The ‘magnificent and prestigious’ once near wiped out native Murray cod is making a comeback to SA waterways

A ‘magnificent and prestigious’ native fish once on the brink of extinction is making a powerful comeback in SA waterways.

South Aussie fishers report more sightings of the endangered Murray cod.

There are signs a “magnificent and prestigious” native fish species which faced being wiped out is returning to South Australia’s waterways in the healthiest numbers and biggest sizes in more than two decades.

Recreational fishermen report things are looking promising for the protected Murray cod, listed as a threatened species since 2003 when strict restrictions were placed around when, where and how it can be caught.

There is something about catching Murray cod and this is certainly the year to do it.

It is not allowed to be fished at all for much of the year with “catch and release”-only permitted at other times.

But veteran SA angling identity Shane Mensforth says “they’re definitely now making a comeback of sorts”.

“(It) was in diabolic trouble … but what I am seeing is that stocks are starting to recover as a result of the restrictions as well as restocking programs,” he said.

The 70-year-old, who has been fishing since he was three, says it is unlikely the fish will again be allowed to be taken from the river to eat, despite the growing stock.

“I think, even if it ever did become legal to catch again, most people would be very happy to go and catch a big one, handle it very carefully, take a quick picture and put the fish back – that’s how highly regarded they are,” he said.

“There is a lot of prestige associated with catching a metre-plus Murray cod and no-one wants to see these fish killed.

“I would say that 90 per cent of the people who I know that fish regularly agreed with (the restrictions) immediately … if you were able to just pull them out and eat them, they wouldn’t be there much longer.”

Damon Schulz with his estimated just under 1m Easter catch. Picture Supplied

Veteran SA angling identity Shane Mensforth says “they’re definitely now making a comeback of sorts”.PICTURE: ZOE PHILLIPS

So what is the fish’s allure?

“They are an enigmatic fish and are difficult to catch … you’ve got to put a lot of time and

effort into catching one; you might have to put in 1000 casts and all of a sudden ‘bang’, you’ve got the fish of a lifetime,” the SA Angler Magazine editor said.

“They’re just fantastic and have become somewhat iconic … they’re a magnificent-looking fish.”

It’s a sentiment shared by Mt Barker fisherman Damon Schulz, 20, who is still revelling in a big Easter catch at Loxton – which he released after photographing.

The apprentice electrician, who caught the fishing bug from his late Murray Bridge-based grandfather Brian, says his haul, estimated to be about 1m, is a catch he will never forget.

“I’ve spent the majority of my life trying to catch a Murray cod – it’s been on my bucket list – so, to catch one as big as I did is just amazing; it’s the best ever Easter.

“As soon as he started pulling, I knew I had something big ... as I saw him a bit closer, and saw his colour, I knew it wasn’t a carp.

“I had so much adrenaline, and so many emotions rushing through me, I could barely stand up straight … it’s just a great honour … I hope (Papa) was smiling down at me.”

Mr Schulz said his grandfather was “a big advocate for keeping the river healthy”.

“Now, we get this amazing opportunity to catch these beautiful fish ... if we can keep it going, we can keep fishing (cod) for many more years to come … hopefully, one day, my children will be able to do the same thing,” he said,

The Advertiser reached out to the fisheries department for official numbers but did not hear back ahead of deadline.

Originally published as The ‘magnificent and prestigious’ once near wiped out native Murray cod is making a comeback to SA waterways