Rock fishing continues to be one of New Zealand’s most dangerous pastimes and could be an activity on the rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased financial hardship.

That’s why the West Coast Rock-Based Fisher Safety Project conducts regular training sessions, ensuring their advisers are ready to return to the rocks and encourage water safety among fishers this summer.

The collaborative intervention by Auckland Council, Drowning Prevention Auckland (DPA) and Surf Life Saving Northern Region (SLSNR) has been successfully operating for seventeen years, educating fishers through face-to-face contact to reduce rock fisher drownings on West Coast beaches. 

Following reduced engagement opportunities with rock fishers due to various COVID lockdowns, the initiative is determined to raise awareness among entry level and experienced rock fishers on best practice to avoid any tragedies. 

Rock fishing deaths are all preventable with a bit of knowledge of safe fishing practices and some basic equipment.

Safety Tips

• Just as you would on a boat, tell someone responsible where you are going to fish and what time you expect to be home.

• A PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is comfortable to wear and will provide support in the unlikely event you find yourself in the water.

• Wear suitable clothing. That includes sneakers/runners on your feet as opposed to gumboots. Wearing waders should be avoided, but a wetsuit is ideal.

• Fish with a buddy.

• When you get to your fishing spot, take a look around you to assess the situation with regard to the swell and plan an escape route if faced with a rogue wave.

• Be aware what the tide is doing – an easing tide may cut off your access to safer ground.

• Carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). These are quite compact and light and can be attached to your PFD. Unlike a cellphone, these transmit via satellite, so there is less chance to lose reception.

• Check the swell conditions (and tides) before leaving home.

• Be especially careful at the water’s edge when landing or gaffing a fish. No fish tastes so good it’s worth risking your life for!

February 2022 - Grant Dixon
New Zealand Fishing News Magazine.
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