In general, pond-reared fingerling Murray cod
Murray cod
The Murray cod is a large Australian predatory freshwater fish of the genus Maccullochella in the family Percichthyidae. Although the species is called a cod in the vernacular, it is not related to the Northern Hemisphere marine cod species. The Murray cod is an important part of Australia's ver…
What do Murray cod need to survive?
Murray cod require high protein diets, usually in extruded pellet form available in various classes depending on the size of the fish. Food conversion ratios (FCRs) for Murray cod have been reported from industry as low as 0.8:1 (kg of food: kg of growth), yet farmers should expect FCR's closer to 1.5-2:1.
What is the best way to catch Murray cod?
In the warmer months, Murray Cod can generally be caught in better numbers but are smaller in size. Targeting the deeper water in the larger systems and the shallower nooks and cranny's in the smaller systems will generally put you in good stead to learn the warm water Murray Cod game.
What is Murray cod farming?
Farming Murray cod to produce high-quality table fish for domestic and export markets is a rapidly emerging agribusiness sector in Victoria.
What is a good FCR for Murray cod?
Food conversion ratios (FCRs) for Murray cod have been reported from industry as low as 0.8:1 (kg of food: kg of growth), yet farmers should expect FCR's closer to 1.5-2:1.
Intro
The highs and lows of Murray Cod fishing can only be described as a rollercoaster of emotions stemming from countless donut trips to scoring multiple big fish in a session, and everything in between.
Do Your Homework
Whilst I fully acknowledge that telling you to do your homework is a horrible way to kick things off, it will inevitably pay dividends, ensuring your time is invested on the water rather than spent. And who can complain when 'homework' is really just studying for your next fishing adventure?
Gear Up
Once you've got a grasp on the environment in which you're chasing Murray Cod, choosing the right gear will see you equipped to going into battle with a green beast when the time comes. whilst being ill prepared will only result in tears.
Picking Seasons
Before you set out on any adventure, it always pays to be across the open/closed season for the area in which you're fishing. Once fluent with your regulations, you can look at two key seasons in relation to how best to target Murray Cod.
Behavior
In fishing, many say that you learn more from the tough days than you do from the good. In Murray Cod fishing, it's not quite the case. Each encounter holds a wealth of information for those willing to pay attention. In the excitement of the capture, it's important to take away the factors that contributed to the encounter.
Final Note
Murray Cod are habitual creatures and can be predictable at times, but don't be fooled. They can just as easily leave you scratching your head time after time. So my advice is, the more time you can spend on the water, the more you will learn. Become comfortable with your surroundings and the gear you're using and be patient and open-minded.
Why was this series created?
This series was created to help you succeed, catch more fish and enjoy your time on the water. It was born out of the lack of quality information and content about lure fishing, especially when targeting giant Murray Cod in lakes and dams.
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Just wanted to say to Rhys and the team at Social Fishing, what a fantastic job you have done on the Complete Guide Series. Can’t help but think I’m watching prime time TV. Great job on the quality of production that is jam packed full of tips and info. Have helped me go from pot luck fishing to now seeing consistent catches.
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Meet your presenters
The series is presented by the Social Fishing team. A group of keen anglers who have spent most of their life fishing the freshwater and using the proven techniques taught in this series:
1. Fish low light periods
Dawn, dusk and after dark are by far the best times to fish for cod. During these times of low light, cod leave the safety of their daytime homes and more willingly swim around in search of prey under the cover of darkness. Not only are the fish actively searching for a feed during these periods, they are often at times more aggressive.
2. Fish close to structure
When the fish are not out actively hunting, they are generally holding in a nice safe dark location under some kind of structure. Whether that be submerged timber, willow branches, rocks or weed. By targeting these areas as close as possible with your lures you will have a much greater chance of getting a cod to bite.
3. Cast at likely spots numerous times
Sometimes cod are not in the mood to feed and a well placed cast to even the best snag in the river will be ignored. Don’t be fooled into thinking they are un-catchable however. As Murray cod are a very territorial fish, repetitive casting into a key fish holding area, can often result in a territorial strike, essentially annoying them into biting.
4. Persistence is key
Expect many a fish-less trips when chasing cod, and natives in general. There seems to be a lot variables that will make these guys turn on and off throughout the day and week. Things like barometer, water temperature & level fluctuations, and other little unpredictable things all play their part in determining how “switched on” the fish will be.
5. Prepare for the big one
You never know when its going to come along, so make sure you are prepared! A lot of people have spent along time chasing that magical meter fish, so when it does happen you want to be ready. You’re much better being over gunned on a small fish than under gunned on a large fish, so don’t be afraid to use heavy gear.
Introduction
- The Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) is the largest freshwater fish found in Australia. Its natural distribution extends throughout the Murray-Darling Basin, ranging west of the divide from southeast Queensland, through NSW, into Victoria and South Australia. The Murray cod is a pred…
Biology of Murray Cod
- The Murray cod inhabits the low lying rivers of the Murray-Darling system, preferring slow flowing waters and deep holes. It is a top order predator, and is highly territorial, vigorously defending its home against intruders. Cod grow large in the wild, with the biggest specimen ever caught weighing 113.5kg, at an estimated age of 80 years. Murray cod spawn in spring, laying their egg…
NSW Industry Status
- The grow-out production of Murray cod in NSW is in its infancy, however several commercial hatcheries have operated for a number of years producing cod fingerlings for stocking into rivers, farm dams and impoundments. Stockings have been used as a method of increasing wild populations while enhancing recreational fishing. In the past, most grow-out culture of Murray c…
Growth and Production
- The intensive culture of Murray cod at this time is reported mainly suited to intensive recirculation tank systems with some work on hybrid systems involving on-growing of larger cod in pond systems. Culture can also occur extensively in farm dams and ponds, at a stocking rate of around 200 fish/ha. This activity has low production and variable growth rates compared to intensive cu…
Behaviour
- Murray cod are highly territorial and aggressive fish. While the high stocking densities often used in intensive recirculation systems do reduce overall aggression, there will always be size variation in stock, with some fish growing more quickly. To avoid a 'pecking order' developing and cannibalism occurring, it is recommended that regular size grading be undertaken. By keeping fi…
Site Selection and System Design
- Site selection for tank culture has a number of advantages over pond based culture in terms of lower land and water requirements as it allows access to more areas due to reduced soil and topography limitations. Using temperature-controlled systems also eliminates the need to consider ambient climate/temperature as criteria when selecting a site. Basic intensive recircula…
Diseases and parasites
- Like any other fish, Murray cod can be susceptible to various pathogens and diseases. Disease outbreaks are often in response to stresses being placed on the stock, which in most cases could be avoided. Prevention is the best cure and a combination of good husbandry and management techniques will ensure that stock remains relatively disease free. General husbandry should incl…
Marketability
- The live fish market in Australia is still developing, particularly for native freshwater species, however there is huge potential for expansion. This can already be demonstrated with other natives such as silver perch that have increased markedly in production and demand in recent years. Murray cod has generated much interest in the live fish trade, due to its appearance and p…
Further Information
- For further information, call NSW DPI Port Stephens Fisheries Centre on 02 4916 3900. Copies of licensing and policy requirements for Murray cod are available from here.