At the time of writing, the traditional run of spring yellas in and around Lake Mulwala and surrounding waterways had yet to fire.

Numerous crews had gone in search but came up with fairly thin pickings. On a positive note though, if the cod encounters continue into the new season, it looks like it could be a blinder.

With the recent floods over the last year or two providing excellent breeding conditions, native fish captures should see an impressive increase for all eager anglers into the new year.

Those chasing yella's in Lake Mulwala reported catching (and releasing) many quality cod measuring up to the mid 90cm bracket. Surprisingly these fish were taken on small 3/8oz spinnerbaits, TN60 Jackall's and small hardbodied lures!

Those looking to wet a line in Lake Mulwala early in the season should be rewarded if they put in the time. Mulwala is one of the only waterways in the country that produces fish day after day, any time of the year despite massive fishing pressure.

Fishing efforts throughout December should be concentrated out of the main basin. With ‘mega’ boat traffic, seeking out a quieter patch of water will see better returns. This time of year plenty of smaller fish around legal size are about with best methods being to troll medium-sized hardbodied lures measuring up to 90mm or casting spinnerbaits/chatterbaits. Obviously those chasing the bigger trophy fish should tie on something BIG and concentrate your efforts on the original Murray River course that runs through the lake.

Fishing below the weir is always fun, especially if you are dangling a bardi grub or juicy scrub worm. Numbers of fish below the weir always outweigh the lake but general size is much smaller. The persistent and thinking lure angler has a good chance of hooking a quality cod if time of day, water current and river position is taken into account.

All is in readiness for the Cod Classic. It is still not too late to enter and all indications point to what should be another amazingly successful event. For all enquiries call Tony on 0357 441667.

With only days to go until Cod season opens, I wish you all the best for the new season.

Vanessa Bennett with a 61cm Cod - big enough to have you in with a chance of winning a major prize at the upcoming Cod Classic!