Lucky the owner is a mate of mine as there were marlin a plenty being caught, seas were like glass and weather wasn’t too hot but I just stuck to the task at hand and didn’t even wet a line. I do have to say I do like fitting out these bigger boats, probably stems back to my days as a Caterpillar mechanic working on the BIG machinery.

I was informed earlier in the week about a great cod caught at the Leeton Bidgee Classic Fishing Comp last weekend. It was a 120cm-plus fish caught on a grub and I was told on a 2/0 hook. Now that’s a great catch and I can only assume that it was a winning fish as well.

The river is, and has been, fishing the best it has been for a long time and it’s not hard to catch a fish or three, if everyone keeps doing the right thing, it will fish well for a long time to come.

Also speaking of the river, a couple of years ago I fished what is known – but only in special circles - as the “Wokoordongee Challenge” and for those that don’t know about it, or are only new to reading my waffle, it is a little fishing comp – not overly serious comp, but serious enough – between NSW and those Mexican people who live down south.

It is an invite-only trip and I am happy to say NSW has regained the trophy after last weekend’s event on the Bidgee just out of Wagga. There were 37 cod caught and 17 trout cod; so some nice fish landed, nothing of any great size but from all accounts, everyone had a great time which is what fishing is all about. The next “Wokoordongee” event, I assume, will be down south at Eildon.

I drove past Blowering coming home and it was tent city at the Pines. It looked like skiers from the highway and it looked like they were having a great time and good on ‘em. We can’t do it in Wagga, bit too green and a whole lot smelly.

There were quite a few fishing boats on the southern end of the dam as well and the water looked pristine from where I was, so I hope a couple of fish were landed. I was told that a couple of nice yellas were caught off the bank – you don’t always need a boat, but you should have one anyway.

Burrinjuck is still getting reports of  a couple of “metreys” during the night and some nice 80cm-plus during the day. The yellas are down deep and lots of small reddies if you are looking for a feed and some fun for the kids, both older and younger kids.

Don’t forget the Pirtek fishing challenge is on this weekend, specifically Sunday. If you haven’t registered for this challenge and are still going fishing, put your name in. There are some great prizes and all monies raised go to a great cause - Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Unit at St Vincent's Hospital. Go to the pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au for all info.

Running short of pictures so send some in otherwise you are only going to see the same old faces, remember to make sure you handle all fish with the respect they deserve and have all safety apparel on if required – craig@waggamarine.com.au or 0419 493 313.