General Info.

 Converting Murray Cod Lengths to Weights

Reference: NSW  Recreational FRESHWATER Fishing Guide 2012 http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/publications/fishing-guides2/guide

Owner Spinnerbait Hooks

The Owner range of hooks contains a truly impressive line up, having a unique and very sharp triple edged cutting point design. The spinnerbait series features a wide gape and spec’s such as nickel finish, heavy duty forged xxx strong but still maintaining a light weight hook.

When I tie my larger Murray Cod fly’s I tend to favour the use of hooks in the 4/0 model no (5320 144) and 5/0 size model no (5320 154). They are particularly well suited for top water fly’s, especially Dahlberg’s. Through the use of these quality hooks my hook up rate has dramatically increased. www.owner.co.jp

 River Reports

For current and up to date water reports in the Northern New England region of NSW, I always refer to the following link. This site provides information such as water temps, river heights, water flow and water storage/ releases for all the major creeks and rivers.                                                       Nick   

http://www.waterinfo.nsw.gov.au/drr/border.shtml

Hook  Selection

One thing that I have learnt while chasing Murray Cod on fly is that inferior hooks cost fish, so let’s take a look at what hooks and sizes are suitable. Gamakatsu range of fly hooks are featured in many of our Cod flies and for good reason, I’d rate there Siwash series as the pick of them. Featuring a wide gape and an oversize eye, making tying heavy mono weed guard’s simple. Here is a simple guide when tying  various Cod patterns for the New England.

Fly pattern                                   Suitable hook

Gusto’s,Foambergs                      2/0 Gamakatsu Siwash

Thing series                                2/0-4/0 Gamakastu SL12s

Deceivers                                     3/0 Gamakatsu Siwash

Fatboy’s                                       4/0-6/0 Gamakatsu SL12

Bendy Roller Popper                     4/0 Gamakatsu Siwash

Rattling Clouser                            4/0 Gamakatsu SL12s

Bendback Rattling Clouser            4/0-5/0 O’shaughnessy long shank hook, modified

Gurglers                                        6/0 Gamakatsu SL12s

Leader Construction

 Just as important as Flyline selection, leaders are also an integral part of the delivery system.  Short leaders have several advantages.

1) They assist in turning over large bulky flies easily.

2) Performing skip casts and firing casts under foliage are another benefit of short leaders.

3) Easier to maintain casting timing with large flies

Murray Cod are not leader shy, so I tend to use inexpensive leader materials and replace them often.  Over the years I’ve use Super Schneider klear-line, it knots up well and is very abrasion resistant.  It is also quite a stiff mono so it turns over large flies easily.  Here is a basic formula that I use 

Butt- 45lb Shneider with a loop knot and an overall length of 55cm’s

Mid- 30lb Shneider 35cm’s long

Tippet- 20lb Shneider 50cm’s long

Double Blood knots are used and the fly is tied using a Lefty loop knot.