Freshwater fishers were geared up for the opening of the Murray cod fishing season on Thursday, December 1 following the annual three-month breeding closure in NSW.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Inland Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway said the native species are a prized catch of freshwater anglers as they are one of Australia’s largest freshwater fish growing up to 1.8 m and weighing more than 100 kg.
NSW DPI Director Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton said fisheries officers will continue to regularly patrol inland waterways to ensure fishers are complying with the rules when fishng for Murray cod and other species.
“It is important that fresh water anglers are fully aware of the fishing rules in relation to Murray cod before wetting a line,” Mr Tritton said. “There is a daily bag limit of two Murray cod per person per day and a total possession limit of four from either rivers or dams. “The minimum legal length of Murray cod is 60 cm, however fishers may have only one over 100 cm in their possession.”
Other rules relating to the Murray cod include:
- Set lines can no longer be used in any inland waters and are totally prohibited.
Two attended lines may be used in all inland waters except some trout and closed waters but these lines must be within 50m and in your line of sight. - Live finfish including carp, birds and mammals cannot be used as bait.
More information can be found in the NSW recreational fishing freshwater fishing guide, which are available from NSW DPI offices.
