Better Handling for Murray Cod

Care for Cod logoMurray cod are our most iconic native freshwater fish and the good news is that their population is bouncing back thanks to record stocking, river restoration, tighter catch limits, more responsible angler practices and cracking down on illegal fishing.

But there's more we can do!

The slot limit, introduced in 2014, requires all Murray cod over 75cm and under 55cm to be released. For that to really work though, the released cod must live!

That's where better handling practices come in.

With help from an expert aquatic veterinarian, published science and practical advice from leading freshwater anglers, we've developed a 4 point plan to care for cod.

Be prepared

Landing a big Murray cod, removing the hooks, photographing it, then reviving and releasing it, all requires careful planning and the right gear.

Good organisation will ensure a quick release, minimise stress and maximise the cod's chances of surviving the encounter.

So:

  • Use a soft knotless or rubber landing net
  • Have sturdy gloves close by to protect your hands and to grip the lower jaw
  • Avoid lip grippers that bruise or damage the cod's mouth and jaw structure
  • Use long nosed pliers to safely remove hooks quickly
  • Ensure fish length measures are ready to go. Don't forget to wet them down prior to placing fish in them
  • Have your camera or GoPro ready and functions pre-set.

Reduce air time

A fish can't breathe out of water so they need water and time to recover.

If possible, keep your cod in the water at all times.

If safe to do so, get in the water with your prized fish for a great photo.

If you decide the lift the fish out of the water, do it gently and quickly and aim for 30 seconds or less air exposure.

Gently does it

If lifting a cod, support the whole fish and don't hang the fish vertically, which can damage the spine and gills.

Protect the skin by not placing the fish on dry, sharp or hot surfaces.

Revive the fish slowly to get water flowing over the gills. Avoid moving the fish backwards and forwards.

Be mindful that survival is lower in hot weather and warm, shallow water.

Use the right gear

A big cod on light line is more likely to get exhausted so use line classes and tackle that lands cod quickly and doesn't unnecessarily prolong the fight.

When fishing with bait, use large circle hooks (and a tight line) to reduce the chance of deep hooking.

Other tips

When they're on the nest, give them a rest

During springtime when Murray cod are on the nest, give them a rest and target other species like golden perch or redfin.

While stocking programs help replenish cod populations, there is substantial breeding of wild cod in many waters that contribute to the fishery. Let them be during the three month closed season (except Lake Eildon, which is open year-round).

Care for Cod merchandise

Care for Cod merchandise is available in limited quantities at the following stockists.

Store / LocationLocationAddress Post CodePhone
Melbourne
Compleat Angler Campbellfield 534 Mahoneys Road 3061 (03) 9357 2233
Cranbourne Tackleworld Cranbourne 270 South Gippsland Highway 3977 (03) 5996 6500
BCF Epping Epping Unit 9/500 High Street 3076 (03) 9408 9323
Noel Clark's Tacklebar Essendon 158 Deakin Street 3040 (03) 9379 4623
Hooked On Bait & Tackle Hoppers Crossing 174/182 Old Geelong Road 3029 (03) 9748 3811
Trelly's  Laverton Unit 4/37-39 Little Boundary Road 3026 (03) 9314 4900
Aussie Angler Montmorency 30 Sherbourne Road 3088 (03) 9432 1501
Mornington Tackleworld Mornington 2/177 Mornington-Tyabb Road 3931 (03) 5975 7500
Compleat Angler Ringwood 27 New Street 3134 (03) 9870 7792
Compleat Angler Rosebud 11 Boneo Road 3939 (03) 5981 1994
BCF Taylors Lakes Taylors Lakes Unit 11/2B Water Gardern Super Centre, 399 Melton Highway 3038 (03) 8361 6559
Central
Lyal Eales Stores Castlemaine 179-181 Barker Street 3450 (03) 5472 4422
Gippsland
Mitchell Fishing and Outdoors Bairnsdale 196 Main Street 3875 (03) 5152 4524
Allways Angling Traralgon Shop 1/29 Church Street 3844 (03) 5174 8544
North East
Totally Trout Fishing Centre Alexandra 42 Downey Street 3714 (03) 5772 2662
Benalla Bait & Tackle Benalla 191 Bridge Street East 3672 (03) 5762 3704
Cobram Outdoors & Disposals Cobram 24 Bank Street 3644 (03)5872 2363
Eildon Bait & Tackle Eildon 8/8 Main Street 3713 (03) 5774 2348
Snowy Mountain Rug Co Mansfield 165 Mt Buller Rd, Mansfield VIC 3722 3722 (03)57751105
Mansfield Hunting and Fishing Mansfield 17 High Street 3722 (03) 5779 1685
Intents Fishing & Outdoors Mulwala 8/97-103 Melbourne Street 2647 (03) 5743 1800
Nagambie Outdoors Nagambie 2/263 High Street 3608 (03) 5794 2251
BCF Shepparton Shepparton 280-290 Benalla Road 3630 (03) 5822  4963
Trelly's Shepparton 209 Corio Street 3630 (03) 5821 6572
Adventure Camping & Fishing Wangaratta 14 Rowan Street 3677 (03) 5722 4622
BCF Wodonga Wodonga 255 Victoria Cross Parade 3690 (02) 6024 1434
Bluey's Hunting & Fishing Wodonga 3/65 Thomas Mitchell Drive 3690 (02) 6056 1259
Yarrawonga Fishing & Outdoors Yarrawonga 61 Belmore Street 3730 0439 441 667
North West
Hartley's Hunting & Fishing Bendigo 8 Stafford Street 3556 (03) 5443 5669
Cohuna Fishing & Camping Cohuna 1D Cullen St 3568 (03) 5456 4566
Compleat Angler Echuca Echuca 72 Northern Highway 3564 (03) 5482 1992
Webbcon Marine Horsham 17 O'Callaghans Parade 3400 (03) 5381 0600
Wimmera Outdoors Horsham 56 Wilson Street 3400 (03) 5382 1403
BCF Kangaroo Flat Kangaroo Flat 239-249 High Street (Rocklea Homemaker Centre) 3555 (03) 5447 3751
Kerang Sports & Toys Kerang 41 Victoria St 3579 (03)54521316
Loddon Valley Disposals Kerang 61 Victoria Street 3579 (03) 5452 1172
Lyal Eales Stores Maryborough 29 Maryborough Dunolly Road 3465 (03) 5461 4222
Lyal Eales Stores Maryborough 178 High Street 3465  (03) 5461 1911
BCF Mildura Mildura 728 Fifteen Street 3500 (03) 5023 2107
Mildura Outdoor & Tackle Mildura  103 Lime Avenue 3500 (03) 5022 8444
JC's Bait & Tackle Swanhill 488 Campbell Street 3538 (03) 5033 0407
Swan Hill Fishing and Shooting Supplies Swanhill 41 Campbell Street 3538 (03) 5032 4378
South East
Alpine Country Tackleworld Sale 82 MacArthur Street 3850 (03)51447505
South West
Lyal Eales Stores Ararat 145 Barkly Street 3377 (03) 5352 3905
H. Rehfisch & Co Ballarat 903 La Trobe Street 3350 (03) 5331 3677
Parker W H & Co Colac 220 Murray Street 3250 (03) 5231 2401
BCF Geelong Geelong 470 Princes Highway 3214 (03) 5275  0238
Compleat Angler Geelong Geelong 205 Melbourne Road 3215 (03) 5272 3201
Trelly's Geelong 105 Shannon Avenue 3218 (03) 5222 3257
Mario's Fresh Bait Geelong 11 Noel Street 3221 (03)52485201
Lake Purrumbete Tackle Store Koallah 540 Purrumbete Estate Road 3260 (03) 5594 5377
Compleat Angler Portland Portland 61 Bentinck Street 3305 (03) 5521 1844
Portland Bait & Tackle Portland 111a Bentinck Street 3305 (03) 5523 5213
Lyal Eales Stores St Arnaud 59-61 Napier Street 3478 (03) 5495 2021
Lyal Eales Stores Stawell 113 Main Street 3380 (03) 5358 5782
Youngs Sport Store Stawell 146 Main Street 3380 (03)53581038
Richardson Marine Warnambool 1058 Raglan Parade 3280 (03) 5562 6373
BCF Warrnambool Warrnambool T4 Princess Highway 3280 (03) 5561 0405
BCF Waurn Ponds Waurn Ponds Unit195/203 Colac Road 3216 (03) 5245 7947
BCF Wendouree Wendouree Unit 11/333 Gillies Street 3350 (03) 5339 8011