Murray cod anglers questioning whether to persist with lures into autumn have received encouraging news from a recent Victorian session that saw two fishermen land multiple fish on hard-bodied presentations.
Robbie, a content creator for the Robbie Fishing YouTube channel, ventured out with fishing partner Sonny on 21 April for an evening session specifically targeting Murray cod with artificial lures. The timing of the trip – well into autumn as deciduous trees began shedding their leaves – was deliberate, aimed at testing whether cod would still commit to lures as water temperatures dropped.
The answer proved affirmative, though not without the typical challenges of Murray cod fishing. Robbie's opening casts with a OneWell Sumo in Simpson colour resulted in a frustrating snag inside a submerged hollow log, forcing him to deploy a specialised retrieval pole in an area he noted was also home to tiger snakes.
Undeterred, Robbie retackled with another Sumo, this time in a natural gold finish that better matched the subdued evening light. The colour change proved inspired. Following a suggestion from Sonny about the ideal casting angle, Robbie hooked and landed a Murray cod in the 40-45cm range, the fish having confidently engulfed the lure.
Both anglers then made a tactical shift to larger surface lures, with Robbie selecting a jointed Blue Dog Paddler and Sonny opting for a Mega Pompadour. The philosophy of "bigger lures, bigger fish" is well-established in Murray cod circles, particularly as light fades and fish become more confident in shallow water.
The strategy delivered a second cod for Robbie, this one also around the 40cm mark. Interestingly, the strike came whilst he was negotiating difficult bankside terrain rather than actively watching his lure, suggesting the fish was fully committed to the oversized surface presentation.
Robbie's tackle comprised a Shimano Curado M baitcaster matched with 50lb braided line, appropriate gear for wrestling Murray cod away from the snag-heavy structure they favour. The waterway itself presented typical native fish habitat: fallen timber, hollow logs, and dense riparian vegetation.
Whilst pleased with his two fish, Robbie acknowledged that Sonny – who operates his own fishing channel – had bettered him with larger specimens during the same outing.
The session offers valuable data points for lure specialists. Spring is widely considered peak season for Murray cod on artificials, with many anglers assuming that autumn represents a declining window. This trip suggests otherwise, provided anglers adapt their approach.
The full session was captured for Robbie's YouTube channel, with viewers encouraged to cross-reference Sonny's footage for additional perspectives on lure choice and technique.
For Murray cod enthusiasts contemplating whether to continue lure fishing as winter approaches, this April session provides solid evidence that the fish remain catchable on hard-bodied offerings well beyond the traditional spring peak.