Murray cod season opens 1 December

Freshwater fishers will be able to target Murray cod from Saturday 1 December when the NSW season reopens following the annual three-month Murray cod breeding closure.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Inland Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said Murray cod is a popular catch among recreational fishers in the Murray-Darling River system.

"Murray cod is a prized catch of freshwater anglers as they are one of Australia’s largest freshwater fish, growing up to 1.8 metres and weighing more than 100 kilograms," Mr Westaway said.

"A three month ban on taking or attempting to take Murray cod is in place each year from September to November inclusive to protect this important native species during its breeding season.

"Since the closure was first introduced more than a decade ago there have been significant increases in Murray cod numbers.

"DPI’s fish stocking program and the Dollar for Dollar scheme, which is funded through the sale of recreational fishing licences and by community groups, have also boosted Murray cod numbers."

DPI Director Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton said fisheries officers will continue to regularly patrol inland waterways including the upcoming holiday season to ensure fishers are complying with the rules when fishing for Murray cod and other species.

"It is important that freshwater fishers are fully aware of the fishing rules in relation to Murray cod before dropping a line," Mr Tritton said.

"There is a daily bag limit of two Murray cod per person per day and a total possession limit of four when fishing in any inland waters.

"The minimum legal length of Murray cod is 60 cm, however fishers may have only one over 100 cm in their possession."

Other rules relating to the Murray cod include:

• Set lines can no longer be used in any inland waters and are totally prohibited.
• Two attended lines may be used in all inland waters except some trout and closed waters, but these lines must be within 50 m and in your line of sight.
• Live finfish including carp, birds and mammals cannot be used as bait. More information can be found in the NSW Recreational Fishing Freshwater Fishing Guide, which is available from DPI offices and most places where NSW recreational fishing licences are sold.

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