ioo FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. 



in New South Wales. Years ago it was introduced into the 

 Yarra Yarra River in Victoria, with, apparently, slight suc- 

 cess. It was also transplanted to Lake George in New 

 South Wales, where it throve well, and where for many years 

 a lucrative fishery was carried on. 



As the capture and disposal of the Murray Cod afford 

 a means of livelihood for a great body of men in New 

 South Wales, Victoria and South Australia it will be of 

 importance to go into a little detail in regard to the means 

 employed and the gear used. The observations which follow 

 are taken from my notes on this subject, published in a 

 pamphlet on the Murray Cod Fisheries in 1903 (Depart- 

 ment of Fisheries, N.S.W.). Those who desire further in- 

 formation on the point are referred to that publication. 



The articles used in capturing the Murray Cod, com- 

 prise lines, nets and traps of many descriptions. The Lines 

 include "springers," hand-lines and set-lines. 



"Springers" consist of first, stout, flexible, mallee sap- 

 lings of a length varying from 7 to 20 feet, the most com- 

 mon lengths being from 10 to 15 feet. The length of the 

 pole depends primarily upon the depth of the river near the 

 bank. Where there is a deep hole near to the bank, only 

 a short pole is necessary. To the thin end of this sapling 

 is attached a single strong line, which varies likewise in 

 length according to the depth and current ; it appears to be 

 generallv from 4 to 5 yards long, but may be 20 feet or 

 more, so as to allow the living bait full play. In many 

 cases, a swivel is attached to the line, near to the mallee, 

 to lessen the liability of the line snapping through the 

 gyrations of either the living bait or the captured "Cod."' 

 To this line one or more hooks are attached, according to 

 circumstances. The springer is now complete, and, being 

 rammed into the bank in such a position that it will over- 

 hang the stream, is ready to be baited. Living bait is often 

 used, as that is more attractive to the larger fishes. It is 

 stated that Murray Cod captured by means of the springer 

 are seldom under 20 pounds, and are more often about 50 

 pounds, in weight. Occasionally the bait used is a living 

 Golden Perch of as much as 3 pounds in weight, and of course 



