The Humble Yellowbelly

[Hill373737]

I thought I'd post a few photos from the current yellowbelly season (aka Murray Cod Closed Season). 

After a couple of months of throwing small lures on lighter gear, it would be an understatement to say I'm busting for 1st December to roll around so I can get back into the real business of chasing cod.

Some yellas just don't know when to give it up, here's a couple from the last day of last cod season ..... my mate and I fished one of my favourite stretches of the river for 16 good cod and 7 yellas between us. The yellas were all taken on 90 to 100mm hardbodies meant for cod.

 

 

Once cod season finishes, I generally down-size to 40mm hardbodies or 1/4oz Noike Kaishin chatterbaits rigged with a Slim SwimZ or Grubz to try and discourage the cod, although that doesn't always work. Here's a few yellas, in the river, they don't seem to develop into the footballs that you get in the dams.

The colour variations are amazing, this one was the blackest yella I have come across.

Occasionally, the odd Silver Perch decides to join the party.

When I need a break from fishing, there's always a good spot for a coffee.

..... and best of all, I don't have to deal with the crowded boat ramps that you get on the coast!

cheers

Hilly

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Edited November 20 by Hill373737
typo

[afa]

that one yella looks like a sooty grunter!

[bessell1955]

Great photography and pretty nice fish.

[Pickles]

Brilliant Pics Steve and a great report - love purple hardbodies and those stump jumper style lures are deadly.

[Little_Flatty]

Great photos and catches @Hill373737!

[Hill373737]

On 11/21/2024 at 9:52 AM, afa said:

that one yella looks like a sooty grunter!

Yep, it was almost dark when I caught it and I was yelling and laughing to my mate that I'd just pulled a Sooty out of the Peel.

[Hill373737]

23 hours ago, Pickles said:

Brilliant Pics Steve and a great report - love purple hardbodies and those stump jumper style lures are deadly.

I'm with you on purple hardbodies, not sure what it is about the colour but cod, yellas and bass love it. The big cod lue in the photo is an Australian Crafted lure, they swim with a beautiful wide action.