As the temperature takes a sharp nose-dive, so too does the constant stream of productive fishing reports. On a positive note though, the cod we are hearing about are generally of above average size.

This time of year big lures equal big fish. If you’re looking at having a shot at a ‘fish of a life time’ before season’s end, gearing up to 120mm+ hardbodied lures, spinnerbaits with a bulked up profile or large noisy surface lures with a big action will be your best bet. It has been proved that there is no hard and fast rule as to preferred depth, as you will find them hanging anywhere but slightly warmer pockets seem to hold some key to big cod.

Throughout late autumn there were plenty of good cod reported with metre models popping up regularly. Scott McRae gave us the best report of a 110cm model while Corowa boys Ant Grant nailed a 106 and Painter Rogers managed to subdue a 105cm beast. Les Miller had a good day out landing a 94cm and 72cm cod, while Helen Wilson found her new PB of 93cm. Mulwala boy Joel Thomas hit a purple patch during the recent lure casters event to take the chocolates with his five fish for the day, with Kyle Dalrymple finishing a creditable second with three cod.

Others to have productive outings over recent weeks include the Andrew Jacotine and local couple Steve and Tanya Cannon, who have been blitzing them in their secret spot landing numerous species on each outing.

Cray season is here and once again, these spiny critters will become a favourite target species for a while. Anglers must keep in mind that it is only legal to target Murray crayfish locally between the Hume Weir downstream to the Tocumwal road bridge. Minimum carapace length is 10cm with maximum being 12cm. The daily bag limit is two per person with a possession limit of four. Anglers are allowed a maximum of five hoop nets with the letters ‘HN’, the anglers initial, surname, year of birth and postcode on the float.

In closing, one of Yarrawonga’s favourite anglers, George ‘Whoppa Stoppa’ Jovanovic has spent a bit of time in the sick bay recently. We wish George a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the water soon.