Winter has finally hit us with a bang and the fishing action has slowed plenty as if the big fella from above pulled on a giant hand brake!

But don’t despair, those who understand the feeding, breeding and movement patterns of big cod know it’s now time to rug up and think big before the season ends in a few weeks.

The good ol’ days had the old poachers packing up rod, reel and net and going into hibernation but how wrong they were. Looking back over recent winter reports, persistence shows both the top end of the lake around the Bundalong area and especially downstream below the weir produce the goods. The outstanding feature with most Murray cod taken this time of year is that they are taken on big hard bodied lures (120mm+) trolled anywhere from 3-8m in depth. The stand out performing lures have been the Koolabungs and ACs with the Gidgee Barcoo and Kuttafurras Mud Honeys fast becoming a must have.

Throughout June wind and rain put end to many a fishing outing, but a few fish were reported locally. My fish of the month goes to a 42cm golden perch that was captured by a very proud and passionate 3-year-old Thomas Pitt. Thomas loves his fishing and enjoys spending time in store talking tackle along with his dad Travis. To top off the pair’s fishing day, Travis landed a beautiful 74cm cod. Well done to the Pitt boys!

Not surprisingly, local big cod specialist George Jovanovic has continued to pull quality cod while others have struggled. Lure of choice for George was not important, as long as it was big and purple.

Where 2013 saw genuine lack of interest for the cray season, it seems groups have returned to the water after a year’s break. With a reduced season, June - August, increased size limits and reduced bag limits, fisho’s are still having fun as theiy’re returning with their daily bag limits. Keep in mind these new laws have been put in place for a reason, do the right thing and we will be able to enjoy this favourite past time for a long time to come. Even if rewards for effort aren’t huge, memories and mateship last a lifetime.

As the fishing slows down, organisation for the upcoming fishing competition season ramps up. If you are keen to get your name added to the Cod Classic, Golden Dollars, Dash 4 Cash, His and Hers Partners Classic or Cod Nationals mailing lists shoot me an e-mail at --e-mail address hidden--

Until next edition, happy fishing.

• If visiting Yarrawonga/Mulwala I urge you to call into Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski, the shop with the big green cod out the front (Opposite the Post Office) in Mulwala and say G’day. We are your largest Murray cod specific shop in the region and specialize in all things green! For any info on upcoming events or fishing reports give us a call on (03) 5744 3133.