IN VICTORIA, the good news is trout season has opened but the Murray cod season has closed in NSW and Victoria.

Murray cod season closes from September 1 to November 30 every year to protect this native species during its breeding season.

When the season reopens on December 1, anglers fishing NSW waters should note that the minimum size of Murray cod will be 60cm, up from 55cm.

In Victoria, the minimum legal size is 50cm but this is expected to change when new regulations are released later this year. Community input into the new regulations has been enormous. Fisheries Victoria received more than 800 submissions when it released its proposed new regulations for 60 days of public consultation from late May.

The public consultation process is an important step in renewing the regulations, which expire every 10 years.

Fisheries Victoria said the high number of submissions reflected the community's interest in fisheries management, particularly among the recreational sector. Almost 90 per cent of submissions came from recreational anglers, emphasising the size of this sector.

Submissions are being compiled for analysis and a subsequent decision by the Victorian Government. Announcements about the new fisheries regulations will be made late in the year, although the changes are expected to come into effect early next year.

Meanwhile, Gippsland Lakes anglers, and particularly those who fish from jetties at Lakes Entrance, are being warned to observe bag and possession limits, or face hefty fines.

The town's jetties were targeted by Fisheries Victoria recently and six people face charges relating to exceeding bag limits and multi-tripping. Multi-tripping involves catching the bag limit for a given species and then taking it away before returning and catching more of the same species.

In some instances, it is alleged the anglers reverted to giving luderick away to other people in bid to stay within the bag limit of 10 a day. It's a Catch-22 situation in that the daily catch limit applies regardless of whether the angler keeps the fish caught or gives them away. According to Fisheries Victoria, if the fish are given away they then become part of the recipient's bag limit.

The penalties include convictions and fines of up to $2000.

Steve Cooper can be heard on the Casting Off program on Radio Sport927 in Victoria between 4.30am and 6.30am on Saturdays.