Murray Codference 2025

The Murray Codference is back! In November 2025 the VFA are returning to present another public conference on all things big cod and native fish in Shepparton.

Come on down to hear tips and tricks from the best big cod anglers in the country that may help you land a metery! There will be updates from VFA staff on what we’re doing to improve fisheries for all Victorian anglers and recover threatened native fish. We’ve also got talks on the latest and greatest in lure technology from Australia and around the world. Finally, stay tuned for “The Great Debate” – To live scope or not, that is the question!

Important information

When: Saturday, 8 November 2025

Where: Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: FREE!

Booking: Essential! Book here.

What to expect

Awesome presentations and panel sessions from leading Murray cod and native fishers
Expert tips on how to catch cod from anglers like Lubin Pfeiffer, Colby Lesko, Robbie Alexander, Andrew Colston, and Alan Bonnici
Updates on how our native fish populations are getting better and better!
Opportunities to chat about the advancements in native fishing including livescope and active target sounders
Local lure maker exhibits
Giveaways and prizes
And heaps more!

Speakers and Presentations

Taka Kawasaki (Head of Daiwa Product Development) – International trends in Daiwa – Big freshwater fish technology (KEYNOTE)
Taylor Hunt (VFA) – Victoria’s native fish resurgence
Anthony Forster (VFA) – Carpe Diem – Decades of inaction on carp
Cassie Price (OzFish CEO) – Recreational fishers standing up for river health
Andrew Briggs (VFA) – Saving Macquarie perch and wetland stocking
Robbie Alexander (robbiefishing) – Fishing for social and mental health
Steve Vidler (FishTech Services) – A long career in breeding and stocking native fish
Gage Wright (Spinwright lures) – My lure making journey
Colby Lesko – Countdown to Australia’s best impoundment Murray cod fishery
Andrew Colston – Clearwater fishing for Murray cod and trout cod
Lubin Pfeiffer – My best native fish fishing experiences & lessons
Annique Harris (Arthur Rylah Institute) – Native fish research and monitoring – A DEECA/VFA collaboration
Alan Bonnici (Fishing MAD) – Urban fishery revival – catching native fish this summer
Chaired by Steve “Trelly” Threlfall – The great debate – To live scope or not, that is the question!

The conference is part of the State Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Victoria plan to improve recreational fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.

To learn more about past Murray Codference events:

For further information about the 2025 Murray Codference, please contact Mark Adams – Fisheries Management Engagement Officer (mark.adams@vfa.vic.gov.au) or Julie Morgan – Engagement and Events (julie.morgan@vfa.vic.gov.au).

Videos are also available of presentations given at the 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2024 Murray Codferences, click below:

2024 Murray Codference Videos

Taylor Hunt – Victoria’s Native Fish Resurgence

Kate Norman - Eildon is Australia's best trophy Murray cod fishery

Caitlin Berecry - Anglers are leading the native fish resurgence

Lubin Pfeiffer - My 20 years of Murray cod

Robbie Alexander - Cod fishing for kids and families: back to basics

Jarod Lyon - The 10inTEN initiative to bring back our native fish

Travis Dowling - The carp virus, a once in a generation opportunity

Duncan Hill - Arcadia and Snobs Creek expansions

Tim Lucas & Gary Fitzgerald - Queensland cod fishing and trevally stocking

Colby Lesko - Catching monster cod, yellas and trout cod