The 2008 Yamaha Cod Classic and StumpJumper Lures Junior Cod Classic saw record numbers of anglers again pit their skills against the local fish around Lake Mulwala and the Murray River.

An amazing 2,673 anglers (a new record) turned the peaceful surrounds of Yarrawonga and Mulwala into a frenzy of fishos on the Saturday and Sunday of December 6/7. All were attempting to register a fish to put them in the running for some of the $100,000 worth of prizes.

Fishing from either lakeshore, riverbank or boat, all competitors were greeted with comfortable conditions. The Lake was a healthy 95% full, with a steady flow for the river rats on the Murray and Ovens. A total of 715 fish were registered at weigh stations across the weekend (126 cod, 259 golden perch and 330 carp), with two very impressive cod just under 1m measured and released. Greg Panter and Michael Miller both caught cod measuring 98cm.

The most productive method in this massive catch and release event was the use of lures, which accounted for over 215 fish. The ever-popular bardi grub also caught its fair share. Some further good news was that 330 carp were heading Charlie Carp’s way to be turned into fertiliser.

Back at the massive marquee, heaps of anglers were mentioning that they caught plenty of cod that just fell short of the new 60cm minimum length. All juniors walked away with some great prizes including StumpJumper lures and Bassman spinnerbaits.

You were pretty unlucky if you didn’t grab a prize, as there were a staggering 1,550 major and minor prizes as well as many awesome fishing section prizes.

The best-represented club went to Yella Corner who turned up with 22 members wearing their distinctive embroidered shirts.

This event is growing bigger and better every year so make sure you book a few days off around December 5/6, 2009, and make your way to one of the best run fishing comps going around. Oh, and just between you and me, there is going to be an amazing eight (yep you read it right, eight) boat/motor/trailer packages in the 2009 event. It’s nearly getting to the point that who ever enters gets a boat! See you there. – Phill Jones