subaruseun
Sealiner
Some tips for a safer fishing trip. Things i do...
Planning a trip
Check weather conditions for the last three days and the coming three days ahead, this will help in establishing a “patternâ€. Patterns are important as winds can pick up or calm down, it is definitely worthwhile knowing this.
As the pressure cell drags across the country from left to right winds move around it in a clockwise position and depending where you are on the ‘clock’ you could be experiencing one of 3 predominant winds. Once you know what wind and swell conditions are like choose your best conditions/time to go fish
Effects of tide and swells
Push tide brings in the bigger feeders, but also assists swells in rolling in faster. Check the swell period as this will give and indication as to how close the swell sets are, knowing this will allow you to make decisions when crossing channels or shallow reefs to get to a spot.
When I head out to unfamiliar territory, I survey the area and with the knowledge of my research in mind (weather reports etc), watch the swell and see where it breaks, when the wind changes direction you have to re survey so that you may understand whether it is safe to exit the way you came onto your exposed reef. Never cross a shallow reef on incoming swells. Always watch the water, count the sets. After a set has pushed in there will be a “lull†and you have established this.
Now count the swells wait for the established lull and then cross.
High tide.
The water will be at its fullest, it will wash on to the shoreline. The back wash will now create cross rips as the incoming swells hit the outgoing swells... this is particularly dangerous.
Spring tides
Water will be at it highest and lowest, be prepared to move you tackle bag etc as far back as you can or you risk loosing your prized possessions.
Surf wash.
This is the danger part where deep water breaks onto the sandy beaches especially prevalent in sandstone cliff/ mountain backdrop/ dune backdrop areas. be careful not wade beyond knee depth and keep an eye on the swell. Wait for it to break and move out before you walk in and cast.
When doin a shallow wade (knee height as wading is NOT possible here) and a rogue wave approaches, brace yourself in a boxing stance weak leg face forward, knees loose to absorb energy, shoulders perpendicular to the wave, you watch the wave and absorb the ebergy, never run away eith your back towards the water.
Waders vs wetsuits
Waders are NOT meant or made for surf wading. Any water that penetrates when a waves washes over you will go into the wader and you will become and anchor.
Surf suits add buoyancy and is much more comfortable for wading, the risk is reduced.
Landing fish off the rocks.
At your intended fishing spot, scout for a channel/gulley that forms/opens onto a relatively flat area, this will assist in landing a fish and remove unnecessary doubts and make it safer.
Wading and fishing Buddy system
When fishing a new area it is advised to not fish alone, rather hook up with guys who know the spot.
Always wade with a buddy, as this will minimize risk and you will be able to assist one another if needed.
Hope this can help someone.
Please feel free to add more safety tips
:::S
Planning a trip
Check weather conditions for the last three days and the coming three days ahead, this will help in establishing a “patternâ€. Patterns are important as winds can pick up or calm down, it is definitely worthwhile knowing this.
As the pressure cell drags across the country from left to right winds move around it in a clockwise position and depending where you are on the ‘clock’ you could be experiencing one of 3 predominant winds. Once you know what wind and swell conditions are like choose your best conditions/time to go fish
Effects of tide and swells
Push tide brings in the bigger feeders, but also assists swells in rolling in faster. Check the swell period as this will give and indication as to how close the swell sets are, knowing this will allow you to make decisions when crossing channels or shallow reefs to get to a spot.
When I head out to unfamiliar territory, I survey the area and with the knowledge of my research in mind (weather reports etc), watch the swell and see where it breaks, when the wind changes direction you have to re survey so that you may understand whether it is safe to exit the way you came onto your exposed reef. Never cross a shallow reef on incoming swells. Always watch the water, count the sets. After a set has pushed in there will be a “lull†and you have established this.
Now count the swells wait for the established lull and then cross.
High tide.
The water will be at its fullest, it will wash on to the shoreline. The back wash will now create cross rips as the incoming swells hit the outgoing swells... this is particularly dangerous.
Spring tides
Water will be at it highest and lowest, be prepared to move you tackle bag etc as far back as you can or you risk loosing your prized possessions.
Surf wash.
This is the danger part where deep water breaks onto the sandy beaches especially prevalent in sandstone cliff/ mountain backdrop/ dune backdrop areas. be careful not wade beyond knee depth and keep an eye on the swell. Wait for it to break and move out before you walk in and cast.
When doin a shallow wade (knee height as wading is NOT possible here) and a rogue wave approaches, brace yourself in a boxing stance weak leg face forward, knees loose to absorb energy, shoulders perpendicular to the wave, you watch the wave and absorb the ebergy, never run away eith your back towards the water.
Waders vs wetsuits
Waders are NOT meant or made for surf wading. Any water that penetrates when a waves washes over you will go into the wader and you will become and anchor.
Surf suits add buoyancy and is much more comfortable for wading, the risk is reduced.
Landing fish off the rocks.
At your intended fishing spot, scout for a channel/gulley that forms/opens onto a relatively flat area, this will assist in landing a fish and remove unnecessary doubts and make it safer.
Wading and fishing Buddy system
When fishing a new area it is advised to not fish alone, rather hook up with guys who know the spot.
Always wade with a buddy, as this will minimize risk and you will be able to assist one another if needed.
Hope this can help someone.
Please feel free to add more safety tips
:::S