Rock fishing involves fishing from rocky outcrops in the sea. It is a popular past time in Australia and New Zealand. It is quite an enjoyable yet dangerous past time and claims many lives each year.
For the past 20 years, more than 150 people have drowned while rock fishing and two-thirds of the victims come from the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean communities. In an ethnic community in Sydney, they have taken the initiative to reduce the number of drowning deaths by a series of events highlighting the different perils of the past time.
The following are the “DOs” while doing rock fishing:
- Tell someone where you are going: Always tell family members where you are going and if your plans change.
- Never fish alone: Fish with a buddy who knows the area especially if it’s your first time.
- Know the area: Read the safety signs and the directions, they were placed there for a reason. Ask the locals about the area, especially if you’re a rookie.
- Bring the appropriate equipment: Bring all the necessary things that will make rock fishing comfortable. Always be aware of your safety. Wear a life jacket at all times.
Now that you are ready for fishing, here are some tips to be successful in fishing off the rocks:
- Walk, walk, and walk: the more remote and the farther away the spot is, the better. The harder it is to reach places would mean less pressure and greater chances of catching bigger fish.
- Use Berley: Berley is the key to good snapper fishing. Use a stray-lined pilchard or a big piece of fresh kahawai with no sinker.
- Heavier tackle: fishing in shallow waters with surging waves doesn’t help. So as not to be outgunned when you hook up some serious big snapper, spool up with a 15kg monofilament.