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| This information taken from
"River Murray Fishing and Boating Guide" SA Fishing Tackle Agencies 210a Grange Road, Flinders Park. |
MURRAY
RIVER FISHING |
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Callop also known as Yellowbelly, Murray Perch or Golden Perch Callop are normally bottom feeding fish found in the fresh water rivers of the Murray-Darling system in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. In addition they occur in southern Western Australia, where they were introduced many years ago. They have been known to attain a weight in excess of 11 lb. and are highly respected by fresh water anglers for their ability to fight strongly until the end. When handled by an unwary angler the Callop can inflict sever wounds to fingers because the edge of the gill cover is razor sharp. Usually taken from the bank of the river or in a drifting boat, Callop can also be taken by slowly trolling an artificial lure close to the bottom at speeds not exceeding 2 knots. The breaking strain of the line used is usually far more than necessary because Callop are found in exactly the same water as the Murray Cod and these grow to enormous proportions. The angler never knows which fish he will get so lines of 20 to 40 lb. B.S. are adequate. The most suitable reel is either the bait casting or threadline reel and if used on a bait casting or threadline rod (with a length of 5 6 to 7 6) a well matched outfit will result. If bait is to be used, hook sizes should range from No. 1 to 1/0, preferably of a French or Sneck pattern. If artificials are used, a treble hook from No.3 to No. 1 is best suited, Sinker size would be as light as possible - preferably none at all. The best bait will depend on the locality and the season of the year. In the latter part of the year, Shrimp, Yabby and worm is most suited, but around the Christmas period Grubs, Frogs, Cicada and freshwater Mussel produce best results. A suitable lure for the latter part of the season is a rubber Floppy on Plucky, preferably large (3 to 4 in length) and of the brighter colours. Early in the season, however, Wobblers, Sway Blacks or Killers and Floppys are more acceptable to the fish. The edible quality of Callop is high - so high in fact that many
inland folk place them ahead of Murray Cod. My personal viewpoint endorses this for they
do not have the fatty content usually associated with a Cod in good condition. If washed
and cleaned shortly after capture their keeping quality in refrigerated conditions is
excellent. In addition, the flesh is suitable for smoking - this is delightful and stores
well. |
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