Chasing Murray cod is one of Australia’s most iconic fishing experiences. Whether you’re trolling deep bends of the Murrumbidgee, casting around timber in Copeton, or working weed edges in Burrinjuck Dam, one thing makes or breaks your session: your lure.

Murray cod aren’t just big, they’re brutal. They’ll slam a lure, drag you into snags, and if your gear isn’t up to scratch, you’ll be left with nothing but a story. That’s why choosing the right cod lures is more than picking a colour, it’s about action, depth, size, and durability that can handle the real stuff.

Why Murray Cod Lures Need Local Know-How

A lot of lures can look the part, but Aussie natives like Murray cod demand more:

• Strength for structure: Cod live in heavy timber, rock bars, and snaggy rivers. Your lure has to crash, bump, and back out without falling apart.
  
  
• Wide, thumping action: Cod respond to lures that throw off vibration and presence. The bigger the pulse, the bigger the chance of a strike.
  
  
• Depth versatility: From shallow river edges to deep dam walls, your lure needs the right bib to get down where cod lurk.
  
  
• Durability: A lure that survives one fish isn’t enough, cod anglers need gear that lasts session after session.
  
  

That’s where Oar-Gee designed lures shine. Built with 40 years of experience in design, manufacturing and fishing in Aussie rivers and dams, they’re made to handle cod country. Cod will find any weakness in the lure, it has to be tough, snag resistant, good back up, good wide action and tough from the tow point to the end of the hook. Oar-Gee Lures all have the tow point fixed in the lure bib and body, eyelets are fully welded in, split rings are specifically manufactured for all Oar-Gee Lures and last of all Oar-Gee Lures only use the absolute best hooks from VMC in France. Not one lure is compromised in quality, strength or finish with 40 years experience and passion to back it up.

Choosing the Right Size Cod Lure

Cod are known for smashing big lures, but size still matters depending on where and when you fish:

• Small to Medium (60–75mm): Great for rivers with tighter snags, or when cod are shut down and need a subtle offering.
  
  
• Large (75-100mm 10ft, 15ft and 25ft): Ideal for big dams and trophy hunting. Larger profiles throw out more vibration, perfect for drawing out metre-plus fish. Big cod can live in and feed in shallow water so a 100mm Plow 10ft, perfect for rivers and Lake Mulwala and other shallow lakes. The 100mm Plow15ft and 25 ft are perfect for the slow troll in rivers and dams for the depth required and most importantly are light on the rod. Using the 100mm Plows with a black bib will increase the visual profile of the lure without effecting depth, action or buoyancy, effectively increasing the 100mm Plow 15ft profile from 100mm to 160mm, and the 100mm 25ft to 170mm without spending a fortune for a similar size that needs heavier tackle to use.

Many cod anglers mix it up, starting with mid-size lures, then swapping to larger ones during low light or when chasing that once-in-a-lifetime fish.

Cod Lure Colours That Work

There’s no magic colour, but smart choices give you the edge:

• Natural patterns: Yellows, greens, and baitfish tones are perfect in clear water.
  
  
• Bright standouts: Fluoros, whites, and bold patterns grab attention in murky rivers or at night.
  
  
• Mix and match: A good tackle box balances natural and bright – sometimes cod just want something different. Lures with contrasting colours work well.
  
  

Techniques to Make Cod Strike

It’s not just the lure, it’s how you use it. Some proven approaches include:

• Slow rolling: Cod love a steady, thumping retrieve that stays in the strike zone.
  
• Trolling deep: Especially effective in dams and big rivers, where getting the lure right in front of fish makes all the difference.
  
• Bumping structure: Don’t be afraid to let your lure crash into timber, rocks, or snags – that’s where cod hide.
  
• Casting edges: Weed lines, log jams, and drop-offs are prime casting targets, especially early morning and late arvo.
  
  

Why Anglers Trust Locally Made Cod Lures

For four decades, Oar-Gee Lures has been handcrafting lures in Wagga Wagga, NSW, designed specifically for Murray cod. Anglers from the Murrumbidgee to the Macquarie swear by them because they’ve been tested where it matters most, in cod country.

Built tough, with action cod can’t resist, they’re the kind of lures that earn a permanent spot in the tackle box.

Land More Cod With the Right Lure

If you’re chasing Murray cod across Australia’s rivers and dams, having the right lure is half the battle. Strength, action, and the right colour at the right time can turn a quiet trip into a story you’ll tell for years.

Take a look at our full range of Oar-Gee cod lures, built for Aussie anglers, tested in cod country, and ready for the strike.

Explore Murray Cod Lures Here

FAQs

What size lure is best for Murray cod?
Smaller lures (60–100mm) work well in rivers or when cod are quiet, while larger lures (100mm -100mm with Black Bib) are best for dams and trophy-sized fish.

What colours should I use for cod fishing lures?
Natural tones work in clear water, while bright colours stand out in murky rivers or at night. A mix of both is ideal.

Do Murray cod prefer trolling or casting lures?
Both work. Trolling covers more water in big dams and rivers, while casting lets you target snags and structure directly.

Why are Oar-Gee cod lures better?
They’re built for Aussie conditions, stronger, with proven action and durability that have evolved over 40 years of design and manufacture.