Ben Moesly and I took our Hobie Outback Fish kayaks for a paddle between some reserves close to Dubbo on the Macquarie River, and encountered some extremely fit Murray cod.

Ben managed to spin up a colossal cod on an AusSpin Cod-Botheror in purple and black. He also became the world’s biggest fan of the stinger hook as it did its job to perfection and stayed put through a number of line-peeling runs through dense structure.

The weight of the cod was estimated to be well over the 20 pound mark, as the Hobie kayak needed steadying as it was lifted aboard for a quick photo.

The big Murray measured 83 centimetres on the ‘brag mat’, and was later calculated through its length to weigh approximately 12 kilograms, or 26.4 pounds. The cod was released to ensure it breeds plenty of other fish in the future.

For his biggest cod to date, Benny picks up this week’s DVD entitled Murray Cod Tactics, and a selection of Jaz Spinnerbaits, including a Double Colorado half ounce Jaz spinnerbait in purple and white.

Both the angler and the columnist where a little sceptical after casting at snags with up to three discarded droppers tied off them but this great fish just goes to show that even though many persist with illegal fishing techniques, there are still trophy fish to be caught.

It is one thing to use droppers but why leave them in the river unchecked to achieve nothing but a dead fish and a hazard to wildlife and other people using the river?

o o o

Graeme Powel, Nick Powel, Andrew Spackman, Matt Woods and I fished Burrendong at the weekend and came across a good number of fish.

Matt and Andrew bagged out on the first afternoon, catching rock-solid ‘yellas’ most could only describe as pearlers.

Showing superb condition these particularly deep fish couldn’t resist a well-presented yabbie bobbed just off the bottom among the trees in the Cudgegong arm of the dam. The fish where estimated to be a tick under the 10-pound mark.

Graeme showed us how it was done on the troll, winding in some cracking goldens on hard bodies, and then moved to tick another species off his list by tapping into the resident English perch (aka red fin).

o o o

The Gaden Hatchery released copious amounts of brood stock into Jindabyne this week.

Atlantic salmon from 18 months to five years of age have been released, and they range from 10 inches to 7kg.

More than 150 brook trout with an average weight of 1kg will be released as well, so all in all Jindy looks like a great place to head for some winter time fishing.

Leadcore lines and downriggers have been working well for those on the troll.

o o o

Smaller golden perch have been being caught on worms of the bank of Wyangla.

Tying up in the structure and bobbing shrimp have also been effective for those wanting to bob.

Neil from Wyangla Waters Park reported catching a smaller cod that was about the 40cm mark.

Trout have been restocked in the past couple of years, so with a bit of rain they will hopefully make a comeback.

Thanks to Neil for his report.

o o o

Bait fisherman have been doing well at night off the Copeton bank with yabbies their preferred bait.

Catfish and goldens to six pounds are foraging not far from the bank late in the evenings.

o o o

Michael Coad, Brett Klepp, and Chief Duncan travelled to Lake Mulwalaon May 16 to 22 to chase cod.

The Auspin Cod Botheror again did the trick for Michael, as he managed to boat a 78cm Murray on the cast. Another fish taker was the Jackall Doozer in metallic red. Michael will be forwarding some photos to Dubbo Catches in the coming weeks.