Recfishwest is encouraging all abalone fishers to enjoy safe fishing this summer by being aware of the weather conditions and wearing all the right gear.
Thousands of abalone fishers are expected to flock to the coastline as this year’s West Coast Zone abalone season kicks off from 7-8am this Saturday, 14 December between 7-8am.
In exciting news for abalone fishers, the stretch of coast north of Moore River up to Greenough River will reopen for the first time in 13 years, in addition to the rest of the fishery through the metro down to Busselton Jetty.
NOTE – this extended coastline from north of the Perth metro area will not be patrolled by Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) volunteers, that is why it is paramount you put your safety first if walking or diving the reef this summer.
Want to become a gun abalone fisher while also maximising your safety? Check out our latest safe abalone fishing video below that covers the best gear to use!
The best gear to wear for successful and safe abalone fishing
If you’re fishing for abalone this summer, here’s Recfishwest’s top tips for the best gear to enable you to come home safe with a good feed of abalone:
- Wear a wetsuit – long-sleeved is best – it keeps you warm, it’s nice and buoyant and it protects you from the reef.
- Do NOT wear a hoodie, trackpants, baggy clothes, face masks or a rashie – they become heavy when wet and are difficult to swim in which is dangerous.
- Wear gloves – kevlar material is best as they’re more durable and will protect you from sea urchins, the reef and sharp edges.
- Carry a mesh bag – water can pass through it, meaning reduced drag and you are less susceptible to swell, waves and currents. It also keeps your abalone fresh.
- Abalone measure gauge – measure your abalone and make sure they are 60mm minimum in size before removing from reef.
- Use an abalone knife – this is much better than a screwdriver or butter knife. Do NOT use a sharp or pointed knife, this is very dangerous to you and others in moving water.
- Dive mask – can be used for waders and diving, make sure it’s comfortable before entering water so you don’t have to adjust it in the swell. Use spit or Sea Gold to prevent mask fogging up.
- Shorter fins for divers – they are more manoeuvrable under water and less likely to get stuck on the reef. Make sure they are a perfect fit before entering water.
- Reef boots for waders – provide the best stability and protection when wading sharp reef. Do NOT wear heavy work boots, thongs or go barefoot.
No abalone is worth your life
Championing the State’s safe fishing program on behalf of the cast of 750,000 West Aussie fishers, Recfishwest is providing key pointers to ensure all abalone fishers enjoy a great fishing experience and come home safe and sound afterwards.
Recfishwest Safe Fishing Coordinator Levi De Boni said, “We encourage everyone to be across the swell and weather conditions before going out on the reef to gather abalone.
“We strongly recommend going abalone fishing with at least one buddy, but if you can’t swim then simply don’t fish – no abalone is worth risking your life for.
“We also advise wearing a long sleeve wetsuit, gloves and reef shoes, carrying a mesh catch-bag, a mask and snorkel and using a flat edge abalone knife to prize the abs off the rocks.
“We want everyone to enjoy their fishing for abalone and that means staying safe with everyone having a personal responsibility to ensure their own safety.”
For more information on how to stay safe while abalone fishing, check out Surf Life Saving WA’s abalone fishing page here https://www.mybeach.com.au/coastal-safety/abalone/
This season’s abalone fishing sessions are scheduled on the following Saturdays between 7-8am dependent on the swell and weather forecast:
– 14 December, 2024
– 11 January, 2025
– 1 February, 2025
– 15 February, 2025
Look out for yourself and your mates and enjoy safe abalone fishing wherever you go!
