The story that comes with this fish is one you want to hear.
Now is the time to be targeting monster cod in the dams on surface! It may be cold but when you hear that heart stopping BOOF and feeling the line running from the spool with ease you forget about the chilli conditions.
This beast measured in at 94cm and smashed a 125mm Gobsmacked Leviathan from right under my feet. It was caught working the back of a bay and we had jumped out onto the bank to ensure a stealthy approach. He came up into less than 40cm of water to annihilate the lure.
He took off on a big run and when he finished I realised the full weight of the fish. I was yelling at the guys to come help me as I knew this fish was going to be close to the magic mark. I turned on my head torch which illuminated the beast sitting in the shallows. The water was that shallow he stopped 2 metres off the bank and I couldn’t bring him any closer.
I backed the drag off and handed the rod to Stephen to hold while I went in for the fish. At this time I said: “He is only just hooked and they are light trebles. If he goes chances are the hooks will come out.” As soon as I said that he took off and the lure came flying back at my head.
I didn’t even think as I started to see this icon swim away. I ran out into the water and tried to put my hands around the fish but he slipped through. Not even thinking I launched myself into the water and cuddled this beast. I laid my body in front of him to stop him swimming into deeper water. I yelled at Stephen to come and help me up while I had hold of this beast. He wasn’t keen on getting his feet wet but I was wet up to my shoulders.
I managed to hold onto the fish and once up on the bank all I could do was laugh. And yes it was freezing and for the rest of the night I was in pain and aching but it was all worth it! I got my photo and memory with the fish and then I was happy to watch it swim home.
Also one other thing – make sure you pack spare clothes so you don’t end up wearing a pair of shorts in 4 degree weather.
Winter is the time to surface fish for monster cod! We also spent the weekend filming the new tutorial series which will teach you how to catch these cod in dams on surface lures. Stay tuned for more!
Rhys Creed
Team Social Fishing
0 comments