March 2, 2018
The dangers and how to minimise them.
Enjoying Victoria’s beautiful coastline and the amazing fishing opportunities whilst staying safe.
Rock Fishing is a popular form of fishing in Australia. In Victoria, we are blessed with beautiful coastlines that make it easy to fish from rock ledges, submerged rocks and rock faces. However, whilst rock fishing can guarantee some great fishing there are serious dangers associated with it. Precautions need be taken to ensure that rock fishing is enjoyed safely. These precautions are easy to take and will keep you and your mates safe next time you are out on a rock face.
- Always wear a life jacket and never fish alone. Inform others of your fishing plans so that search and rescue know where to look if things turn bad.
- Wear light clothing; appropriate footwear and carry safety gear, a rope and a float are a couple of the essentials.
- Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas.
- Observe first, fish later. This will ensure that you are aware of the conditions you will be fishing in and can properly prepare.
- Plan an escape route in case you are washed in.
- Stay alert at all times. Victoria is known for its unpredictability with weather conditions, changing from good to bad in a heartbeat.
- Ask advice from locals who know the area.
Life Saving Victoria along with stakeholders, VRFish and Fisheries Victoria worked on these guidelines through the rock safety project to reduce the amount of drownings as a result of rock fishing. Victorians are incredibly lucky to have such extensive and widespread coastlines that offer some of the most rewarding fishing experiences one can have. Follow these safety guidelines to ensure that you enjoy all the benefits of rock fishing without any of the unnecessary risk.
References:
Bureau of Meteorology – Check the weather before rock fishing
