Wednesday, August 1, 2012

What You Need to Know about Rock Fishing

By Robert Cliford


Generally speaking, fishing is not considered a dangerous sport. Whether angler fishing or deep sea, it's pretty common. Each type of fishing comes with its own risks and precautions that should be taken, but most often, many are unaware of the dangers involved in certain types of fishing and in certain areas.

In recent years, rock fishing has come under scrutiny because of the drownings associated with it. Many of the drownings have happened in Australia and New Zealand. In 2009 off the coast of Australia, over 10% of drownings were directly related to rock fishing. Rock fishing is for the purpose of finding better fish by angling from rocks in the ocean instead of from the beach.

The danger comes from waves that sweep the victims off their feet. Unable to fight against the power of the waves, victims usually drown.

The question becomes, "Is there anything that can be done to prevent drowning from rock fishing?The statistics are 94 deaths in 2009-2010 of which 12 were related to fishing. In 2009-2010, there were 12 deaths. Again in 2011, 10% of coastal drownings in Australia were from rock fishing. Once again in 2011, 10% of drownings were directly from rock fishing. These estimated numbers are being reported from the Australian Coastal Report. Although no amount of precautions can guarantee it, an interesting discovery was made about the victims of rock fishing. According to a researcher in Victoria, Dr Matthews, no one who drowned from fishing were wearing life jackets.

Campaigns have increased because of the deaths, with the number one precaution being to wear a fishing life jacket. These jackets can help others locate you if you are in trouble.

Other safety tips to remember when fishing, regardless of what kind are the following:

1) Wear proper clothes. Wearing the correct attire is a must. An online fishing store will have these items available.

2) If you are boating, it is a good idea to buckle-up.

3) Never go alone. Make sure someone who did not accompany you knows your whereabouts.

4) Make sure your hooks only end up in fish They have harmed people in the past.

5) Get familiar with the area. Many were new to the area they would be fishing in. This could have possibly prevented some of the drownings.

Although you may be used to just going fishing, seriously consider your safety and the safety of others that you take with you. Not wearing one is just not worth the risk.




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