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Goulburn Boofs

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:16 am
by Truedogz
Following on from my trip to the Murray I've had another crack at the Goulburn with surface lures. The reason I put these posts in is to give some idea of what is involved in taking cod off the top and encouraging other members to do so. Its been a while since I drowned a bait chasing cod and I have nothing against it. If I was to weigh it all up I am probably catching less cod compared to bait fishing but of a better average size. The boof of a cod makes it worthwhile, particularly a better one.

In this session for about three hours fishing three fish showed interest. The first was in daylight, a fish that after about a dozen casts to a snag boofed the lure close to the bank but failed to hook up. During the next dozen or so casts it came back 3 more times but failed to get hooked. From the sounds it made I'd say it was only a smallish fish of about 40 cm. The next fish was in early twilight which boofed twice in about 20 casts to the same snag but failed to get hooked. Again probably only a smaller sized model. These two fish may not have got pinned because I was using a large snake-like lure.

It was just about dark when I got the next boof after about half a dozen casts to a snag. It sounded like a better fish. A dozen casts later the water exploded and I latched onto this really nice cod about 65 cm long:
65 cm cod.jpg
My first sessions boofing this season are pretty typical for fishing the Goulburn and the Murray with one or two fish landed a session. In the Goulburn on occasion I've caught 4 in a session, sometimes none but it is very rare not to get a boof. In other rivers I've caught more fish in a session, up to 13, but in these larger rivers expect 2 or 3 fish to show interest with 1 or 2 landed.

The key to getting cod off the top in the Goulburn and the Murray is persistence. Keep casting. If a spot looks good don't give it 5 or 6 casts, give it a couple of dozen, particularly in daylight, to annoy the cod into striking. If it doesn't hook up give it at least another dozen casts to tempt it again. If it is a good fish change to a different surface lure like a fizzer.

Its worth the effort!

Truedogz

Re: Goulburn Boofs

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 8:13 am
by greggo
Great advice there, thanks for sharing.
Are you landbased or in a boat?

Re: Goulburn Boofs

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 8:54 am
by westvic
Thanks for sharing once again.

Re: Goulburn Boofs

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:32 am
by Lightningx
Nice report and pic!
I can imagine how exciting that boof would be off the surface.
Very nice fish :thumbsup:

Re: Goulburn Boofs

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:26 am
by mazman
Great work will! Might have to sneak out soon and see what I can do with the topwaters.

Re: Goulburn Boofs

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 11:45 am
by rb85
Good stuff Truedogz

Re: Goulburn Boofs

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 4:43 pm
by davek
Another top fish Will, did you get it from around the usual bit of river? cheers davo :a_goodjob:

Re: Goulburn Boofs

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 5:14 pm
by Boonanza
Nice work Will :thumbsup:

Re: Goulburn Boofs

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 6:23 pm
by Truedogz
greggo wrote:Are you landbased or in a boat?
My boat has been out of action for some years so I am currently land based. A lack of a boat reduces fishing options on the river but gives me more exercise!
davek wrote:did you get it from around the usual bit of river?
Dave I have been fishing the western side in that general area. Monday I was on the western bank, but further upstream. The river being fairly low is great. Depending upon what time the Codference finishes I might have a crack Sunday arvo. I'll have the gear in the car just in case!

Best Wishes

Truedogz

Re: Goulburn Boofs

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 11:21 pm
by deathray
Great reading Will. I seen a budgie imitation surface lure in fishing monthly. Seems a bit of a stunt but I guess if they hit snakes, water dragons and ducks why not.