Catfish Bite Back.

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A giant Wels catfish.

Once common along much of the Murray Darling basin, the humble eel-tailed catfish has become a rarity in many areas. Stories of good numbers and size of these fish caught locally in times past are in stark contrast to the availability and regular captures of these fish now. Numerous threats have contributed to the decline in catfish numbers, not least the predation of these native fish by introduced species like redfin and carp. Other factors include changes to natural flow and cold water pollution below dams. In recent times anglers are starting to report more captures of eel-tailed catfish especialy in the still waters around willows on bait. It seems their numbers are increasing if ever so slowly and we might one day see them return to full strength in many sections of river.

Eel- tailed catfish have been known to reach weights of 6.8 kg and can grow in length to 90cm . In the world of catfishes this is relatively small as some species of catfish can reach lengths in excess of 3 meters and weigh in at 293kg. Our native eel-tailed catfish are protected along the Murray under a blanket closure on the taking of the species. If you are lucky enough to catch a catfish it should be returned to the water with care. Be aware catfish come well armed or should I say well finned with a pair of long saw-edged spines in both the dorsal and pectoral fins that can inflict a very painful wound. Catfish feed on a variety of items that include shrimp, yabbies small fish and worms. 

While our local catfish eat a variety of foods and come armed with a couple of spikes, spare a thought for anglers wetting a line in India where it’s reported that large catfish might be snacking on the odd human. Locals believe that in the sacred Hindu Great Kali River a type of catfish called the goonch has grown large enough to predate upon humans. These giant species of catfish apparently acquired their appetite for live prey after feeding on partially burnt corpses from funeral pyres. This might help explain their size and the change from noted scavenger to that of bold hunter. It seems those that bath and wade the shallows are now a part of the goonch’s menu and do so at their own peril.  There have reportedly been several victims in as many years all linked to this giant catfish.

Thankfully our catfish are a little less fearsome and more than happy to snack on bite sized morsels. Hopefully we will see a return in catfish numbers so this small native fish can once again become a regular and abundant resident in our rivers.

Welcome To Codzilla Country.

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Dave Fregon with a 120cm Murray cod landed on a 120mm Koolabung Codzilla

Special fishing moments are those most cherished and the avid memory of an angler’s first giant cod can turn a new lure into a long lost friend with a single strike. And so it was for Dave Fregon having just released a 96 cm cod he sent what was fast becoming his favourite lure back into the depths. The 120mm Codzilla had scarcely travelled a few meters when it was engulfed by an unseen giant and the expression on Dave’s face went from a booming smile to one of utter confusion. Two fish in as many minutes and the second, a horse of a thing cracking the 120cm mark.

Another memorable capture that is etched in fishing’s finer moments was a Murray cod that was itself of codzilla like proportions. Tucked in less than 3 meters of water, it smashed a well weighted cast that landed near the buttress of an old river gum. The rhythmic cast and wind routine altered in an instance as the rod was torn down toward the water by a violent strike that stoped the lure dead in its tracks. A micro second of calm where angler and fish take stock preceded an explosion of fins and fury as the unseen giant went about carving the river to the beat of a paddle sized tail. The ensuing fight was nothing short of spectacular with giant boils of water rolling amongst the twisted limbs in a touch and go battle that lasted several nail biting minutes. To marvel at such a fish as it is led alongside the boat is to understand what it is to experience some of fishing moments.

 

 I have been privy to a lifetime of such encounters and these are just a few that have been bought to bear through the use of the Koolabung lure range. 
A smaller version of the Codzilla was called for as many anglers and waters demand different presentations that are not so large. Two running depths were decided on the first a deep runner that would run at around the 8 meter mark. This would be great on the troll in the deeper sections of river or numerous impoundments. It would also make a great crash diver on the cast. The second a shallow running model designed to work the fringes and current rich section of river was set to run at around 4 meters. First trip out on the Murray River and not two hours in the small lure was engulfed by a giant that lay in wait under a branch in the heavy current. In less than two meters of water, the take was a ripper as the water bulged like the effect of an underwater explosion. It was a great tussle as the fish used the current to its advantage but it was well hooked and within a few minutes was led to the boat before being photographed and released. Not a bad start to the day and great wraps for the lure when you consider the first ever fish caught on the 90mm Shallow diving Codzilla was over a meter in length. 
 

 

Running Rings Around Squid.

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A ripper squid destined for the pan.

You would be hard pressed to walk the length of any coastal jetty and not find a mix of anglers both young and old wetting a line in the hopes of catching a squid. Their popularity amongst fishos is often signified by a string of bobbling floats held taught in eager hands. There is no need for flash expensive gear when catching squid; it is a sport of humble tackle and affordable means. I guess that’s a part of what makes squid fishing so popular, that and the fact they are easily accessible to anyone that might like to chance their luck.

As table fair goes fresh caught squid runs rings around the rubber band variety many of us are accustomed to chewing on. Crumbed and fried in oil they are hard to beat and reason enough to spend a few hours on the pier trying your hand.

Basic rods and reels are gear of choice as are simple hand lines of 10lb to 15lb. Squid are not known for long sizzling runs but they do put a bit of weight on the line especially when they get a bit of size about them. They are quick to find the pylons if you don’t have enough pressure on the line to keep control.  There are two main jigs used to target squid, the first is a prawn imitation that can be cast and wound just like a lure. This is worked in a lift drop retrieve so it swims up and down just a few feet above the bottom. The second is similar to a skewer which is threaded with a small baitfish like a pilchard or mullet. This rig can be fished under a float or allowed to drift and be worked in the current with a slow retrieve. Squid respond well to burley and a few mashed up pilchards hung over the side of the pier in a burly bag will entice the squid to come in search of the scent. Other fish too will follow the fine burly trail, these will often include whiting, trevally and flathead and each of these make a welcome catch as you wait the arrival of a squid or two.

Once you have hooked a squid, retrieve it in a slow steady fashion as they will often pull free of the jig. Remember before you lift them from the water, squid are renowned for squirting a long black ink trail with very good accuracy. Leave them in the water until they have jettisoned their ink and then bring them in. Be careful when removing them from the jig as squid have a parrot like beak that can give you a nasty nip. Spring and summer are great times to fish for squid and generally coincide with seaside family holidays. Squid fishing is great fun and once you’ve caught and cooked them yourself you will quickly understand that a feed of fresh squid runs rings around the rest.

Rising Waters Awash With Gold.

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A nice golden perch caught on worms fishing the backwaters of the Murray River.

With a good flush of water coming down the Murray that is tipped to get higher over the coming weeks anglers can expect some excellent fishing in the higher than normal flows. With the rising waters awash with silt, a change from lures to bait is a productive move as golden perch seek out all manner of morsel that have been caught in the flow. Freshly covered ground offers new range for grazing fish and worms are a favourite as they hunt the clay coloured waters in search of an easy meal. Tempting a few onto the line is to seek out those areas most likely to hold foraging fish and these are not hard to find if you know where to look. Under high water conditions most fish will hold and feed out of the main flow where they can either sit and wait or move freely, unrestricted by heavy current. Here much of what they eat is delivered on the edge of the current line falling to the bottom in the calmer backwaters. Golden perch freely patrol the calm and are quick to hone in on any fresh morsel delivered.
Backwater can be found in many locations but the pockets that hide behind giant fallen gums are as good as it gets. The tree itself acts to shield the flow and behind the stump, a small calm section of water provides the perfect location for golden perch to hide in wait. Remembering the fish will be close to the bank so it pays not to cast too far out. A small sinker running straight down the line to a number 2/0 hook is a simple but effective rig. When it comes to bait in times of high flow nothing works as well as scrub worms and a couple of these pinned on a hook are sure to tempt any hungry fish. Do not be in a hurry to strike and set the hook as golden perch will often pick at bait before they finally commit to eating it. Backwater can be found in other locations depending on the flow and the naturally changing course of the river. Mud flats are particularly productive, even more so if they are in company with a few snags. The main things to remember is fish the calm water and continue to shift spots until you find the fish. Even after you have caught one or two, move on to fresh ground as most fish will be tempted within minutes of your bait finding the bottom. Over the coming month as the spring flow peaks those anglers that know where to look will realise that the rising waters while laden with clay coloured silt are also awash with gold.   

Deluge Spurs Trout Fishing.

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Steve Cooper with a fat Rainbow trout. 

The revolving door of angling sits still for no one with the first Saturday in September marking the official opening of the trout season. And what a weekend it was, as most of the state was swept by a deluge of wind and rain that swelled many popular trout streams to capacity and over the banks. With all the water around most anglers chose to sit it out while a brave few hit the lakes in hopes they might load the rod with their first trout for the season. It was tough going as to be expected but the big wet is just a prelude to the excellent fishing that’s to come in its wake. Rising waters in many of our lakes and rivers will provide the perfect conditions in weeks to come as they spill out across the low lying land. The rising waters will provide rich new feeding areas where trout grow big and fat over the spring months as they dine on a plethora of edibles that failed to escape the rising waters. With barely enough water to cover their backs it’s common to see their tails sticking clear as they grub along, head down busily feeding. They will dine on almost anything from drowned beetles and moths to small yabbies and worms. A single large scrub worm pinned on a hook and fished with as little or no sinker weight is a favorite for a trout on the scavenge and will readily tempt a bite. As the weather continues to warm all manner of insects and small invertebrates explode to life in the shallows and the hungry trout seek out the chance to have their fill. Dragonfly larvae, commonly known as mud-eye are a choice meal for trout and make excellent bait when fished a foot or so under the water on a float. With numerous insect hatches taking place this new explosion of life provides the perfect conditions for fly anglers to strut their stuff. Fly fishing is an art in itself but one that enables the angler to present very small artificial insect imitations to their quarry. The trick here is to match the hatch and select a fly that closely resembles what the fish are feeding on. If predictions are right, in a few short weeks hoppers should start to hatch and any fly that resembles these will readily be eaten. As they take to the wing as locusts the trout will change to these and bait anglers can take advantage with an endless supply ready for the hook. First and last light or cloudy overcast days are best for trout, especially when they are feeding in the shallows.
Small bladed spinners or hard-bodied minnow pattern lures are also effective on trout as are blades and a variety of soft plastics. As table fare, trout are not too bad, especially when smoked. Different bag and size limits do apply to trout and be sure you have the correct fishing license. So why not test your hand with a spot of trout fishing and make the most of what looks to be a ripper season. 
 

Anglers Starting To See Red.

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A very nice redfin landed on a 70mm Koolabung Codzilla lure.

As fish go I am sure there a few that are as well known in angling circles as the humble redfin. Since their introduction into Australia from Europe in 1860 these hardy fish have laid claim to almost every lake, dam, river or stream throughout the southern half of Australia.  Their abundance and aggressive nature make them a common encounter and their fighting ability ensures their popularity as a sportfish. Other bonuses include their eating quality. With a firm, white flesh they are a delight on the table especially when garnished with a little lemon and salt. The best time to target redfin is during periods of low light with morning and evening the most productive. Redfin can be caught on a variety of baits that include shrimps, worms and small yabbies. At other times lures are by far the most productive method, with a range of soft plastics and blades top of the list.  Redfin are an aggressive predator that likes nothing more than to hunt down and catch moving or live bait. These fish seem to enjoy the chase and it’s not uncommon to see several in hot pursuit of your lure jostling for the right to claim the prize. A good range of lures for redfin would include smaller minnow styled hard-bodied divers from 70mm and down in size. These represent the majority of smaller baitfish that redfin are most likely to encounter and predate upon. Soft plastics too are extremely effective when fished on a weighted jig head and retrieved in a lift and drop motion. Both paddle and curl tailed styles spring to life when worked in the correct manner and it’s hard to tell the difference between them and the real thing. Redfin also find small imitation plastic yabbies hard to ignore and they are often very effective when bobbed vertically from a boat. Over the last couple of seasons blades have been the number one choice for redfin and a variety of other fish for that matter. Small in size they are a flat bait styled imitation with a weighted head. The koolabung range of blades have been very effective catching some excellent hauls of fish. These lures shimmy in a natural baitfish action as they are wound through the water. Very realistic and equally as effective at enticing redfin onto the line where other methods sometimes fail. Redfin are a schooling fish and once you find them, it’s not uncommon to catch several in the same spot. Weed beds are favourite haunts for these fish as are stands of vertical structure like old trees and log piles. Spring is a great time to target redfin but is seems they have started a little early this season with some good fish already caught over the past few weeks. If you have a favourite spot to catch redfin you could do far worse than dust off the spin gear and see if they are on the chew. No doubt these fish will become more active as we head into the warmth of spring. 

Draw Downs Hidden Treasures.

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Its a whole new world when the water drops.

With the lowering of the Mildura weir pool anglers can expect some fairly tough fishing over the next few weeks. One thing that’s sure to upset the feeding habits of Murray cod and Golden perch are sudden rises or drops in river heights. An oncoming rise is generally good and can often trigger Murray cod to feed before its arrival, but sudden drops like the one we are experiencing at the moment tend to  have the opposite effect shutting the fish down.  One thing the draw down will do is reveal snags mid river or on seemingly featureless banks that anglers are simply not aware of. These submerged snags are nothing short of hidden treasures in angling terms and when the river returns to normal they will hold good fish in golden perch and Murray cod.
Single snags in pockets of deep water, while hard to find are one of the hottest pieces of prime real estate for big cod. You can lay even money that any lone deep-water snag will generally house at least one large resident fish if not many, especially during the summer months. Smaller fish cruising the river use these snags as stopover points and predatory fish are all too aware. The location was chosen for this very reason; it’s a prime feeding spot. These snags can turn up anywhere, from mud flats where timber has settled during times of flood, to sharp bends where large trees have succumbed to the relentless force of the river. Even the most featureless stretch of water has the potential to hold a hot snag. While the occupying fish have moved back into the deeper holes with the falling water they will once again return when it refills.
The falling water has also had the effect to draw plenty of silt from the banks. This has made the water quite dirty.  For those intending to fish with lures use a selection in black, purple or bright fleuro patterns. When casting lures put plenty of casts into each spot before moving on as this will give any interested fish time to hone in on the lures vibrations. Same applies when trolling; work the same area back and forth several times bouncing the lures off and amongst the timber. Dirty water often fishes well with bait so it might be worth drowning a few worms or grubs on the edges of back water. And remember with the water down, hidden snags are everywhere so take your time when travelling by boat.  Other sections of river too are experiencing poor water clarity and with a good flow coming down from upstream we can expect to see this dirty water hang around for a while yet. When it comes to fishing. even when you don’t raise a scale you generally manage to take something away from the experience. In the Mildura pool water at present it’s the chance to find a heap of hidden treasures that will pin point plenty of big fish for years to come. 

Hot Tackle.

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Columbia fly fishing vest with Australian logo - Priceless.

No this is not some form of great new fishing gear, it’s instead a case of societie’s scum ripping off good honest working folk. Good mate and well respected angler and fishing writer Lubin Pfeiffer had almost $7,000 worth of gear stolen from his vehicle whilst fishing. The theft took place on the Spalding to Burra Road in South Australia on Friday 23rd of July at around 7.45 pm. After smashing the front driver’s window of the white Hilux Dual Cab with an old wooden white post, the thieves stole everything from the car before speeding off towards Burra. Below is a compiled list of what was taken.

2-c&f waterproof fly boxs-400 flies
Gilles waterproof fly box-100 flies
Pat swift waterproof fly box-200 flies
Tupperware container full of 15 large flies
Samadu patch, dry shake powder, 2 ginks
C&f vest fly holder
Kathmandu alloy water bottle 
6, 8, 10lb Stroft tippet
4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12lb airflow tippet spools
3 poly leaders
Uv light
Laser 4 weight floating fly line with sink tip (handmade)
Airflow ridge 5 weight floating line
5wt Sinking fly line
Forceps
Maclean’s folding weigh net
Lamson waterworks ULA reel
Red Bassman spinnerbaits hat
Daiwa spinning reel with pink 6lb braided line
Green I-pod
I-luv radio receiver
Smiggle mp3 player
Black travel bag with wheels-marked with brand name ‘Clipsal’
Trangia cook stove
Camp kitchen
Esky brand esky-with a fish inside, drinks, coffee plunger and a small amount of food
Esky brand 5L water container-blue in colour
Rossi work boots size 9
Map bag with CFS map books for mid-north, Yorke Peninsula
 Photo book full of A4 sizes photographs
2-fishing magazines
Down under swag with bedding
A red towel
Hummingbird sounder
Bag marked ‘first aid kit’ comprising of 10 packets of soft plastic lures and jig heads
Large clear blue container with-4 handled tyre level, large tow rope, Picnic blanket, Extension lead 10m
Tackle container with; 15 lures for kingfish, hooks, bridling needles, lumo beads, balloons
Tackle container with 8 squid jigs, 12 small metal lures, 2 poppers

Columbia Fly fishing vest-with Australian logo on back-priceless.

Amongst the stolen goods was a priceless piece of personal memorabilia in the form of a fly fishing vest. The Columbia Fly Fishing Vest is a part of the wardrobe that is given to anglers that represent Australia in the sport of fly fishing. 

If you are offered any of these goods, or have any information on this crime. 
Contact Tony at the Spalding police station on – (08) 88452100

The Grunt Is Optional.

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There was no shortage of grunt in this photo of a Murray cod caught on a Bassman DT spinnerbait.
There was no shortage of grunt in this photo of a Murray cod caught on a Bassman DT spinnerbait.

 While large lures are generally accepted as those most suited to trolling, they certainly have other applications that include tempting large Murray cod on the cast. Many in my tackle box look like they have been hewn from the end of a strainer post before being whittled into a range of creations that in size alone could almost pass for legal size fish species. One elderly fisherman by chance observed several of these large lures in an open tackle box at the local boat ramp. Having returned fishless he jokingly enquired on whether he might take a fillet of a couple as they might surely provide a feed. In all seriousness though, casting large lures around the snags is a sure fire way to tempt the biggest of Murray cod from cover. Once they commit they will rush and strike at the larger presentation with frightening force. At this time of the year the cooler water temperatures affect the feeding habits of these larger fish. They begin to feed in a more calculated manner where assaults on prey are most often measured to optimise energy spent for that gained. Fuel is the driving force where one assault on large prey is far more efficient than several assaults on smaller items. And this is where the presentation of larger lures comes to play.  The grunt began as a joke but often follows the longer casts when sending these heavier lures towards the snags.  The sound itself a parody of those highly ranked tennis greats as they power the ball back and forth across the net. Of course the grunt is optional, but brings hearty relief as you wait the savage strike of a hungry fish.  As casting goes it is wise to upgrade rod weights to around 6kg plus. Not only will this give you greater casting control for better accuracy, enabling you to place the lure in the prime spots at distance. It will also help persuade any rampaging cod that are hooked close to timber to alter course with the extra turning power they provide. What constitutes a large lure in big cod standards are those that exceed the 100mm mark. There are many lures readily available that exceed this length including the ever popular number 1 StumpJumpers, 120mm Codzillas  and Bassman DT spinnerbaits. The later a meal in itself, has two flashing blades that ride above a plastic trailer system that creates both bulk and plenty of water displacement. The DT preceding this lures name aptly stands for double trouble and that certainly rings true where big cod are concerned.   Over recent weeks we have seen several big cod caught casting both large hard-bodied lures and spinnerbaits. As mentioned earlier, the grunt is optional when casting these lures towards the snags but all too often involuntary when lifting the fish they catch for that long overdue mug shot.      

Cold Mornings Are Child’s Play.

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Jock Mackenzie & Macey Evans with a great Murray cod caught casting a 120mm Koolabung Codzilla.
Jock Mackenzie & Macey Evans with a great Murray cod caught casting a 120mm Koolabung Codzilla.

There is little doubt its winter as you open the swag and it crackles back to a frosty layer of ice that has settled during the night. There are many joys to winter cod fishing but lighting the pre dawn camp fire is not one of them.  Rattling fingers strike clumsily at the match box as a bundle of leaves and twigs threatens to catch alight. With the kettle on and a hand full of snags sizzling in the pan cold fingers are warmed to the crackling glow as the kids are shaken awake for a feed before heading out at dawns first light. Keen as they are, youthful exuberance is no match for winters morning chill and chattering teeth soon replace excited banter as we pile into the boat and make our way onto the water. A thick layer of fog an eerie sight as the electric motor pushes the small boat quietly along the glass calm river towards the first fallen snag that might hopefully hold the prize. Several lures are cast to the likely holding points and worked slowly into the depths bouncing their way along the sunken timber. Half an hour on and frozen fingers reluctantly work as cast after cast go undisturbed. A long cast towards the buttress of an old river gum was cranked but a few feet under the water when the massive jaws of a Murray cod slammed the wiggling lure and exploded its bulk clear of the surface. The line peeled from the drag as it powered off in the opposite direction to its timber clad home. This was good news for me as it meant the fish was in open water and unlikely to brush me off in the sunken timber. By now the chattering teeth of the youngsters was long forgotten as they watched on, intent as the giant fish was lead towards the boat. The lure, a green Codzilla was hardly pinned in the outside of the head and with the landing net still back at camp in the car it was a touch and go capture. A gloved hand was used to grab the open mouth and the fish was lifted over the side of the boat where the shivering kids were more than happy to have their snap taken with the big cod. After its release, small hands worked the lures at fever pitch as the cold morning air took a back seat to the chance of landing a monster of their own. We finished the day with two more and the youngsters were more than happy with their first taste of winter cod fishing. It must have been a good weekend in most locations along the Murray as several large cod were caught in other areas by anglers casting and trolling lures. Seems the real cod season is upon us, so why not rug up and get out on the water for some seriously good big cod fishing?