The recreational fishing season for Murray cod opens tomorrow, December 1st.

It follows a 3-month closed season, to ensure protection of the species during breeding season.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority is using the opportunity to help boost local tourism in the region, running their 'Golden Tag' program where thousands of dollars are up for grabs if you can catch a tagged fish.

"We've tagged 1000 fish all over Victoria to encourage people to leave Melbourne and to get out to regional Victoria to spend some money," says VFA CEO Travis Dowling.

"There are golden tagged fish with tags that are worth $2000 and $10,000. So, regardless of whether you live in Echuca, Swan Hill, or Albury-Wodonga, there are tagged cod in those waterways."

Mr Dowling reminded fishers that there are catch limits for Murray cod including a minimum size of 55cm and a maximum size of 75cm.

In rivers, the bag limit is 1 Murray cod per person per day. In lakes, the bag limit is 2.

To stay across all the catch limits, whatever fish you chase, download the free Vic Fishing app to your smartphone via vfa.vic.gov.au/vicfishingapp.