Murray cod season opens today

Recreational fishers are gearing up for another strong Murray Cod season which opens today (Tuesday, December 1, 2015), following the annual three-month breeding closure.

The native species is a prized catch in the Murray-Darling system and seemingly even more so in recent years, with a younger generation of anglers showing great reverence for the iconic Aussie fish.

Of course, the Murray Cod is one of Australia's largest freshwater fish, growing up to 1.8 metres and weighing more than 100 kilograms. The huge fish held by gun cod angler Rob Mackenzie in the opening photo above is testament to that! This fish was released, of course.

A prohibition on taking or attempting to take Murray Cod in all inland waters other than Copeton Dam is in place annually between September and November to protect this important species during its breeding season.

"The season [including in Vic waters] opens on Tuesday, 1 December 2015, and a daily bag limit of two Murray Cod per person per day and a total possession limit of four will apply when fishing in any inland waters," Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said.

Mr Westaway said recreational fishers also need to adhere to legal size limits and catch and release best practices.

"There is a requirement to release Murray Cod which are smaller than 55cm and bigger than 75cm with the least possible harm," Mr Westaway said.

"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 in the NSW Recreational Fishing Freshwater Fishing Guide, which is available from DPI offices and most places where NSW recreational fishing licences are sold.

People are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing by contacting their local fisheries office or by calling Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536.