A couple of locals had a great first full weekend of fishing since the opening of cod season on December 1.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
To celebrate the season, we’ve launched a Fish of the Week.
And this week we highlight Tim Maher and his 107cm Murray Cod.
Tim caught the monster fish near Lawson Syphons, using a Basco Cudgee 90 lure.
As soon as he got this cracking photo, the fish was released back into the river.
If you have had a catch you think could feature in Fish of the Week, we would love to see it.
Send through a picture of yourself and the fish, and provide details about size, method of fishing and which water source it was caught in.
If you’re feeling generous enough to provide an exact location, we’d love to hear it.
We’re also seeking anyone interested in contributing a regular fishing column to the Pastoral Times.
It would cover local fishing feats, insights on best local fishing methods and locations, and other fishing news.
Whether you want to send something in as a once off, or you’re interested in contributing regularly, get in contact with journalist Eamon Kurta on eamon.kurta@denipt.com.au or call 5881 2322.
Adopt-A-Cod release
While on the subject of Murray cod, the Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group is inviting the community to Willoughby’s Beach this Saturday from 12pm for a special event.
Mature Murray cod will be released as part of the annual Adopt-A-Cod sponsorship program.
The release offers locals a chance to see first hand the ongoing efforts to support native fish populations and improve the health of local waterways.
Organisers say it’s a family-friendly occasion and encourage everyone to come along and be part of the experience.
The Adopt-A- Cod sponsorship program is run in conjunction with the Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge, which is coming up in February.
Just select the Adopt-A-Cod ticket option when booking your ticket at www.edwardfishingchallenge.com.au.
McLean Beach closed
McLean Beach was temporarily this week as Edward River Council began it’s summer maintenance works.
Heavy equipment is being used to reshape the beach and reclaim sand in preparation for the busy summer holiday period.
The beach is expected to remain closed for the rest of the week, though council has advised it may reopen earlier if works are completed ahead of schedule.
Residents and visitors are thanked for their patience while the improvements are carried out to ensure McLean Beach is in top condition for the weeks ahead.
Summer movie series
The Deni Town Hall will become a movie cinema throughout the summer school holidays, with free screenings thanks to Edward River Council.
Starting on Tuesday, January 6, Minecraft (PG) will start at 5pm, followed by Jurrassic World - Rebirth (M) at 7.30pm.
The January 13 showings will be Bad Guys 2 (G) at 5pm and The Fall Guy (M) at 7.30pm.
On January 20, the 5pm movie will be The Smurfs (G), followed by Happy Gilmore (PG) at 7.30pm.
Doors open half an hour before screening. Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic lidded drinks.
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Season for giving
If you’re looking for an opportunity to give this festive season, there are many local ways to bring someone joy.
If you can spare a few things for those in need this year, add them to your shopping lists.
Some places to donate this year include The Deni LHAC Tree of Giving in the foyer of the Deniliquin Hospital, and Edward River Library Book Giving Tree at the Edward River Library.
We are sure readers in a position to give will discover these and many more options locally to make someone’s Christmas a little brighter.
Reading Challenge has begun
The Edward River Library is encouraging families to keep reading alive over the holidays with its Summer Reading Challenge, running from December 1 to February 5.
Research indicates that children can lose up to two to three months of reading proficiency during the school break, a decline known as the ‘Summer Slide’.
The library says it takes just six books over the holidays to combat this loss.
The challenge offers young readers the chance to win prizes, discover new stories, and build good reading habits.
Parents are also invited to join in, with a program tailored for ages 16 and over.
Sign up at the library.