The now traditional Spring run of yellowbelly has produced cricket scores. What disappoints me is the fact that many meat fishers take this opportunity to fill the freezer over and over again.

Sure it’s legal (and fun) but anglers should use some fishing morals and practise catch and release when targeting pre-spawn and schooling fish in channel mouths and irrigation outfalls.

New local fishing convert Neil Wrapper has taken delivery of his latest boat. With his mates Jarrod Bear and Harley Robinson, they regularly head out in search of fish with some pleasing results. Yellowbelly, redfin and the occasional cod have been captured with a couple of big bust-offs also experienced.

Not wanting to miss the fun myself, Vanessa and I headed out for a fish between the bridges for a couple of hours. Mixed with about a dozen other boats, we landed five yellowbelly between 52cm and 55cm by casting 70mm Jackall Mask Vibes or Vanessa’s favourite, the TN60 in the nokie gil colour.

The increasingly popular Golden $ fishing tournament was run in late October. Targeting golden perch only with rules in place to minimise cod captures and keep competitors from fishing traditional ‘going off’ zones, 46 keen anglers pitted their skills for some of the near-$5000 prize money.

A team’s best five fish from each of the two sessions were recorded.

Some great fish were measured (and released), with the largest from Phil Hartshorne coming in at 519mm.

Warren Hicks and David Adams combined to take out the champion team title by a mere 19mm from Jamie Stewart and Paul Alford.

After an unbelievable morning session, Cory Ryan and Gary Leighton could not repeat the dose in the afternoon, registering only one more fish to finish a creditable third.

‘The majority of competitors in this event landed all their fish on TN60 and TN 70 Jackalls.

With cod season opening this month, I wish you all the best for the new season ahead.

Keep in mind we are having a huge in-store day at Lake Mulwala Fish Camp and Ski on Thursday December 3 as a prelude to the Cod Classic.

David Hodge, Rod McKenzie plus many tackle and lure manufacturers will be on hand to help put you onto a fish for the opening weekend. Call in, say g’day and check out the largest range of cod-specific fishing gear in the country.

The fishing competition season is in full swing with many great events planned for Lake Mulwala. Anyone looking for info on the Cod Classic, Da$h 4 Ca$h or His & Hers Partners Classic can call me on 03 5744 1667, visit www.codclassic.com.au or call in at Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski, opposite the post office in Mulwala.