the one that got away Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Hey Raiders, With it being spring and summer around the corner and me moving houses, I'm super keen to get into some rock fishing for everything from Luderick to Kingfish. I know it's not the safest of fishing options, but I'll will go out with someone more experienced my first few times until I feel more confident. That comes to my question to some Raiders that enjoy rock fishing, what are some must haves when rock fishing? Everything from fishing tackle, to safety equipment, to even some small things that might make a big difference! Would love to hear everyone opinion, and it'd be greatly appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael.P Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Personal EPERB and a good thermos. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marks1984 Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Mate common sence is one of the biggest things but you will need rock boots with cleats a light life jacket a fishing mate as well never fish off the rocks alone seriously it is not worth it. a phone to check up on the wind/swell direction/height just be safe don't take stupid ricks. we fish off the stone on the central coast Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macca02 Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Proper footwear - I've found the best are the slip over ice-climber style cleats. Grip super well, don't wear down like the spikes, light, can scrunch up and put them in your bag & the best part is you just slip them on when you get to your destination (no need for two pairs of boots, or unnecessarily wearing down spikes). * General fishing tackle (swivels, hooks, trace, sinkers, floats) * Rod grips (gives you a hand free) + 2 piece rods are great. * A good hiking pack that can take a lot of gear. * Water & Food * A bucket + Rope (may not be needed, but if you're using livebait pools then you will + its always good to have) Also i like to take rope + a carabiner clip, to attach to my reels if i leave them in rock rod holders. (Incase a large wave come up and wash your gear in... never had it happen but its insurance). Also a tip, look to see what rocks have water on them/are wet, this will give you an indication of where the waves are breaking/getting to. If its not high tide yet, its going to get worse. Always look at the location for 20 mins to scope it out and make sure its safe. And put your gear back a long way if you don't want it getting washed in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sigma Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 A piece of advice that I received from an experienced angler when I first ventured into the rock hopping world many moons ago. The advice is "Whether baiting up, pulling up a fish up or just gazing around, never ever turn your back to the water when fishing off rocks, even when you think it's calm enough" It only takes one wave to sneak up behind you and it could be fatal. I have always stuck to this rule, and (knock on wood) have never had any issues. On the contrary, my mates have done the opposite and have ended up with a lot of cuts and bruises (luckily not 6 foot under). You would think this is common sense but you would be surprised how many people get "too comfortable" out there. Another rule I stick to is...."Don't take unnecessary risks, no fish in the world is worth your life!" Cheers Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scratchie Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Theres some great advice above! Common sense is definately a "must have". I also have a saying " if it's in the drink, let it sink". An automatic reaction to having your gear swept in is to try and retrieve it. Many people are no longer with us just from trying to salvage their bucket or tackle box etc. A must have for me is a bucket with rope but also use one with a tight lid so it can be used as a life ring if needed! Cheers scratchie!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevefish Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 (edited) 40 gram raiders And the fastest spin reel you can find Edited September 6, 2016 by stevefish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest123456789 Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Everything listed here plus: A friend Fishing licence Sunglasses Sunscreen Aniseed pellets Fishing pliers Keeper net Knife Brag mat or measuring tape Head lamp (red light) DONT take a net or gaff. If you can't get the fish up onto the ledge than it's unsafe because YOU won't have an exit point should you fall in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frantic Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Yep been rock fishing off midnth coast since i was 14 (took my dad on his very first expedition ) hes a bass fisho opened his eyes up a little , check the area yr thinking of going too even just go there a few times with no intention of fishing just to watch for a few hrs , go on a incoming tide then maybe when its full , take into consideration of swell and sea heights and wind direction , wind i find is critical in some spots , make a massive difference to wave heights and ricochets of the rocks near where youd be fishing Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frantic Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 So different to say sydney where your standing so close to sea level sort of freaks me out Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickmarlin62 Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 long handle gaffs make landing the fish of a lifetime possible...try washing out a 30kg cobia....also depending on where u r fishing cleats are not always practical..a lot of central and north coast ledges are conglomerate and cleats are a no.no...we always carry a long length of rope..we are very careful but as they say sh@t happens and a rope may save you or someone else in the worst case scenario....I have personally fished lbg since I was 16..i have saved three people in38 yrs and have been in the drink once myself..im a spearo so getting out was easy for me but some may injure themselves or worse ..if u can fish with an experienced lbg guy a few times you will soon learn easy rules of survival...I will be keen to have a fish next summer season so maybe a trip chasin longtails may be on the cards ??????..rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimT Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 all the above plus can't stress enough...eyes in the back of your head....in other words never turn your back to the water and always fish wwith someone else Jim... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirvin21 Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 scope out and exit point just in case you end up having an unwanted swim, if you do end up in the water first thing to do is swim out away from the rocks I spent many years spear fishing around headlands and the most dangerous point is near the edge I have been washed up on the rocks buy a big swell fortunately I only came away with a few bruises and severely wounded pride Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frantic Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 I use a extendable gaff goes to about 18ft , Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luderick -angler Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 All the above plus know your ledge! How does the water wash up on the ledge how does it exit the ledge! It will vary depending on swell direction. Is there a swell magnet near the ledge ie a trench in close and shallow out back. Look at the doughboys a classic swell amplifier! Ha e an escape route of the ledge should you see one coming. Avoid ledges that are low and close to sheer cliff lines that a leash is what may get you. Amd one thing dad taught me watch the ledge for 10 to 15 minutes if it looks okay then fish it if not go elsewhere or go home and live another day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonD Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 For safety those new around the waist pfd's look good https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=144&item=18383&intAbsolutePage= Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest123456789 Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 Guess I'm lucky where I fish no one uses gaffs and yes I've seen some massive fish surfed up onto ledges. But some spots it's probably needed, saw jervis bay on tv they used gaffs there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickmarlin62 Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 most nth coast ledges they are necessary...some places I fish you are twenty feet off the water...rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMG Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 (edited) life jacket cleats water foreign legion type hat clothes to protect you from the sun in summer light clothing only (in case you go in) dont wear heavy shoes or boots I wear my high vis work shirts mobile phone for emergencies never take your eyes off the sea and never turn your back to the sea,always look for the one wave that will pop out of no-where and come over your ledge. I only take what I need for the fish I am targeting for the day,becomes a pain carrying all your gear for long walks. I basically carry a bucket for my tackle and my rod as well as the above. always tell someone where you are fishing or plan to go even if you live alone write it down on a piece of paper at home leave it on the kitchen bench. sunscreen / zink first sign of lightning or thunder get out of there as quick as you can. fish with a friend or someone. dont get trapped at high tides,some places you can get to only at low tide,at high tide the access to them become limited and even dangerously blocked off leaving you stuck on the rocks. make sure you have a fishing licence $25 a year is better than a $200 dollar fine and yes they do come out to the rocks and tap you on the shoulder in a good swell,happened to me at bear island once. I forgot to mention polarized sunglasses. good luck ! Edited September 18, 2016 by D.G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMG Posted September 24, 2016 Share Posted September 24, 2016 Cleats are hard to find these days, I dont understand why. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marks1984 Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 D.G I am like 99% sure BCF sell them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMG Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 really ? Thanks man I will tell my friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marks1984 Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 D.G if they don't most fishing shops do or they can bring them in for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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