The now traditional run spring of yellowbelly are ‘going off’ in and around Lake Mulwala.

‘Going off’ is a term loosely used within fishing and has a multitude of meanings – at present it relates to cricket scores of golden perch. 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 practice catch and release when targeting pre-spawn and schooling fish in channels mouths and irrigation out-falls.

New local fishing convert Neil Wrapper took delivery of his latest boat. With a couple of his mate’s, 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 in with about a dozen other boats we landed five monster yellowbelly between 52-55cm. These were taken casting either 70mm Jackall Mask Vibs or Vanessa’s favourite, the TN60 in the nokie gil color.

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

Fished over two sessions, team’s best five fish from each session were recorded. Some great fish were measured (and released) with the largest going to 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 having an unbelievable morning session, Cory Ryan and Gary Leighton could not repeat the dose in the afternoon only registering one more fish but finished a creditable third. 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, Thursday 3 December as a prelude to the Cod Classic. David Hodge, Rod McKenzie plus many other tackle and lure manufactures 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 give me a call on 0357 441667, check out www.codclassic.com.au or call in to see us at Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski, opposite the post office in Mulwala.