What an October it has been, with great weather and great fishing all over the Shepparton region.

Over the past month, everywhere has been firing, from the Goulburn River at Rafterys Road to the Broken River. Many anglers seem to be leaning towards bait fishing, with yabbies being the most successful bait.

The golden perch have been out in force, which is a great sign. Let’s hope they stay on the bite all season. It’s hard to say where the best location for golden perch has been this month, but I’m leaning towards the Goulburn River downstream of the Shepparton Boat Ramp towards Princess Park Football Oval. There are some really great bank-fishing spots around that way, while boaters will enjoy the deeper holes.

The surprise for me was many anglers reporting a by-catch of good-sized Murray cod caught in the Goulburn. Fish have been up to 80cm, but remember it is still out of season so make sure you release all Murray cod straight away. If you happen to see anyone taking a Murray cod, make sure you ring Fisheries.

November is the month where I like to sit down and plan what I’m doing for cod opening. Either I go to the Cod Classic in Mulwala, or fish the local Undera Angling Club Fishing competition.

They both are great events but I’m leaning towards the Cod Classic this year. Tony Bennett puts on a really great weekend.

Also during November I like to make sure all my gear is ready for cod opening: things such as servicing the boat, re-greasing reels and sharpening or replacing hooks.

November also sees one of Shepparton’s biggest fishing sales, with the annual Trellys Tackle World Fishing Expo held over one huge week from October 17-22. This is a must if you are looking for some new gear for the upcoming Cod season. On the Saturday and Sunday the River Rats Fishing Club will be out the front holding a sausage sizzle, drawing raffles and showing off some of the prizes for their fishing competition in February – so come along and have a chat.

It’s not long now until anglers can again target Murray cod in the waterways around Shepparton. This one was caught (and safely released) by Sean Glehill while he was targeting golden perch in the Goulburn River.