the fishing supplies you'll need, including fishing rods, fishing reels, fishing line, fishing lures, fishing tackle, fishing clothing and more.
Plus, check out our Adventure Centre for helpful tips on preparing for your next fishing adventure, such as:
