Don’t be a snag, use a tag

To combat the dangers of snagged fishing gear, Recfishwest and Western Rock Lobster are continuing the ‘Snag It, Tag It’ safety initiative and distributing another 4,000 danger tags to fishers in the metropolitan area and southern parts of WA.

In recent years, cray boat deck-hands have been injured after being struck by fishing gear snagged on lobster pot lines as pots are hauled to the surface on a high-speed winch.

Commercial crayfishing deckhand Ryan Leat understands the dangers associated with fishing tackle snagged on pot lines, highlighted by a recent mishap while fishing off Lancelin.

Ryan Leat and Clint Mosse pulling pots on a commercial rock lobster boat.

“As winter is now here, we are using a small percentage of lead rope to keep the rope vertically down from the surface to avoid the chance of tangling with whales,” Ryan said.

“It was on the last trip that sinker and hooks were tangled on the lead rope. As the lead rope comes up we have to cover the coiler with our hand to stop the rope from coming out the bucket and causing tangles.

“As we do this we can’t look over the side at the rope. It was at that point the sinker smashed into the tipper and the winch then ripped round and hit the wheel house. It shook the whole wheel house.

“We were very lucky to not get injured. It would almost certainly kill you if it hit you in the head. Some people tie knots in the float rig or even tie a rag.

“This indicates to the deckhand that there is potentially something on the rope.”

Looking out for one another

Sinkers and fishing line sometimes become entangled on professional cray pots.

The Snag It, Tag It initiative arms recreational fishers with waterproof caution tags to tie to ropes and floats if they accidentally snag fishing gear on a lobster line or pot.

These tags will mean deckhands on commercial fishing vessels face less risk of injury when hauling in pots.

Western Rock Lobster and Recfishwest believe everyone should return home safe after a day’s fishing and the Snag It ,Tag It initiative is a great opportunity for recreational and commercial fishers to work together to keep each other safe on the water.

Western Rock Lobster Chief Executive Officer Matt Taylor said the partnership with Recfishwest to deliver the caution tags to WA fishers was incredibly important to the lobster industry,

He said it would reduce hazards in their often remote work environments.

The Snag It, Tag It caution tags!

“If anglers snag a fishing rig on a craypot line, the recognized method for alerting the cray boat crew is to tie an overhand loop in the rope to alert them that there is a problem below,” he said.

“Alternatively tie something onto the rope – like the Snag It, Tag It tags – that will not wash away as a signal to the crew to be careful.

“We will be raising awareness and educating commercial fishers to be on the lookout for the caution tags, so they can operate winches with extra care and at a safe speed.

“Our busy waters can be dangerous; these tags will be an important safeguard for commercial and recreational fishers alike.”

We share the water with many other water users and it’s important we all work together to ensure everyone returns home safe after a day’s fishing.

Snag It, Tag It caution tags have been distributed to local tackle outlets along WA’s coastline from Geraldton to Mandurah.

Check out the Today Tonight coverage below!

https://www.facebook.com/TodayTonight/videos/1797514040288044/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCYAN8f8B-a1ik0-jrg3COOj7DLajHiJw2uMG0CldJFtYoWtPA5jeIfTHL1pnzb-xiptjE0Ovw6reFp41H2ktF7JY-GUIJot4ASb4nh7qeR1iw8bEOuEJpDatDusTijVFJ_SladrQ74eufnH_IKymddAlYotAMpFX0qMfaNs-5FANVH7mwqgre5osnqqXrgAzAj7l9suXLVRfUrxJ044hETfxvGpT9QiW_ATza3M69ewhBqZZ6VeCQyOM-NcVsWUIsel3sWumUwSdI0ZTMkPgIF2G0zC2tHCUsuUxocx60o-8aCzQ–68AuXBKmJVjOble7ckmSTu0HhsJ4g-m4ny9Z-jneIISdaONfvNW85Koehbta2l-6WkZpuyVxbejHjffPUu1iM-DKy4YdEpm9HwuWbzLm6SpeQUWDGFkjN9JU4k8oIfQFlo_7RtgLTr_doXRXZOs_eouhEbuFCJA60Xp273ZS_CjSVwZff-CwwfER9DNL-7Y&__tn__=FFHHH-R

Continue Reading

June 27, 2025

Artificial reef and seagrass commitments welcomed – although Cockburn Sound dredging and access concerns remain

The State Government’s announcement of $17.4 million for social and environmental initiatives in Cockburn Sound has been welcomed by Recfishwest. Among the initiatives being funded are new artificial reefs and more…

Read More

June 26, 2025

Health warnings lifted after Swan River sewage overflows – but communication failures remain a serious concern

The Department of Health (DoH) say it’s now safe to fish and eat fish and shellfish from parts of the Swan River impacted by recent sewage overflows because of burst Water Corp wastewater pipes. No fishing signs…

Read More

June 23, 2025

State Government funds election commitment with $3 million habitat boost for WA marron fishery

Western Australia’s iconic marron fishery has received a welcome boost, with the State Government following through on its election commitment to invest in marron habitat enhancement in the South-West.  Marron …

Read More

June 19, 2025

Protecting beach fishing access in the Mid-West and Wheatbelt

Recfishwest has strongly advocated for ongoing beach access for recreational fishers in our submission on the Coastal Recreation Tracks Master Plan for the Shires of Coorow, Dandaragan and Gingin.  With the beaches…

Read More

June 12, 2025

Make sure you come home safe if you choose to fish from the rocks this winter

With rougher conditions settling in over the winter months and large swells becoming more frequent, land-based fishers need to put their safety first if wetting a line off the rocks.   The reminder comes a year on…

Read More

June 12, 2025

Sewage overflows in Swan River – fishers left in the dark

Recfishwest is calling for urgent improvements in how Government agencies communicate health risks to fishers following a series of sewage overflows into the Swan River over the weekend.  Burst wastewater pipes in…

Read More