LAKE Eildon stands tall as one of Victoria’s most reliable big cod destinations, and winter is when the true giants show up in shallow water.

Cold weather, quiet banks, and low light periods all stack the odds in your favour — if you're geared up properly.

Here’s your go-to guide for rods, reels, line and lures to target metre-plus Murray cod this winter.

Rods - A quality 7' to 7'6" heavy bait caster rod rated 15–30kg is ideal for launching big swim baits and putting heat on trophy fish.

Choose a rod with a strong butt section and a crisp tip to animate lures while delivering control in a fight.

Recommended rods include the G. Loomis IMX-Pro Swim bait, Jackall Big Bait Special, and Venom Cod series — each designed to throw large, heavy lures and handle big, angry cod in heavy cover.

Reels.

Winter cod demand a high-capacity, strong-drag bait caster.

You’ll want a reel with smooth, powerful gearing and enough grunt to cast heavy lures repeatedly.

Solid options include the Shimano Tranx 300 or 400, Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast, and the 13 Fishing Concept A3.

These reels are built for hard work — cranking large baits deep and handling powerful fish near structure.

Line & Leader.

Use 50 to 80lb braid for strength, casting distance, and sensitivity.

Braids like PowerPro, Sufix 832, or SpiderWire Stealth won’t let you down.

Connect this to a 60–100lb fluorocarbon leader such as Seaguar Blue Label or Sunline FC100 to withstand abrasion from rocks and timber.

A strong FG knot or PR knot will hold under pressure.

Lures.

Go big in winter.

Cod want to eat once and eat well. Large swim baits, glide baits, wake baits, and surface lures all have a place.

Top picks include the Jackall Gantarel, Balista Tremor, Irukandji Plastics swim baits, and the MegaBass Magdraft.

Slow roll them near structure and don’t be afraid to pause — reaction strikes can come on the drop.

Where & When - Focus on standing timber, rocky edges, and deep points. Cod are more active during moonrise, barometric spikes, and first/last light.

One strike is often all you’ll get, so make it count.

Pro Tip - Layer up!

Thermals, windproof jackets, gloves and boots are essential.

Winter cod fishing is a test of commitment — but the reward of landing a Lake Eildon beast is always worth it.