Murray Cod seized out of season

23 November 2016

A quick call from a concerned member of the public to the 13FISH line yesterday has seen four people from Cobram caught with undersize Murray Cod during the closed season.

Regional Supervising Fisheries Officer Murray Burns said Fisheries and Police responded to the call and located the offenders who had been fishing for Murray Cod in the Goulburn River at Shepparton.

"A search of their vehicle revealed three Murray Cod concealed under the mat in the boot measuring 34, 42 and 48cm, which is less than the minimum legal size of 55cm," Mr Burns said.

"The cod had also been taken during the closed season, and none of the offenders had a Recreational Fishing Licence."

Mr Burns is reminding people that there is a closed season in place from the 1st of September till the 30th of November.

"In the open season, the Murray Cod daily catch limit is one fish in rivers, and two in lakes, with a size limit of 55-75cm."

"All Murray Cod that are caught in the closed season, under or oversize, or exceed the bag limit, must be returned to the water at the soonest opportunity with the minimum amount of injury or damage."

"Breaching these regulations may result in large infringements, or prosecution and forfeiture of property."

The offenders each face fines up to $1,087 being composed of $155 for not having a Recreational Fishing Licence, $466 for having undersize Murray Cod, and $466 for taking Murray Cod during the closed season.

Murray Cod is an iconic species which is managed under strict regulations aimed at rebuilding this important fish stock.

Anglers can stay well-informed of fishing regulations by downloading the free Vic Fishing app for smartphones.

People are encouraged to call 13 FISH (13 3474) to report illegal fishing anywhere in Victoria, anytime.