It’s time to look back on the Winter sports season and another Murray cod and cray season.

No records were set for outstanding returns or periods when the cod were ‘going off’ but Lake Mulwala provided a great chance for any angler to tangle with a green fish. Areas further downstream, decimated by blackwater events, are slowly starting to show the odd sign of life and hopefully will improve next season.

Targeting of Murray cod is not permitted until December 1 and the crays are off limits until May. Anyone who does encounter a cod over the next couple of months should release it unharmed as quickly as possible.

To minimise cod encounters while targeting yellowbelly, use lures no more than 80mm long. Keep in mind that the Murray River below Yarrawonga downstream to Tocumwal is totally closed to all forms of fishing for this period.

August proved to be a tough month for the diehards but results were there for those who persisted.

None were more deserving than Jason Jeffery and Kev Brooks, who targeted big fish until the final whistle. When most had packed the gear away these boys were out plying their craft with handsome rewards.

Best fish was a touch over 1m, taken by Russell Eldridge on a 6m Koolabung Codzilla. This was only the second cod Russell had caught. Kev Brooks caught 83cm and 68cm fish and a few smaller ones.

Keen Wang fisho Adam Bosley made a couple of successful trips targeting shallower water around the islands at the top end of the lake for a few 60cm-plus cod.

David True, Chris Lewis and young Tyler True spent a fun day in search of a yella. Tyler showed up this experienced pair with a 54cm yella on a spinnerbait.

The Golden Do$$ars fishing competition targeting golden perch will be on October 27 and of course the Yamaha Cod Classic will be on December 1-2. Entry forms are now available for both.