Where: Wentworth, at the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, 34km west of Mildura, 590km north-west of Melbourne.

Fish: The Murray cod is Australia’s largest freshwater fish species. If you’re going to chase the legend, you must do it on the once-mighty river that gave the fish its name. Casting spinnerbaits, trolling deep diving lures or soaking bardi grubs are popular tricks used by local anglers to catch big cod.

When: The biggest fish are found in winter—and any caught are earned in the bitter cold. Facilities: Mildura offers a wider range of accommodation than Wentworth and is still close to the fishing.

Other things to do: For a taste of convict life, visit the Old Wentworth Gaol, the first prison designed in Australia. Take the missus to see the desert in bloom at the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens.

Also try: Cod larger than 20kg are known to frequent the waters near Robinvale, Vic. Torrumbarry Weir, Vic, can also produce some monster Murray cod during winter. We’re talking about fish bigger than 100 old-fashioned pounds! Such behemoths will forever swim their way through grey-bearded folklore, whispered in the Murray Valley pubs. Handle and release these big green monsters with the respect they deserve.

Murray cod tackle: Quantum Smoke SL100SPT Baitcast reel; Quantum Energy 601BCM rod; Rovex Viros Braid 30lb; Rovex 10X Mono Leader 60lb.