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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 from a fisher who narrowly escaped drowning after being washed off the rocks in heavy swell at Quobba – conditions that really should have ruled out fishing in such an exposed location.
If it was not for one of Recfishwest’s angel rings thrown to the stricken fisher and a passing vessel, the incident could have added to the tragic tally of rock fishing deaths in WA.
The lucky fisher learned the hard way that fishing from rock platforms in heavy swell comes with big risks.
This means taking all precautions before even deciding to set out for a rock fishing session and if you still choose to go ahead, using all safety gear and precautions once on the stones.
This applies whether it be on the Gascoyne, Mid-West, South-West or Southern coastlines.
Wearing a lifejacket significantly increases your chances of survival when rock fishing and even if you don’t have your own, there are loan lifejackets available at outlets across WA through Recfishwest’s Fish and Survive program.
These lifejackets are light enough to barely notice them while you’re fishing – yet will become your best friend if you end up in the water and need to stay afloat.
If you don’t have a lifejacket, you can loan one for free at any of the store locations listed below.
Even seasoned and skilled land-based fishers – such as Gideon Mettam and Chris Dixon – always wear lifejackets when rock fishing, regardless of the conditions.
Chris Dixon, following a dangerously close shave with a rogue wave in his youth that saw $4,000 worth of gear lost – and nearly his life – said he won’t make the mistake of not wearing a lifejacket again.
“I had no lifejacket on that day and I’m certain I wouldn’t have been able to get out of where I was or make it far enough swimming to reach safety. If I had gone in that day, I am certain I wouldn’t be here now,” said Chris.
As thousands of fishers are heading to WA’s Southern and South-West coasts this Easter to chase massive schools of migrating salmon, Recfishwest is urging fishers to “keep the sand between their toes” by fishing from beaches rather than rocks.
Recfishwest as part of its Fish and Survive Program, funded by the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, is running a major public awareness campaign to promote safe salmon fishing, including a TV commercial featuring Western Angler Editor and fishing personality Scott Coghlan. Check out this video below!
The Easter holiday period marks a migration of thousands of families to chase WA salmon on their famous spawning run eager to throw in a line at large schools of the iconic sportfish.
Recfishwest and Scott are encouraging people to fish from WA’s spectacular southern beaches for a greater chance of catching salmon, with none of the risks associated with fishing off the rocks.
As Scott says in the commercial, “You’ve actually got more chance of catching a salmon from the beach than the rocks and it’s a whole lot safer.”
The ads are running on regional television and on social media and are part of Recfishwest’s Fish and Survive salmon campaign, which also includes ads on local radio, in regional newspapers and through Recfishwest’s own channels, viewed collectively by hundreds of thousands of fishers.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “Every year we see a migration of thousands of families and mates to our southern coastline around Easter eager to chase the migration of these iconic sportfish. Often, they are fishing in places they are not wholly familiar with.
“That’s why we’re promoting safe salmon fishing as much as we can through multiple channels and outlets to enable the cast of thousands to make good decisions about where they choose to fish and ensure everyone comes home safe after a day’s fishing.”
Recfishwest is also working with the Bureau of Meteorology to send out rock fishing alerts through our channels when periods of high swell and poor weather conditions are forecast.
We encourage anyone considering fishing off the rocks to look out for these alerts on our Facebook and Instagram platforms and through our weekly fishing reports.
As demonstrated by Western Angler’s Scott Coghlan and Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland, you have better odds of catching salmon on our world-class beaches and this is much safer option than the rocks.
Rock fishing safety precautions
Recfishwest recommends fishers do the following if choosing to fish from the rocks:
• Always wear a lifejacket
• Fish with a friend and look out for each other
• Analyse the conditions on arrival before fishing
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
• Avoid fishing on black or wet rocks
• Be familiar with public safety equipment such as angel rings and rock anchor points
• Plan ahead and tell someone your plans
If you can’t swim, we strongly advise you to stay off the rocks because no fish is worth risking your life for.
Recfishwest continues to promote and support free loan lifejackets at 24 locations around Western Australia, while also implementing the deployment of rock anchor points and more than 80 angel floatation rings at popular rock fishing sites, a measure which has been proven to save lives.
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, 13 December between 7-8am.
NOTE – the 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.
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.”
A Carnarvon senior police officer at the centre of a risky rescue of a fisher washed off the rocks on our Mid-West coastline said the man would not be alive had he not been kept afloat by an angel ring – installed as part of Recfishwest’s Statewide safe fishing program.
Senior Sergeant Paul Tolan said the emergency call was raised to Carnarvon Police earlier this month after two brothers fishing north of Carnarvon at Quobba had been washed off the rocks during precarious 3-4m swells.
One of the fishers somehow managed to clamber back up the jagged rocks before hurling the angel ring installed at Camp Rock towards his 23-year-old brother, who was struggling to keep his head above water having not worn a lifejacket.
The angel ring helped keep him afloat until a Rio Tinto vessel in the area could be scrambled to pull him from the water 300 metres from shore after he was swept out to sea.
“If it wasn’t for that angel ring being positioned nearby and thrown out to this man’s aid, he would certainly have drowned in those conditions,” said Senior Sgt Tolan.
“Safety precautions need to come first when fishing and we would like to see more of these angel rings deployed along the coast. Carnarvon police are frequently called out to rescue situations like this in rough conditions where no one should be fishing in the first place.”
This angel ring located at Camp Rock/Quobba saved a young man’s life by keeping him afloat after he was washed off the rocks during dangerous conditions earlier this month on WA’s Mid-West coastline.
Rock fishing comes with many risks
Recfishwest has installed 80 angel rings and deployed 174 loan lifejackets across WA to keep rock fishers safe as part of our WA safe fishing program and partners with the Bureau of Meteorology to share dangerous rock fishing alerts during the spring, summer and autumn months.
Recfishwest’s Senior Operations and Safety Officer Sam Russell said fishing from rocks comes with many risks, particularly in poor weather conditions and high swell.
“Even seasoned rock fishers can get caught out by so-called ‘rogue’ waves if not fully aware and prepared,” said Sam. “No fish is worth risking your life for – so unless you have plenty of experience, we recommend you keep the sand between your toes and fish off the beach.
“However, if you choose to fish from the rocks, we advise you follow our rock fishing safety tips closely – check the weather and swell before you even consider going out, wear the right gear including a lifejacket and never go fishing alone.”
Tim Meachan, owner of the popular land-based fishing spot of Quobba Station said there are loan lifejackets available to all fishers who wish to wet a line off the elevated cliff platforms.
“All it takes is one rogue wave to come along and you’re in the water,” said Tim. “Given both of these men were wearing trackpants, heavy work boots and had no lifejackets on, if they both had remained in the water during those treacherous conditions this would have been a recovery mission of two bodies.
“We are always happy to give out loan lifejackets to fishers at Quobba and you should always be wearing one when fishing off the rocks regardless of the conditions, but when the swell is this dangerous it’s not worth fishing off the rocks at all.”
Recfishwest led the charge to have more than 80 angel rings and 174 loan lifejackets deployed across WA to keep rock fishers safe, but fishing with a friend, wearing a lifejacket, analysing the conditions on arrival, tethering yourself to the rocks and wearing the right footwear should be the first safety measures when fishing off the rocks.
***UPDATE*** Saturday 3 February abalone session has been postponed due to forecast unsafe conditions. A replacement session will take place on 9 March (pending the assessment of swell and weather conditions).
The four dates for jumping in the drink to collect a feed of abalone this summer have been announced!
Nearly 17,000 of WA’s licensed abalone recfishers will be able to gather Roe’s abalone between Guilderton to Busselton on the following four days.
Saturday, 9 December from 7-8am
Saturday, 13 January from 7-8am
Saturday, 17 February from 7-8am
Saturday, 9 March from 7-8am (replacement session for loss of scheduled 3 February session)
If bad weather causes the cancellation of one of the abalone dates above, a backup day will be made available.
The best preparation and fishing practices for improving your safety
Staying safe while collecting a feed of abs always needs to come first and if you’re wanting to know the best tips and tricks for not only maximising your protection while abalone fishing but also the best gear that improves your odds of a successful day’s fishing, then Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) have you covered.
Nearly 17,000 licensed abalone fishers will start prowling the reefs both above and below the water on the four days listed above for a feed of abs. Make sure you stay safe and follow SLSWA’s safety tips.
Keeping people safe while fishing comes down to improved alerts, communication and awareness – and a new initiative for 2023 will potentially save lives.
As part of the Statewide safe fishing program, funded through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, Recfishwest is teaming up with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) to alert fishers about high-risk rock fishing conditions the moment they are forecast.
While our coastline boasts some of the best land-based fishing grounds in the world, the rocky terrain and frequent hazardous conditions combined with poor decision-making plays a prevalent role in fishing fatalities in WA.
That is why from March through to 1 June, and then from 1 October through to 1 June 2024, the Bureau will send alerts to Recfishwest that include details about timing, duration and locations of the forecast dangerous swell conditions.
Recfishwest will then broadcast the alerts through its Facebook and Instagram platforms, reaching a wide range of the fishing community and, if timely, through its weekly fishing reports sent out to all Recfishwest members.
There will be two levels of alert – orange for hazardous conditions and red for extremely hazardous conditions.
The first alert as part of the initiative went out yesterday (Sunday, 12 March) – see below – with a warning in place between Cape Naturaliste and Albany on Monday evening extending out to Israelite Bay on Tuesday morning.
It’s a good example where the weather conditions look fair, but the swell picks in advance of a front coming through.
Here is the most recent warning from the Bureau of Meteorology, with dangerous rock fishing conditions forecast for the South-West and southern coastline from Tuesday, 14 March.
The alert initiative follows on from a pilot project run by Recfishwest in partnership with the Bureau last autumn which achieved a big reach on social media (an average of 30,000 fishers per post) and generated a lot of positive feedback from the fishing community.
This new initiative has been developed by Recfishwest and the Bureau with input from south coast fishing experts to prevent fishers from wetting a line in precarious conditions – as no fish is worth risking your life for.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “Fishing from rock platforms in big swells comes with inherent risk and inexperienced fishers should keep the sand between their toes and fish from the beach. Even experienced rock fishers can get caught out if they are unaware of big swells.
“We want everyone to come home safe from a day’s fishing and it’s very important to be aware of the conditions before deciding whether to go out and fish. These alerts will help fishers make better informed decisions.
“It’s great to be working with the Bureau of Meteorology in this way to provide what has already proven to be a valuable service when trialed last year. Our thanks to the Bureau for working closely with us to establish this important service.”
James Ashley, Bureau of Meteorology WA Manager added, “We’re really pleased to be able to collaborate with Recfishwest on this initiative – pairing up our expertise with Recfishwest’s reach with the fishing community could potentially save fishers’ lives through these alerts.
“We appreciate fishing is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of West Australians every year and we want to do what we can to ensure they can enjoy it safely.”
For more tips on staying safe while fishing in Western Australia, check out the Fish and Survive website.
With dangerous conditions comes an increased risk when fishing from the rocks. No fish is worth risking your life for and these lucky fishers narrowly escaped a rogue wave while fishing off Salmon Holes near Albany.
The four dates of the upcoming West Coast abalone season have been announced, so get ready to get geared up for abs!
Over the upcoming summer season, recreational abalone fishing will take place over one-hour sessions on four Saturday mornings between December and February.
The more than 17,000 licensed abalone fishers will be able to fish between 7am-8am on:
Saturday 10 December 2022
Saturday 14 January 2023
Saturday 4 February 2023
Saturday 18 February 2023
Enjoy safe abalone fishing by being across safe gear and abalone fishing practices.
Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) volunteers are on standby each year to provide condition forecasts for the abalone season and keep fishers safe.
Abalone fishers either dive or scan shallow reefs on foot searching for them. Rough conditions and wearing the wrong gear (pictured right) often not mixing well.
Assessing the risks to keep fishers safe
Investing in the right gear for abalone fishing is not only safer, but it also increases your odds of catching them while keeping your caught abalone fresh.
Make sure you keep an eye on the forecasts and check RLSWA’s tips for abalone fishing to ensure you come home safe with a full bag!
Recfishwest has hit out at further delays for improving safer fishing infrastructure at an infamous fishing location in our State’s South, more than seven years after the tragic deaths of two fishermen there.
Chunjun Li, 42, and Jiaolong Zhang, 38, were rock fishing at the infamous Salmon Holes in Albany onApril 18, 2015, during dangerous swell conditions.
Neither were wearing life jackets before they were swept into the water by a rogue wave. Mr Li surfaced on a nearby beach, but bystanders were unable to revive him. Mr Zhang’s body was never recovered despite an intensive land, sea and air search over four days.
After the tragedy unravelled, the deputy state coroner made five crucial recommendations. One of those was all rock fishers were required to wear life jackets at Salmon Holes, another called for Telstra to install a mobile phone tower in the area to ensure better phone coverage in the event of future emergencies.
The need for this tower is paramount as the only current mobile coverage at Salmon Holes is in the carpark – an extremely dangerous proposition for someone in an emergency.
As seen in this image, conditions at Salmon Holes in Albany can turn nasty. Thankfully it was a lucky escape for the anglers pictured on the right.
Recfishwest continues to place a high priority on safe fishing information and infrastructure improvements as part of our safe fishing program.
Under this program, we call for better provision of communication infrastructure to allow for quicker response times from emergency services in the event of incidents involving fishers.
Telstra tried to install a mobile base at Salmon Holes several years ago where the men lost their lives as part of their mobile blackspot program, although the site was declined by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) due to their concerns on the visual amenity impacts of the national park.
No other locations could be negotiated, so the plans were abandoned. Telstra are now spending the next few months finalising the design of a new tower to be placed at Cave Point lighthouse, a 13.25-metre structure which sits between The Gap and the Blowholes in Albany.
DBCA have confirmed it was working with Telstra to assess the project’s feasibility. If the site is given the green light, construction is expected to start in March of 2023.
Recfishwest firmly supports the development of infrastructure that makes fishing safer, such as the deployment of Angel Rings at all dangerous fishing locations.
“The fact that it has taken all this time for Telstra and DBCA to come to an agreement for plans for a mobile phone mast eight years after these two men tragically lost their lives while rock fishing beggars belief,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland. “Furthermore, fact that construction on the mast isn’t expected to start until next year is simply unacceptable and is putting fishers’ lives at risk.”
“With the high levels of telecommunication technology we have in our society, there really is no excuse for popular fishing and outdoors locations such as this not to have phone coverage – and certainly not after a coronial inquest recommendations have been made for that to happen.
“We will continue to press for better telecommunications infrastructure on the south coast and other remote parts of the state where people go to fish – it’s a crucial factor in making sure everyone comes home safe after a day’s fishing, as well as all West Australian’s who enjoy experiencing our great outdoors.”
Telstra confirmed it signed a funding agreement for the project several months ago in liaison with federal and state governments. The lighthouse that is being touted as the new Telstra tower location is managed by DBCA and is closed off to the public.
Telstra also constructed a new coverage site at Emu Point back in June and other southern areas such as Pingrup, Spencer Park, Mount Adelaide and Jerramungup. All of these areas are expected to have completed 5G upgrades by the end of September.
Recfishwest also understands there are question marks over whether the phone mast coverage will extend to Salmon Holes. Clearly, more questions need to be answered here.
Recfishwest Safe Fishing Ambassador Scott Coghlan and members of the Albany fishing community joined the Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley in Albany today to announce the State-wide Safe Fishing Strategy’s funding will be extended for four more years.
Western Angler editor and Recfishwest Safe Fishing Ambassador Scott Coghlan, Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley and Albany fisher Andrew “Korg” Jarvis at the State-wide Safe Fishing Strategy announcement in Albany.
The McGowan Government will provide $560,000 to support Recfishwest to continue delivering our successful State-wide Safe Fishing Safety Strategy.
The announcement honours the McGowan Government’s 2017 election commitment to provide safer fishing experiences.
As the peak recreational fishing body representing 750,000 recfishers, Recfishwest will continue to lead the State-wide Safe Fishing Strategy and work closely with fishers, land managers and volunteer organisations to ensure fishers return home safe after a day’s fishing.
Over the next four years, Recfishwest will build upon the work undertaken through the State-wide Safe Fishing Strategy which has brought fishing safety into the public spotlight and has seen considerable progress made in changing behaviour and raising community awareness about the need for safety to be a part of every fishing experience.
Earlier this year, Recfishwest put forward a safe fishing package proposal to Government which was adopted and announced by Minister Tinley today. The announcement will see:
Recfishwest work alongside the Bureau of Meteorology to develop a hazardous swell and weather conditions alert system for recreational fishing in high risk areas;
Annual safety campaigns tailored to particular fishing seasons, species and methods.
“Recfishwest works tirelessly to promote the need for safety to be part of every fishing experience,” Recfishwest CEO Andrew Rowland said. “We work closely in partnership with local communities to drive behaviour change that has safe fishing at its core and invest in safety infrastructure across the State.
“The funding commitment made today will allow us to continue to work closely the community in ensuring the State’s 750,000 recreational fishers come home safe, whether they be rock fishers, boat fishers, kayak fishers, or spearfishers.
“We thank the Minister for Fisheries Peter Tinley and the McGowan government for honouring the election commitment and for once again entrusting Recfishwest to deliver positive on-the-ground outcomes for fishers.”
Minister Tinley’s announcement honours the McGowan Government’s 2017 State election commitment to provide safer fishing experiences.
Whether fishing from the boat, beach or casting a line from the rocks, recfishers need to make safe fishing a priority and plan for a safe fishing experience particularly in the winter months, says Recfishwest Safe Fishing Officer Alanna Ellison.
Recfishwest Safe Fishing Officer Alanna Ellison urges fishers to put safety at the forefront of every fishing experience.
“Safe fishing should be a focal part of every fishing experience and it is important recfishers make good decisions about how, where and when they go fishing. We want to make sure everyone returns home safely after a day’s fishing – no fish is worth your life,” Alanna said.
Recfishwest promotes and coordinates theState-wide Safe Fishing Strategy and tirelessly promotes the need for safety to be part of every fishing experience.
We provide high quality safety equipment at a low cost and have made significant investments in providing safe fishing infrastructure across the State.
Take stock of risks on the rocks
A string of recent incidents has highlighted how important it is to be prepared when considering fishing from rocks.
Fishing from rocks has many inherent risks – particularly in poor weather conditions and high swell. Sadly, in WA, 37 people have died while fishing from rock platforms since 2002 and every one of these deaths was preventable.
Fishing from the beach is always a much safer option.
“If you’re even slightly unsure about rockfishing, don’t put your life on the line, keep the sand between your toes and stay off the rocks,” Alanna said.
Earlier this month, a recfisher was swept into the ocean at Sugarloaf Rock, Cape Naturaliste, in the South West.
The 28-year-old was wearing a lifejacket, but struggled to stay afloat, before he was successfully rescued by First-Class Constable Rob Gaynor who was carrying a Recfishwest angel ring.
Although the angel ring network has improved WA’s safe fishing infrastructure, Alanna said lifejackets are also crucial while fishing land-based or from the boat in tough conditions.
Lifejackets are an essential part of your fishing equipment especially when choosing to fish from the rocks.
“Lifejackets are an essential piece of safety equipment,” she said. “Whether you are boating, kayaking or rock fishing, a lifejacket may save your life.
“We provide Crewsaver Lifejackets at very competitive prices.
“The jackets are designed to be worn comfortably at all times when fishing in case an emergency quickly unfolds. Every cent we make from the sale of these lifejackets goes back into promoting safe fishing.”
Fishers can head into 23 tackle stores from Quobba to Esperance and hire a lifejacket for free for the day.
The lifejackets offered for hire are user-activated, requiring the user to pull a toggle to inflate the device when they enter the water.
“It is a free service helping to bring fishers home safe,” Alanna said.
Nothing beats a day on the water when everyone returns home safe after a days fishing.
Don’t get caught out with out-of-date boat safety equipment
Boat fishers should also ensure they consider the safety of themselves and their passengers before spending a day out on the water.
“Before heading out to land a fish of a lifetime, know the conditions and be aware of the weather, swell and tides,” Alanna said.
“Also, let people know your fishing plans, where you’re heading and when you will be back.
“While fishing on the boat, it is crucial to ensure you have the right safety equipment such as life jackets, in-date flares and EPIRB and remember to keep a close eye on the conditions.”
Alanna also encouraged all fishers to visit the Fish and Survive safe fishing website for the latest safe recreational fishing information.
“Fish and Survive educates anglers on the potential risks associated with fishing,” she said.
“With information on lifejackets, safety equipment and safety videos, the portal is a really useful resource and safe fishing tool.
“Recfishwest will continue to work tirelessly to promote safe fishing, but everyone needs to take individual responsibility to exercise caution and stay safe while fishing this winter.”
