ROCK FISHING SAFETY !

bennoz · October 22, 2011

Rock fishing is probably one the most dangerous sports in Australia!

Every year people are killed when rock fishing in NSW.

Read through this and learn how to minimise the risks !

- Choose the safest possible location, and take time to observe the conditions.

- Never fish alone.

- Always watch the waves and dont take your eyes off the water

- Be aware of the tides and weather.

- Wear appropriate footwear, clothing and head protection.

- Wear a buoyancy vest if you are not a strong swimmer.

- Carry a float and line to help anyone washed in.

- Ask locals for advice before venturing onto new locations

- Always let someone know where you are and when you are expected to return

- Plan an escape route before starting to fish if conditions worsen

-Carry a mobile phone in case assistance is required for urgent help CALL 000 or 112

SAFETY GEAR

Wear shoes with non-slip soles or cleats. Rock plates or cleats are essential on wet, weedy rocks.

good thread on cleats, making your own, and maintenance: http://www.fishraide...=1

FOOTWEAR that is NO GOOD includes gumboots, football shoes, rubber "wet shoes". Anything that DOESNT have an edge to cut through the slippery weed to get traction on the rocks below:

WEAR lightweight clothing and a flotation jacket, so that if you're swept off rocks, you are buoyant and your clothes don't drag you down. a light spray jacket thats easily removed is fine to stop the wind / spray. If its the middle of winter and cold you could even wear a wetsuit. Helps keep you warm, buoyant and protects from cuts / scrapes.

Dont wear woollen jumpers, heavy jackets, jeans. these items will act as a anchor and drag you straight down if you're swept in.

SAFETY LOCATIONS

No place is perfectly safe for rock fishing. To minimise risks, fish only with others in places where experienced anglers go. Spend at least half an hour watching the wind and wave action before deciding whether a place is suitable.

Also have an ESCAPE ROUTE incase a large wave appears or you do get swept in. Is there an easy access back up onto the rocks from the water, or is there a nearby beach you can swim to ?

Think - what will your fishing spot be like in a few hours time with different tides and weather?

WEATHER

Check the weather before you go !

http://www.coastalwatch.com/

http://www.bom.gov.au/index.shtml

http://www.seabreeze.../graphs/nsw.asp

SAFETY LINKS

http://www.safefishing.com.au/

http://www.safewater....au/fishing.htm

http://www.angelrings.com.au/

http://www.dpi.nsw.g...kfishing-safety

http://www.dpi.nsw.g...altwater/safety