Over many years of hit and miss nights on the water. I’ve developed new skills on what I need to do in the summer and winter months. My experience with summer months, you’ll be able to use winter techniques in the warmer times as well I just didn’t want to repeat myself with strategies – so please read on…When it comes to winter it’s a different ball game to a point! Weather conditions such as; Barometer – rising and falling, warm winter days, wind direction though out the day; moon phases, fog and fly placement. A falling barometer I personally like and with that I hit the water fishing at its lowest point.  Combined with a moon phase in the 75% to 85% range, which is 3 or 4 days before a full moon. Another key element to this is moon rise and moon set – yes believe it or not the moon does rise and set just like the sun above!

Key points I look for – What the weather conditions may have been on the day, wind direction…West the best East the least, yes I know sounds corny but hey it is the difference between good and bad fishing. Moon phase on the day in the 75% to 85% mark, 3 to 4 days prior to a full moon. Anglers have their own reason on moon phase mine is; fish tend to feed more leading up to a full moon and tides are higher than average with that the moon gravitational pull creates larger tides and directly affects freshwater and game fish appetites.

Cloud cover a small amount is fine; it does help if you can see where you’re casting. Barometer – now a falling or rising barometer is good but I prefer a falling barometer during winter time. A millibar pressure being as high as 1030 during the day’ and then dropping as low to 990 millibar, entices the fish full on! It is believed that pressure is greater in shallow water. Pressure diminishes in deeper water. Fish rise higher in the water column to adjust to their swim bladder. This is why I believe that fishing in the shallows on a dropping barometer works wonders! Fog on the water generally isn’t the best but a light cover over the water; means a fall in the barometer that could be the turning point.

Fly place essentially can be anywhere in summer period’s – winter times close to any kind of structure recommended E.g…standing timber, weed beds, submerged structure and undercut banks! Why I’ve said close casting and accurate casting is a must; the time I’ve spent targeting these fish is that way would casting wont land you fish. Murray cod have moved from their normal haunts and on search for a feed; cod still like to have cover close by if they ever feel intimidated. So by casting at structure you’re eliminated time wasting and casting where the cod are! If you have the opportunity to schedule your fishing session around all these factors; then the next time on the water I would hope you’ll have the best chance of landing that big green back.

These are my practices and may verve to each angler at any time!

 Winter Murray Cod