Many people enjoy rock fishing, but it can be very dangerous and when people take risky actions they endanger themselves and others. Be safe while rock fishing and avoid putting yourself in risky and dangerous situations.

#1 Unsafe Fishing Spots

Don't choose unsafe and unstable spots to fish from. While you might feel it's a better place to catch fish - being in an unstable and difficult spot like this will only risk your safety and your life. Even when the water looks calm, surging waves can happen at any time knowcking you off the rocks. You risk being severely injured or putting someone else trying to rescue you at risk.

no lifejacket2

#2 Underestimating the power of the ocean

While it can seem like the ocean is calm, and many times it can be - its important to remember that the weather and ocean conditions can change very quickly. If you have put yourself in a situation that is difficult to get out of or escape from, you may end up putting yourself in danger. You should always have a plan of escape and you must always monitor the ocean and the conditions and make sure you know when the tides are coming in and what the swell is predicted to do.

unsafe rock fishing

#3 Overestimating your skill & ability

Whenever we take part in a dangerous sport it's important to understand and know your own skill and limitiations. When we don't understand our own limits and abilities we are more likely to put ourselves in dangerous situations. Doing research to better understand risks associated with rock fishing and how we can avoid dangerous situations is vital. Being stuck out on a remote or flooded rock platform that has been covered by the incoming tide creates a risky situation for yourself and those who will need to rescue you.

rock fishing 2

#4 Rockfishing alone

Not only is it safer to go rock fishing with someone but it is also more fun! Rock fishing by yourself, especially in a quiet or remote spot means that if something did happen there would be no there to assist you or get help. Making sure we always take a friend and always let others know where we are going and when we plan to be back is vital to staying safe.

unsafe rock fishing 3

#5 Not wearing a lifejacket

Wearing a lifejacket is one of the easiest things we can do to keep ourselves safe. Ensuring that our lifejacket is the right size and that we regularly maintain the jacket is important to make sure that when we do need it, it will be able to keep us safe. If you have a self-inflate life jacket, knowing how to inflate your lifejacket is vital to ensure you do not panic if you ever fall into the ocean.

no lifejacket

Check out this video with YouTube Rock Fisher Hadi and his fishing crew Team Kingies as they experience the power of the ocean and swell.

What would you like to learn about next?

What is a surf lifesaver?

Each summer over 20,000 members of SLSNSW put on the iconic red and yellow uniforms at beaches across the state. So who exactly are these heroes in red and yellow? Let's find out!

What is a rip?

Rip currents are one of the biggest dangers at the beach. Knowing what a rip is, how to spot one and how to avoid one is key to staying safe at the beach.

What is a wave?

Waves can be fun. You can dive under them, jump over them, watch them gently roll to shore or be awed by their power as they crash on the beach. So how are they formed?

Learn about marine creatures

There are lots of amazing marine creatures that live in the ocean and on our beaches. What are the ones you should look out for when you visit the beach?

Things to plan before going rock fishing

Rock fishing is fun but it's important to prepare before you leave home. Learn more about how you can ensure you are ready for a safe and fun rock fishing experience.

Rock Fishing Safety Tips

Knowing how to stay safe and what to look out for whilst rock fishing can help you to stay safe and ensure an enjoyable rock fishing experience with your friends and family.

What should I wear when I go rock fishing?

It is important to have the correct fishing safety gear & equipment to ensure you are fishing safely.