Murray Codference 2026

The Murray Codference is back and will be held on Saturday 3 October 2026 in Wangaratta!

Bookings essential! Register here.

Now in its 9th year, this free annual conference has become a must-attend gathering for Murray cod enthusiasts, bringing together leading fishing experts, industry innovators and passionate recreational fishers.

The keynote speaker this year is Al McGlashan, who will deliver a presentation on Murray cod – story of an Aussie icon. Al is an internationally renowned fishing photojournalist, author and television presenter who turned his passion for the outdoors into a career spanning more than 30 years. A leading voice in recreational fishing, he has contributed to hundreds of publications worldwide, authored bestselling books, and produced acclaimed television and documentary series including Fish Forever, Big Fish Small Boats and Fishn' with Mates.

Among a host of other speakers, Wangaratta-based fishing personality Robbie Alexander, presenter of the popular Robbie Fishing YouTube channel will cover bait fishing for natives, while Brooke Davis from the Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB) network will unpack new waters and where to begin when fishing a new waterway for the first time.

Lubin Pfeiffer is back for another Murray Codference, this time discussing the habits of a successful cod fisher, while saltwater, freshwater and game angler Shea Bloom will present on fishing for Murray cod in the clear, fast-flowing waters of the Upper Murray.

For people coming up from Melbourne for the Codference, Alan Bonnici from Fishing Mad will talk about cod in the big smoke, catching this iconic fish right in suburbia where you might not even think to look

Important information

When: Saturday, 3 October 2026

Where: Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre, 33-37 Ford St, Wangaratta VIC 3677

Time: 8:55am - 4:30pm

Cost: FREE! With lunch, tea and coffee and refreshments provided

Bookings essential! Register here.

What to expect

Hear tips and tricks from the best big cod anglers in the country that may help you land a metery
Updates from VFA staff on what we’re doing to improve freshwater fisheries for all Victorian anglers and recover threatened native fish
Panel Q&A sessions with all presenters
Opportunities to chat about the advancements in native fishing including livescope and active target sounders
Local lure maker exhibits
Free lunch, tea and coffee and refreshments provided
And heaps more!

2026 presenters

Keynote: Al McGlashan, internationally renowned fishing photojournalist - 'Murray cod - the story of an Aussie icon'
Alan Bonnici, Fishing Mad TV host - 'Cod in the Big Smoke'
Lubin Pfeiffer, host of Full Scale Fishing Adventures - 'Traits of a successful cod fisher'
Robbie Alexander, popular fishing personality and host of Robbie Fishing - 'Bait fishing for natives'
Brooke Davis, WIRFAB leader and freshwater angler - 'Unpacking new waters: where do I begin?'
Stephen Clements, target angler - 'Natives in urban waters - silver perch'
Jamie Kaye, freshwater angler - 'Tips and tricks: - kayaking for cod'
Shea Bloom, WIRFAB leader and freshwater and game angler - 'Clear-water Upper Murray cod'
Gus Dear, VFA Board Chair - 'Native fish resurgence'
Andrew Briggs, VFA Senior Project Manager - 'Ovens River recovery : rags to riches'
Ryan Foster - 'Secret life of cod - what goes on under the covers?'
Anthony McGrath, CEO VR Fish - 'VR Fish update'

The conference is part of the State Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Victoria plan to improve recreational fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.

Past conferences

To learn more about past Murray Codference events:

Videos are also available of presentations given at the 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025 Murray Codferences, click below:

2025 Murray Codference Videos

Taylor Hunt - The Native Fish Resurgence

Anthony Forster - The Carp Crisis in Australian Rivers

Cassie Price - Restoring Fish Habitats Across Australia

Robbie Alexander - The Mental Health Benefits of Fishing

Andrew Briggs - Saving Macquarie Perch: Cracking the Code

Gage Wright - Spinwright Lures and Murray Cod Mastery

Andy Colston - Clearwater Murray Cod, Family and Fishing for Life

Lubin Pfeiffer - River Cod Mastery