Beware the Giants Beneath: The Mighty Murray Cod

Imagine you're out on the serene waters of Bundalong, skiing, swimming, or simply enjoying a summer's day. The sun is shining, the air is warm, and all seems peaceful. But little do you know, right beneath your toes, a true river monster might be lurking—an almighty Murray Cod, the king of our inland waterways.

Take a look at these photos of a massive Murray Cod spotted in Bundalong. This giant, estimated to weigh well over 100 pounds, is a reminder of the incredible size these fish can reach. Unfortunately, it seems this particular cod may have had an unfortunate run-in with a ski boat. But it got us thinking: How many of these monsters are silently cruising beneath us as we splash around in the shallows?

A Cod-Sized Reality Check

Murray Cod are known for their remarkable size, with some specimens reaching lengths of well over a metre and weights pushing 50 kilograms. These freshwater giants are the apex predators of their habitat, devouring everything from smaller fish to birds and, yes, the occasional unlucky critter that finds its way into the water.

For years, anglers have shared stories of cod snatching ducks from the surface or giving their fishing lines a workout they’ll never forget. These stories, while entertaining, hint at the true might of these river-dwelling beasts.

Would My Fox Terrier Be Safe?

Now, here's a thought: My little fox terrier loves the water, but would I let him swim in the Murray? Probably yes, but the idea of one of these underwater titans mistaking my pup for a snack is enough to send shivers down my spine.

Inland Jaws?

We’re all familiar with the movie Jaws—that terrifying shark lurking just below the surface. Now, imagine a freshwater version of that story, but instead of razor-sharp teeth and the open ocean, you have a stealthy Murray Cod blending into the shadows of the riverbed. While these fish are far more interested in their natural prey than in humans, the thought of their immense size and strength is enough to send a little shiver down the spine.

Unlike sharks, these cod are not out to get us. They're a vital part of our river ecosystems and deserve our respect and admiration. But isn't it fun to think, even for a moment, about the drama and mystery they add to our waterways?

Respect the Beasts Below

As much as this blog is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the incredible size of Murray Cod, it’s also a reminder of the beauty and power of our Australian rivers. These fish are living fossils, a link to the ancient past of our waterways, and an important part of the ecosystem.

So, the next time you're skiing, fishing, or simply relaxing by the river, spare a thought for the giants lurking below. They may not be planning to snack on you or your dog (thankfully), but they’re there, watching, waiting, and keeping our inland waters as wild as ever.

Join the Adventure

If you're inspired to learn more about these incredible fish or want to gear up for your own cod-catching adventure, check out our range of handcrafted timber lures at Strike Force Lures. Because when you're trying to land a fish this big, you'll need a lure that's up to the challenge. And who knows? Your next cast might just hook you an inland "Jaws" of your own!