A new year is upon is and the Goulburn has been fishing extremely well.

Late 2009 saw some huge fish landed in our region, with dozens of reports of cod reaching the magic metre mark.

So far this season I am yet to land an oversize cod but I have got a handful of good size goldens.

Please remember that the cod legal limit has changed to 60cm and you can’t take a cod measuring over 100cm. I personally don’t keep cod, as I love getting a photo and gently releasing them back to fight another day.

As always the lake is fishing well, whenever I drive past there seems to be more and more people fishing the first lake.

I would be targeting the second and third lakes as the fish probably haven’t seen the same types of lures day in and out.

The third lake is hard to fish but it can only take a few cranks of the handle and you’re on. Fighting the yellowbelly through the weed and reeds is a lot of fun.

I personally use weedless lures and there are plenty of soft plastics on the market that will catch yellowbelly.

There is only a month until the River Rats hold their Fifth Fishing Classic. Entries have been open for the past month and the numbers are up on this time last year, which is positive for the event.

The fishing classic is very affordable for everyone only $35 for adults and $15 for juniors (under13).

Entrants will have the chance to compete in the River Rats casting championships, which will be held at the presentations on Sunday the February 7.

This will be the first time the event has seen a casting competition but places are limited so contact me for qualifying details.

As well as casting competitions the club will have some well known lure companies at the event. Outlaw Spinnerbaits, Bozo lures, Goodoo Warrior Lures will all be represented at the event.