He hooked the 84cm fish while fishing land‑based with a simple but effective bait setup, a slice of leg ham rolled tight on a 5/0 circle hook beneath a bean sinker.
Hooked on light gear, the cod made a beeline straight for the tree roots along the bank, forcing Jon into a 10‑minute wrestle to turn her.
Patience eventually paid off, with the fish brought safely to hand before being released in strong condition.
“Not my biggest,” Jon said, “but a memorable tussle.”
•••
On Wednesday this week, 5000 eel-tailed catfish were released into the Edward Kolety River.
Eel-tailed catfish are critically endangered in the Murray-Darling Basin, and so typically if accidentally caught should always be released with as minimal harm as possible.
However, Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group would love to know of any being caught in and around Deniliquin, as part of a restocking program.
If you do hook an eel-tailed catfish, take a picture - trying to keep it as wet and calm as possible - then release it and send the picture to denilandcare@gmail.com.
• Had a good catch lately? Send your pic and details to eamon.kurta@denipt.com.au.