The Murray Cod is Australia’s largest freshwater fish, capable of growing beyond a metre in length and living for more than 50 years.
Slow‑growing and vulnerable to overfishing, its survival depends on how fishers catch, handle and release it.
The advice is simple.
Keep the fish in the water as much as possible, wet your hands and gear before touching it, and support its body horizontally with both hands rather than lifting by the jaw or gills.
Never put fingers inside the gills or squeeze the covers, and when releasing, gently lower the fish back into the water while still supporting it.
Revive it facing into the current until it’s strong enough to swim away on its own.
Anglers are also encouraged to use soft landing nets.
Large cod are the breeders of tomorrow, so letting the ‘big girls’ go helps keep the legend alive.
In NSW, Murray cod have a slot limit of 55cm to 75cm.
The cod season is nearing its closure date, intended to protect breeding.
You only have until the end of next month to get some quality cod fishing in, before the September 1 to November 30 in most waterways.
For more details on fishing guidelines and for recreation fishing resources, go to www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational.
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